Emotional scenes as Sir Billy Connolly makes rare appearance to accept award
We rarely see him these days as Parkinson’s disease gradually robs him of his physical and mental abilities.
No wonder, then, that it was an emotional moment for Sir Billy Connolly to attend an event near his home in Florida.
Big Yin, 82, was the guest of honor at the Key West Film Festival and had the crowd roaring with laughter after being honored with an award for artistic excellence presented by longtime friends and Hollywood stars Steve Buscemi and Aidan Quinn.
Sir Billy, supporting himself with a cane and wearing tight blue trousers, stood as Buscemi handed him the blue waterdrop-shaped award.
In an emotional moment he told the crowd around him: ‘I walk with a stick because I suffer from a terrible disease.
‘It is very enjoyable to live among you, and it is also very enjoyable to be among you tonight. I don’t do this kind of thing often, but it’s very impressive.
‘I have to thank you for this award. I don’t know what it is, something blue. This is a joy for me and will rank alongside my other awards.’
Reservoir Dogs star Buscemi, 67, became friends with Sir Billy when they appeared together in the 1998 film The Impostors. He spoke fondly of his regular visits to the comedian’s former home, Candacraig House in Aberdeenshire.
Sir Billy addresses the crowd as his wife Pamela holds the microphone for him while Aidan Quinn looks on
The legendary comedian sat in the crowd as organizers played a video chronicling his career
The crowd heard that Sir Billy and his wife Pamela had invited Steve Buscemi and his family to visit Scotland and stay with them in a castle they used to own.
He said: ‘One day on set Billy thoughtlessly said: ‘You know if you ever come to Scotland, Pamela and I have a castle, you should stop by.’
‘We always had the best time. ‘It’s great to be here to honor our friend Billy Connolly.’
Desperately Seeking Susan star Quinn, 66, emotionally told how the only thing that brought joy to his late brother Paul during his battle with cancer was watching Sir Billy’s stand-up videos on YouTube.
He told her: ‘I will be forever grateful to you for this. We love you Billy and thank you for everything.’
The award was presented to the Glasgow-born comedian ahead of a screening to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Aristocrats, the film in which he starred in the ugliest joke ever told.
In addition to his highly successful comedy career, he has appeared in more than 50 films, including notable performances in Mrs. Brown and The Last Samurai.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, Sir Billy moved to Florida after doctors advised him to live in a warmer climate.
