Glasgow is preparing a fitting tribute to its favourite son. Billy Connolly's Big Wee Exhibition, celebrating his life, clothes and comedy, opens at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from June 2027, and the Big Yin has already recorded an audio guide for the venue. He turns 84 next month.
From welding on the Clyde to Hollywood, here is the story of a comedy great. Find our tribute designs in the comedians collection.
Billy Connolly Fact File
| Full name | Sir William Connolly |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 24 November 1942 (age 83) |
| Place of birth | Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish (British) |
| Occupation | Comedian, musician, actor, artist |
| Years active | 1965-2018 (comedy) |
| Known for | Stand-up, Mrs Brown, Brave, The Hobbit |
| Nickname | The Big Yin |
| Honours | Knighted (2017) |
Career History
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Solo Concert (album) | Stand-up breakthrough |
| 1994 | Billy Connolly's World Tour of Scotland | Presenter |
| 1997 | Mrs Brown | John Brown |
| 1999 | The Boondock Saints | Il Duce |
| 2003 | The Last Samurai | Zebulon Gant |
| 2012 | Brave | King Fergus (voice) |
| 2012 | Quartet | Wilf Bond |
| 2014 | The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies | Dain II Ironfoot |
Selected albums, TV series and films by release year.
From the Shipyards to the Humblebums
Born in Anderston, Glasgow, Billy worked as a boilermaker and welder in the Clyde shipyards, including Alexander Stephen and Sons at Linthouse, before turning to folk music. He formed the Humblebums with Tam Harvey, and Gerry Rafferty joined in 1969, the duo recording together until 1971.
Raise a laugh with our Billy Connolly Men's Hoodie.
Solo Concert and Stand-up Stardom
His between-song stories soon became the main event. The double album Solo Concert made his name in 1974, and his 1975 single D.I.V.O.R.C.E. went to number one in the UK. He became a record-breaking guest on Parkinson, appearing 15 times.
His long, rambling routines, full of Glasgow detail and wild tangents, filled theatres around the world for decades and inspired generations of comedians who followed.
Keep it classic with our Billy Connolly Men's T-Shirt.
A Second Career on Screen
Billy earned a BAFTA nomination as John Brown opposite Judi Dench in Mrs Brown (1997), then appeared in The Boondock Saints and The Last Samurai. He voiced King Fergus in Pixar's Brave (2012), starred in Quartet and What We Did on Our Holiday, and played Dain in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014).
World Tours and Later Life
His travel series began with Billy Connolly's World Tour of Scotland in 1994, followed by tours of Australia, England, Ireland, Wales and New Zealand. He retired from stand-up in 2018 and has since focused on art, publishing 11 collections. Giant murals of him, made for his 75th birthday in 2017, became part of Glasgow's mural trail.
Honours
State Honours
- CBE for services to entertainment (2003)
- Knighted for services to entertainment and charity (2017)
BAFTA
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2002)
- BAFTA Fellowship (2022)
- Best Actor nomination - Mrs Brown
Music
- UK number one single - D.I.V.O.R.C.E. (1975)
Away From the Spotlight
Billy published his autobiography, Windswept and Interesting, in October 2021, and his artwork includes the Born on a Rainy Day series. He has been married to Pamela Stephenson since 1989. In 2022 BAFTA gave him its highest honour, the Fellowship, recognising a career that spans music, stand-up, television and film.
FAQs
How old is Billy Connolly?
Billy Connolly was born on 24 November 1942, so he is 83 years old and turns 84 in November 2026.
Where was Billy Connolly born?
He was born in Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland.
Is Billy Connolly still doing stand-up?
No. He retired from stand-up comedy in 2018 and now concentrates on his art.
Is Billy Connolly a knight?
Yes. He was knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment and charity.
What films has Billy Connolly been in?
Highlights include Mrs Brown, The Boondock Saints, The Last Samurai, Brave, Quartet and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
What is Billy Connolly's autobiography called?
His autobiography, Windswept and Interesting, was published in October 2021.
Shop the Billy Connolly Collection
Celebrate the Big Yin with our tribute fan designs, made to order in the UK.
Find more comedy legends in our comedians collection. Want your own name on the chest instead? Design a custom name hoodie.
Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: Alan Partridge Career Story and Jerry Seinfeld Career Story.
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