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Billy Connolly shares candid admission about Parkinson's battle

Billy Connolly has shared his candid thoughts around death as he discussed his ongoing battle with Parkinson's. The comedian and actor, 81, recalled how he was told to "confront his illness" after being diagnosed with Parkinson's and prostate cancer on the same day. "You just confront it and make decisions based on it," he told <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/sir-billy-connolly-reveals-first-33564191" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mirror</a>. <div> <div id="adspot-mobile-mobile-3-above"></div> </div> "You just have to think 'Don't think you are being badly treated [in life] or you have the bad pick of the straws. You are one of millions'." "Then you then realise death is not the big thing everyone has made it out to be. It is nothing. It is just a sudden nothing." Despite the dual diagnosis, Connolly reflected on the "funny week", as he said, "On the Monday, I had hearing aids. On the Tuesday I got pills for heart burn, which I have to take all the time, and on the Wednesday I got news that I had prostate cancer and Parkinson's." The star then joked that he probably got the disease following his several appearances on Michael Parkinson's chat show, saying, "I just thought 'I have got Parkinson's. I wish he (Michael) had kept it to himself!' It was easy (making fun of it)." Earlier this year, Billy issued a health update in which he said being sick feels "strange", telling GB News in February, "Being unwell is strange. Everybody else is OK and you've got this thing that's wrong... you're out of step." Two years ago, ahead of receiving an award, he told <a title="bafta.org" href="https://www.bafta.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bafta.org</a> he's determined to not let the condition "dictate" who he is and is determined to not let it get him down. "It's really important to work, to draw, to write, to walk silly for your grandchildren," he said at the time. "Doing the same thing you've always done is good for you. I don't let the Parkinson's dictate who I am – I just get on with it. I've had a very successful career and I have no regrets at all." Image credits: Joanne Davidson/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Billy Slater rocked by family tragedy

Billy Slater has suffered a heartbreaking family tragedy, after his brother-in-law drowned while trying to save his nine-year-old daughter when she fell from their boat near Mackay, Queensland over the weekend. Ryan Craig - who was married to Slater's older sister Sheena - reportedly managed to keep his daughter afloat until a passing jet ski was able to pick her up. The father-of-four's body was found on Monday morning, with Slater and his family left devastated following the incident. Slater's former teammate, Cameron Smith, has opened up about the devastating phone call he had with the footy legend. "I found out Monday morning about this absolute tragedy. It happened Saturday afternoon up in the Mackay area where Billy's sister Sheena and her family live," Smith told SEN's The Captain's Run with Cameron Smith and Denan Kemp. "They were just out on the water. They live very close to the dam where Ryan tragically passed away. And it's their regular place where they just go for family outings. "I rang Billy and spoke with him and he just said, 'Look, it's an absolutely tragic (set of) circumstances, given the situation'. "It's somewhere they spend a lot of time with the kids growing up. They've got four kids. They've got four little girls," he added. Smith then claimed that after Craig's daughter fell in the water, "a bit of weather blew up and and it blew the boat away from where they'd fallen," adding that the boat couldn't be started "It was a heroic effort, really, from Ryan to stay afloat as long as he did to save his daughter. "He eventually ran out of energy. Some jet skiers came along a little bit later and I don't know how - it's just a miracle - that the little girl was still afloat. "Ryan went under and subsequently passed away. Really tragic events and we send our condolences out to Sheena, who is Billy's sister and the wife of Ryan. Those four little girls that have lost their dad." Queensland Police have not yet released the full circumstances of what occurred, but Inspector Glenn Cameron said preliminary investigations have revealed "the actions of the man who is now deceased saved his young daughter’s life." Inspector Cameron reportedly said that Craig's daughter was taken to Mackay Base Hospital as a precaution, and whether they were wearing life jackets will be part of the investigation. A report will also be prepared for the coroner. "Our thoughts are with the family who've lost a loved one in these tragic circumstances," Cameron said. "We never want to see something like this happen." Images: Seven/ Facebook

