Billy Connolly Page 3

Last night's National Television Awards was brimming with UK celebrities, all arriving to congratulate the predictable winners, the successful newcomers and, of course, this year's Special Recognition Award recipient which was the much-loved Scottish comic Billy Connolly.

Billy Connolly lands Special Recognition Award

The 2016 awards show actually celebrates fifty years of Connolly's comedy career, and he was branded 'unique' as he was asked to accept his award by Dustin Hoffman. 'I'm delighted to be here to pay tribute to a man whose work I've always admired and whose company I always enjoy', he said. He follows last year's winner David Tennant.

Continue reading: Billy Connolly Receives Special Recognition At National Television Awards 2016

The new British comedy 'What We Did on Our Holiday' carries on a fine tradition of lively romps with serious undercurrents, blending a cast of comedy stars and solid actors to create hilariously offbeat characters. But what sets the film apart is its approach to its child stars.

David Tennant and Rosamund Pike led the cast of 'What We Did On Our Holiday'

Writer-directors Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin perfected their methods on the long-running UK television sitcom 'Outnumbered', for which they script the adult characters' dialogue but allow the children to improvise based on last-minute instructions just as a scene begins filming.

Continue reading: 'What We Did On Our Holiday' Transfers A Formula From Small To Big Screen

Billy Connolly has one less thing to worry about now, as his cancer scare is now officially over, with the comedian revealing the good news himself earlier this evening (1 October). The 70-year-old comic was speaking with the Sky Sports News team ahead of Celtic's Champions League tie against Barcelona in Glasgow when he revealed that he is officially cancer free.

"I got the clearance on Wednesday on my cancer so I'm okay," he told the Sky Sports News team on live television, quoted by the BBC. Last month, it was revealed that the veteran comic had undergone minor surgery to treat a cancerous tumour in his prostate, which was in the early stages of it's development. It was during his treatment for prostate cancer were he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. At the time of his diagnosis, a spokesperson for the comic said that he was receiving "appropriate treatment" after he was found to be suffering from the early symptoms of Parkinson's. Despite his recent health scares though, the statement added that he will continue to perform on stand-up and appear on the screen.

"Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year," his spokesperson said at the time.

Continue reading: Billy Connolly Given All Clear Following Cancer Scare

Despite the seemingly crippling twin concerns of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and undergoing surgery for prostate cancer, Scottish comedian and national treasure Billy Connolly has vowed to keep on working, in what can only be described as the most determined move. Ever.

BIlly Connolly is staying positive.

A spokeswoman for the 70-year old comedian and actor said: “Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered. In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment.” (The Independent).

Continue reading: Relentless Billy Connolly Won't Let Recent Medical Setbacks Stop Him

Comedian, Billy Connolly has had a rough time as of late, he is currently recovering from surgery for prostate cancer and has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

A spokeswomen for the Scotsman told BBC "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer", the post-op assessment is that it was a total success and he is currently fully recovering.

She also stated, "in addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment". To the comedian's relief, the symptoms in no way hinder or effect his performances on stage or behind the camera.

Continue reading: Billy Connolly Receives Treatment For Two Health Scares

Billy Connolly has secretly been suffering from an operational form of prostate cancer, which he successfully managed to control following a procedure under the knife in an American specialist hospital. The success of his operation was a great moment for the Big Yin, but only moments after he was visited by doctors again, who this time told the Scottish comic that he is suffering from Parkinsons disease, the BBC reported.

Connolly made a full recovery from his cancer surgery

The former welder-turned folk singer made a "full recovery" from his prostate cancer surgery and "the operation was a total success," his spokeswoman revealed earlier this week. She added that Billy was lucky to find the cancer at a very early stage of it's development, a factor that would have helped with the procedure. The spokeswoman then added, "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment."

Continue reading: Billy Connolly Undergoes Cancer Surgery, After Which He Diagnosed With Parkinsons

Comedian and actor Billy Connolly, a British treasure, has undergone successful surgery for prostate cancer though has now been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. 

The 70-year-old, who famously began his working life as a welder in the Glasgow shipyards before quitting to become a folk singer, will now begin treatment for the degenerative disease.

"Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer," his spokeswoman told BBC News, "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment."

Continue reading: After Cancer Surgery, Billy Connolly Is Diagnosed With Parkinson's Disease

Pixar added yet another Academy Award to the pile last night as the Disney-owned studio's fantasy blast from the past Brave picked up the top prize for animation at the star-studded event.

The film, inspired by Gaelic folklore and the landscape of the Scottish Highlands, had already won the BAFTA and Golden Globe for the same category - following in the footsteps of the six Pixar films that have also won the award since it's inaugural year in 2001. The film battled off competition from Wreck-it Ralph, Frankenweenie, ParaNorman and The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! to take home the award.

