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 and lots of bad language in his stand-up show. Three Daughters with Pamela Stephenson: Daisy (born 31 December 1983), Amy (born 7 July 1986) and Scarlett (born 28 July 1988). Two children with his previous wife, Iris Pressagh: Son Jamie (born 1969) and Daughter Cara (born 1973). July 2001: Received an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow. He is a long time supporter of Glasgow Celtic Football Club. In September 2005, he announced that he is returning to live in his native Scotland, after residing in the United States for some years.