Caring

Sir Billy Connolly gives sad health update

Sir Billy Connolly, the legendary Scottish comedian, has shared a sombre update on his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease. In an interview with his wife, author Pamela Stephenson, for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/sep/30/billy-connolly-interview-pamela-stephenson-connolly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a>, Connolly revealed that he has experienced a significant setback in his health. The 80-year-old comedian disclosed that he is now grappling with a new symptom of the degenerative disorder: balance issues. He mentioned that he has recently endured "a couple of serious falls" due to a noticeable decline in his balance. Connolly expressed his surprise at this development, explaining, "That was never such a problem before, but in the last year, that has come, and it has stayed." Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013, a diagnosis that came on the same day he learned he had prostate cancer. Fortunately, he has received a clean bill of health regarding the prostate cancer after undergoing surgery in the same year. However, these health challenges forced him to retire from live performances in 2018. Stephenson, who also serves as Connolly's caregiver, pointed out that the loss of balance has been the most significant issue they have faced since his Parkinson's diagnosis, leading to "a couple of serious falls." In a moment of levity during the interview, Connolly reflected on one of his falls, saying, "It's funny, that fall I had when I landed on my jaw reminded me of a thing I used to do on stage. I used to say: 'I fell out of bed, but luckily my face broke my fall.'" The Scottish icon added that this new symptom has further limited his ability to enjoy activities like long walks: "I feel like I want to go for a walk, but I go for 50 yards and I want to go home because I'm tired. I'm being encroached upon by this disease. It's creeping up behind me and stopping me from doing things. It's a cruel disease." Connolly and Stephenson also discussed how their relationship has evolved since his diagnosis. As his caregiver, Stephenson assists him with daily tasks such as getting dressed, and provides transportation since he can no longer drive. Despite describing his disease as "pretty slow-moving", Connolly emphasised that its gradual progression doesn't make it any less challenging. Images: Getty / YouTube

Caring

Billy Joel lists New York estate for $73 million

Legendary rocker Billy Joel is <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/billy-joel-in-tears-over-career-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying goodbye to The Big Apple</a> as he prepares to sell his jaw-dropping estate. The New York native’s property on the affluent Oyster Bay Harbour has a price guide of a staggering US$49 million (AU$73.4 million). According to the Wall Street Journal, the 26-acre estate comprises the original 14-acre property Joel bought for $22.5 million in 2002 and the adjoining area he’s purchased over the years. The property covers more than 600m of frontage on Centre Island, with the focal point of the estate being the 1,858 sqm main house with breathtaking water views. The home includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two half-baths, a playroom, a spa and hair salon, a bowling alley, and a wine centre. There is also an indoor pool, which the Piano Man singer has covered up to use as a music room as it offers fantastic acoustics, according to listing agent Bonnie Williamson, of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. Parts of the main house are under renovation and are expected to be finished over the next several months. The magnificent estate also has a three-bedroom beach house, a three-bedroom guest apartment, and a four-bedroom gatehouse. Other amenities include a floating dock and boat ramp, two outdoor pools, and a helicopter pad. Image credit: Getty / Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Billy Joel in tears over career announcement

