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martin compston have praised sir billy connolly For his “incredibly brave” performance in dealing with Parkinson’s disease. ,
The 83-year-old comedian, who was diagnosed in 2013, announced his retirement in 2018 after five years.
Compston, who co-hosts hooli in hydro A Saturday dedicated to Big Yin said the Scottish comic had battled the disease “with a smile on his face and telling jokes that only Billy can do”.
The actor, who was born in Greenock, said he was “outraged” when asked to present a night of traditional music in Glasgow, despite admitting he is “not a fan” of public speaking.
“But it’s a big Christmas rooftop night and hats off to the Big Yin,” he told the Press Association.
“I’m happy with all the graffiti (of Sir Billy) that has come up. I think sometimes legends can leave us and then it feels like there’s a wave of sadness after they’ve gone and they don’t really get it.
“I’m glad that over the years it has become very clear how much Billy is loved and respected.
“So I think it’s great to salute him.”
Murals celebrating Sir Billy have emerged in recent years, usually painted on the side of traditional Glasgow tenements.
Compston said that Sir Billy is “the best at being Scottish”, which is why he is “loved globally”.
He added: “Obviously, Billy is battling Parkinson’s, but he is fighting incredibly bravely and again he has done it with a smile on his face and telling jokes as only Billy can do.
“I hope he’ll be with us for a long time to come.”
organizer of hooli in hydro It said it would honor Sir Billy’s “incomparable” contribution to Scottish comedy, music and culture.
The annual “Hoolie” is considered one of the biggest events of the year for Scottish traditional music.
Acts performing this year include Elephant Sessions, Trail West, Manran and Beluga Lagoon.
Compston said the night would honor Sir Billy as a musician, but added: “There’s nothing he can’t do and he’s done it all with humility and frankly a humor you just have to love.
“When I ask someone what would be the best way to describe what it’s like to be Scottish or to be from the west coast of Scotland, you say Billy Connolly.”