In addition to being set in a pre-historic Scotland, the film also incorporated a wealth of Scottish talent including Kelly MacDonald, Robbie Coltrane, Billy Connolly and Craig Ferguson, with Brits Emma Thompson and Julie Walters also voicing parts in the film. Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond praised the film and it's continued success - and what it means to Scotland too - telling the BBC, "To win the Oscar for best animated film is a massive achievement. It is absolutely fantastic to see Merida and the gang continue to fly the flag for Scotland in Hollywood."

Continue reading: Brave Takes Home The Oscar For Best Animated Film Academy Awards Ceremony

Double Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman has, at the age of 75, finally switched to directing. While many were surprised it had taken him so long, others were distinctly apprehensive about what Hoffman may offer. As the reviews roll in it appears that Quartet is a light hearted delight and that Hoffman has triumphed.

As well an A-lister as a director, Hoffman brought in some of Britain's best loved actors and actresses. Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Sheridan Smith and Tom Courtenay star in a sweet story set in an home for elderly and retired musicians. When an old star turns up, a group in the home attempt to get her to perform again in their quartet, but with old romances and a worn ego to get in the way, it's a struggle for them to persuade her.

Rolling Stone puts Hoffman's skill down to his long career, saying he "directs with elegance" and describes the movie as "flushed with humor and tenderness." Likewise, USA Today was also impressed by the veteran actor's directorial skill: "Hoffman directs with elegance, allowing the denizens to be dignified, as well as adorable. We get a strong sense of each major character." 

Continue reading: Dustin Hoffmans' Directorial Debut, 'Quartet', How Did He Do?

After the holiday season, the movie world is slowly cranking up to speed. Although the really big news doesn't start until next week, with the announcement of the Oscar and Bafta nominations.

This week's biggest nominee announcement came from the Producers Guild of America, seen as a taste of the Best Picture Oscar race. The PGA's 10 feature film nominees are: Argo, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Django Unchained, Life of Pi, Lincoln, Les Miserables, Moonrise Kingdom, Silver Linings Playbook, Skyfall and Zero Dark Thirty.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies Feat: Naomi Watts Powerful In The Impossible, Dustin Hoffman Directs Quartet And Screenwriter Dan Fogelman Talks Barbra Streisand

Cate Blanchett Looking Typically Radiant At The Hobbit In Wellington

Peter Jackson and his team repaid New Zealand for its hospitality this week, by hosting the world premiere of the new Lord of the Rings film The Hobbit in central Wellington. The country has played host to some of the biggest movie stars on the planet for the past year while Jackson shot the film on its rolling green hills.

More than 100,000 turned out for the premiere of the movie, which has sparked Middle Earth mania in New Zealand. According to The Telegraph, presenters on national radio greeted listeners in fictional elvish language, while newspapers came equipped with complimentary Hobbit posters. Thousands of fans turned out for the premiere at the Embassy Theatre in full Lord of the Rings garb, delighting stars including Cate Blanchett, Martin Freeman and Elijah Wood who walked the red-carpet. Wellington actually renamed itself 'The Middle of Middle Earth' for the event, which has been regarded as a godsend for the country's tourism industry. Delays and union disputes have disrupted the production of The Hobbit, though despite wrapping up the hugely anticipated movie, director Peter Jackson admits he is still nervous about the critical reception. "Nothing's ever perfect and it never will be, it's a real mistake if you say we're stopping now because we've made the perfect film," he told Radio New Zealand. "You never have and you never will.I've got severe fatigue right now, but only because I've just finished the film. There's been all sorts of obstacles" 

Continue reading: Pictures: The Hobbit Premiere, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, Peter Jackson

Gruff-voiced comedian Billy Connolly is to be an ambassador for the 2014 Commonwealth games, reports The Press Association. The games will be held in his hometown of Glasgow.

Connolly will work alongside Olympic cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy and swimmer Rebecca Adlington in the role, whilst organisers prepare to unveil the official Games mascot on Thursday. "I know that the people of Glasgow will enjoy the Games immensely, the whole of Scotland will. We are a nation that welcomes all visitors with a smiling face. The goodwill of Scots will stand forever, we will always have that," explained the comedian, who thinks the key to the games is involving the youth. "Without the youth of today creating a momentum behind an event, nothing is taken forward. By engaging with children in the design of the mascot, a buzz has been created. You can feel the excitement for the Games already."

An event such as these takes thousands of volunteers to make it a viable success, 15,000 to specific. But the Glaswegian funny-man is confident that the public will step up – like they did for the London 2012 Olympic Games – to make another memorable sporting event happen for Great Britain. "We love taking part in everything and for something as big as the Commonwealth Games, people will be coming out in their droves to spectate and volunteer. Without question, Glasgow 2014 will be a huge success."