American singer and ‘Piano Man’ Billy Joel is set to conclude his “extraordinary” Madison Square Garden residency with his 150th lifetime show. Joel, MSG CEO James Dolan, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams were at a press conference at the venue when the announcement was made, with Dolan taking to the stage to share that the first of the star’s final ten concert will take place in October 2023, with the final one scheduled for July 2024. "What Billy Joel has accomplished is extraordinary," Dolan said. "Although the residency is coming to an end, we look forward to an exciting closing run to celebrate all that you have accomplished and forever welcoming you back home to the garden anytime, anytime you like." An MSG Entertainment representative went on to discuss Joel’s time at the venue - with the singer having headlined over 60 times more than any other artist, and having sold more than 1.6 million tickets - before a video tribute was played in his honour, prompting another round of tears from him. In the wake of the announcement, Joel went on to offer his own words, telling the crowd, “Madison Square Garden is more than just our office, it's our home. "I'm kinda flabbergasted it lasted as long as it did. "It's hard to end – even 150 lifetime shows, but as I said, we're not abandoning New York, we're just spending a bit more time someplace else.” Reportedly, Joel’s team had advised him that the show could have gone on, but he had reached the decision that it was time to bring it to a close. “It keeps selling, people keep coming, people keep buying tickets,” he said, “[but] I'm now 74, seems like a nice number to just [say] 'okay'.” And as Mayor Adams went on to share, Joel’s music wasn’t going anywhere, even if the residency was moving on. "There's only one thing that's more New York than Billy Joel – and that's a Billy Joel concert at MSG," he said. "For more than 50 years, Billy's music has defined our city and brought us together. “On behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers, congratulations, Billy, on a historic run of sold-out shows at MSG, and thank you for a lifetime of bringing joy to us all." When the news broke on social media, fans were sad to know the performances would be over, but wasted no time in congratulating him for a job well done, and thanking him for sharing his music with the world. “All good things must come to a end,” one wrote, “congratulations on this amazing run and thank you for some special memories”. “OMG I hope to see one of your shows by then,” another shared. “You give great concerts. That final performance there will be such a heartfelt sadness for all your fans who just love hearing and seeing you perform. Billy Joel, you are amazing and loved.” And as one other told the beloved Piano Man, “incredible! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your beautiful creativity with us. You've entertained, soothed and made us think. All the best!!” Images: Getty

Music

Billy Crystal recreates iconic Harry look

Get ready for a trip down memory lane as Billy Crystal has recreated his iconic sweater moment from When Harry Met Sally to celebrate his 75th birthday. Crystal shared a picture in the timeless knitted pullover on Twitter, sparking nostalgia and pure joy among his fans. In the tribute tweet, Crystal is crouching down in white sneakers, jeans and a preppy cream cable-knit pullover; although not exactly the same style seen in the iconic rom-com, it certainly got the nostalgia flowing. “Thank you all…,” he captioned the snaps, in tribute to his character from the 1989 film, Harry Burns. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Thank you all.. <a href="https://t.co/EySEYTBJMc">pic.twitter.com/EySEYTBJMc</a> — Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyCrystal/status/1635673188519796737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></blockquote> The post even caught the attention of the official Merriam-Webster Dictionary Twitter account, they tweeted, “Icon | noun | a person or thing widely admired especially for having great influence or significance in a particular sweater.” Actor Richard Lewis joined in, writing, “Finally, you’re my age. You’re a blessed artist. I’m proud to have started our comedic journey together.” Devoted fans shared their own takes on the sweater, with various people wearing cable knits and cosplaying as Harry Burns. The star shared some of his favourite recreations with his 738,000 followers on Twitter. Norah Ephron, the writer of the classic 80s film, has long inspired fashion in her films, with many people embracing “Nora Ephron fall” in 2022. Dressing as an Ephron-approved character calls for linen shirts, tweed blazers, sneakers, and of course, cosy knits. Three decades after the icon movie’s release, Crystal still has Ephron dressing down to a tee. Image credit: Twitter

