Billy Connolly: A Life in Pictures

Billy Connolly, much-loved Scottish comedian and actor, shared how winning his BAFTA “almost breaks my heart.”

During the Life in Pictures event in Scotland, on 10 December 2012, Connolly was awarded an Outstanding Contribution BAFTA for his work on films like Mrs Brown.

“I’ve been nominated for loads of things and got bugger all,” he told the audience.

“Genuinely, to get this from Scotland – I almost say it breaks my heart. It just hits me somewhere where I live.”

Born and raised in Glasgow, Connolly left school at 15 before becoming a folk musician after time as a baker, welder and boilermaker. He soon swapped his banjo for stand-up – and a riotous appearance on chat show Parkinson in 1975 catapulted him into the public eye.

His first few credits were in concert films like the influential The Secret Policeman’s Ball in 1979, which introduced him to international audiences. His debut feature film appearance was opposite Richard Burton in psychological thriller Absolution, during which he impressed the star by showing him where to stash cigarettes in his cassock costume.

Connolly went on to win regular supporting parts through the eighties and nineties in films like Bullshot, Water and Indecent Proposal. As his star grew in the nineties Connolly took his comedy to a younger generation with voice-work on Disney’s Pocahontas and a screen-stealing turn in Muppet Treasure Island.

His dramatic acting went up a level in 1997, with a leading role opposite Judy Dench in hit royal romance Mrs Brown. Connolly told the audience it was a career highlight, particularly because he was convinced Dench was flirting with him, before realising she was just in character.

He lost out on a BAFTA for Actor in a Leading Role to fellow Scot Ewan McGregor, joking to the audience that, “when you get beaten by somebody you like, it’s worse.”

Now recognised as both an actor and comedian, Connelly said that he’s enjoyed a fulfilling and diverse career in front of the cameras.

“Everything I did – I dreamt it, I wanted it and I went out and got it,” he said.

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