Billy Connolly

Sir William Connolly CBE (born 24 November 1942) is a Scottish actor, musician, television presenter, artist and retired stand-up comedian. He is sometimes known by the Scots nickname the Big Yin ("the Big One"). Known for his idiosyncratic and often improvised observational comedy, frequently including strong language, Connolly has topped many UK polls as the greatest stand-up comedian of all time. He has played an eclectic collection of leading roles in recent years, appearing in various films that have been enjoyed worldwide. In 2022, he received the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Connolly's trade, in the early 1960s, was that of a welder (specifically a boilermaker) in the Glasgow shipyards, but he gave it up towards the end of the decade to pursue a career as a folk singer. He made his theatrical debut in 1972 and his acting career flourished. Connolly announced his retirement from comedy in 2018; in the years since, he has established himself as an artist. He has also contributed to charity work and is known for his upbeat and charismatic presence.