Billy Connolly was born and brought up in Glasgow, Scotland. He left school to work in the shipyards where he became a welder, joining the Territorial Army (in the Parachute Regiment) at around the same time. He developed an interest in folk music, eventually becoming an accomplished banjo player and a member of the band "Humblebums" with Gerry Rafferty (later of "Baker Street" fame). The jokes he told between songs eventually took over his act and he became a full-time comedian. Already a big star in Scotland he became a household name across the UK after appearing on Parkinson in the early seventies. Billy has released many recordings of his concert performances over the years as well as several videos. He has expanded his repertoire to include acting, appearing in a number of television dramas and films, more recently in the USA. In the 90s he made two documentary series for the BBC about Scotland and Australia respectively and in 1997 he starred in the award winning film Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown. He is by some considerable margin UK's top comedian.
Known for his Long, messy hair, 'Goatee' beard and lots of bad language in his stand-up show. American audiences are generally unfamiliar with Connolly's musical accomplishments, since he all but eliminated the songs from his act before he became popular in North America. An exception to this was his guest appearance on "Pearl" in which he sang one of his old songs, "I Wish I Was in Glasgow", in a duet with Malcolm McDowell. Three children with Pamela Stephenson: Daisy (b. 1983), Amy (b. 1986), Scarlett (b. 1988). Married Pamela Stephenson in Fiji on 20 December 1989. Two children with his previous wife, Iris: Jamie (b. 1969), Cara (b. 1973). July 2001: Received an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow. Appointed CBE in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours List. Is a long time supporter of Glasgow Celtic Football Club. Is a former reserve soldier in Britain's elite Parachute Regiment, serving with 15 Para (now a disbanded battalion) In September 2005 Connolly announced he is returning to live in his native Scotland, after residing in the United States for some years.