Actor and former stand-up comedian Billy Connolly has shared an update on his health. It follows his Parkinson's diagnosis, which he received in 2013.
Billy, 83, revealed the unconventional methods that he uses to manage his condition and maintain a positive mindset. The funny man explained that he uses humour to handle his symptoms. "I suffer from Parkinson's disease, and comedy has helped me to deal with it," he shared while speaking on BBC Maestro. He continued: "It has given me a very light look at it. I invented a way to stop shaking by pointing a gun at it and I would stop shaking. It's taught me to deal with today, it's taught me to not bother about the future, the future will take care of itself.
"It's taught me to avoid meetings with people who also suffer from it, you all sit and talk about the disease, and you look at them and think, 'f*** am I going to be like that?'
"None of that happens to me, I have a very fresh outlook on it, and it's massively good for me."
However, back in 2021, Billy was not quite so positive. "Parkinson's disease has taken a lot from me," he divulged. "I can't play the banjo anymore. It's just a noise."
*** Ensure our latest showbiz headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***
He added: "As [Parkinson's] goes along, it has taken more and more of what I like. It's kind of painful.
"But you have to have a [Glaswegian] attitude and say, well you think you've got me there, try this for size. I just deal with it. If I fall, I fall."
The star doesn't want his family to feel sorry for him; instead, he wants them to think "he does well with what he's got".
There is no cure for Parkinson's as of yet, but treatments are available to help relieve symptoms.
The NHS stated treatment options can include: physiotherapy, medication, and surgery.