Relationships

“I’ve written some real stinkers”: Billy Joel reveals controversial songs

Singer and songwriter Billy Joel has revealed two non “woke” songs that may not have been written given today’s political climate. The Piano Man singer is one of the best-selling musicians to date, but the 73-year-old admitted in an interview with the LA Times that if he were to do it all over again, he would take away “at least 25 per cent” of his songs. “I’ve written some real stinkers I wish I could take back,” he said, citing ‘When in Rome’ from his 1989 album Storm Front and ‘C’était Toi’ from 1980’s Glass Houses. “I don’t even speak French, so I don’t know what I was doing. Sometimes I’d get six or seven songs I thought were pretty damn good, then there’d be a couple of squeeze-outs at the end just to fill up the album. I realise now I shouldn’t have done that.” Joel released 12 successful pop and rock albums between 1971 and 1993 but then stopped writing new material, save for Fantasies and Delusions, his 2001 album of classical compositions. Joel also told the LA Times that he didn’t make that decision “based on whether it was right or wrong”. “It just felt like it was time for me to stop writing songs,” he said. “I didn’t have the same motivation anymore. You need inspiration to create good new music, and if you don’t have it, don’t bother. Get off the treadmill, for Christ’s sake.” He was asked whether he considered “the current cultural and political climate” when organising a setlist, Joel said that it crossed his mind with a song such as ‘Captain Jack’, which references “the junkies and the closet queens”. “You mean are they woke? It crosses my mind,” he admitted. “But ‘Captain Jack’ has gotten real boring to me. The verse is just two chords over and over again, and it’s this dreary story of some suburban kid jacking off at home. My mind starts to wander during the song, so I don’t do it even though people want to hear it.” He agreed that ‘Only the Good Die Young’ was also a tough sell by ‘modern woke standards’. The song, featured on 1977’s The Stranger, was written from the perspective of a young man determined to have sex with a Catholic girl. The song has not aged well by today’s standards, with lyrics such as, “come out Virginia, don’t let me wait, you Catholic girls start much too late” and “they say there’s a heaven for those who will wait, some say it’s better, but I say it ain’t”. “It’s occurred to me recently that I’m trying to talk some poor innocent woman into losing her virginity because of my lust,” Joel said. “It’s kind of a selfish song — like, who cares what happens to you? What about what I want? But on the other hand, it was of its time. This was written in the mid-‘70s, and I was trying to seduce girls. Why bulls**t about it?” Image credit: Getty

Music

"The sport's greatest player": Billie Jean King's praise for Serena

Serena Williams will be remembered as tennis’ “greatest player”, according to World Tennis Association (WTA) founder Billie Jean King, after the World No. 1 announced she would be retiring from professional tennis at this year’s US Open. Since her career began in 1995, Williams has won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 23 singles, 14 women’s doubles, and two mixed doubles, with King adding that the star player has “inspired a new generation of players and fans”. “When Serena steps away from tennis, she will leave as the sport's greatest player,” King said in a statement. “After a career that has inspired a new generation of players and fans, she will forever be known as a champion who won on the court and raised the global profile of the sport off of it” Williams, who turns 41 next month, found it difficult to announce the news, writing in an op-ed published in Vogue that she felt “a great deal of pain” in deciding to hang up her racquet. “There is no happiness in this topic for me. I know it’s not the usual thing to say, but I feel a great deal of pain. It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine. I hate it. I hate that I have to be at this crossroads,” Williams said. “I keep saying to myself, I wish it could be easy for me, but it’s not. I’m torn: I don’t want it to be over, but at the same time I’m ready for what’s next.” Taking to Instagram, Williams shared photos from her Vogue cover, alongside a heartfelt message for fans. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)</a> </div> </blockquote> “There comes a time when we have to decide to move in a different direction,” she began the post. “That time is always hard when you love something so much. My goodness do I enjoy tennis. But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.” Williams announced she would be retiring following her departure from the WTA Toronto Masters on Wednesday, after losing to Swiss Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic. Though she didn’t specify a retirement date, Williams is expected to compete again in Cincinnati before travelling to the US Open, which begins on August 29. Image: @serenawilliams (Instagram)

Retirement Life

"My mind is blown": MasterChef winner crowned!

Billie McKay has been announced as MasterChef Fans & Favourites winner! The seventh season winner was up against Sarah Todd, who came ninth on the sixth season of MasterChef. The pair went head-to-head for the glorious $250,000 prize money on Tuesday night which saw Billie beat Sarah by just a few points. This makes Billie the first person to win two seasons of MasterChef. The first round of the grand finale gave Billie and Sarah the option of choosing between a mystery box or to cook a dish that was both sweet and savoury. Both Billie and Sarah opted for the latter and made cumin panna cotta with rosemary and rhubarb and sticky chicken wingettes with glaze respectively. Sarah was praised by the judges for “hitting the brief” with Melissa Leong describing it as a “very well-balanced plate of food.” She received 26 points. Billie’s panna cotta unfortunately did not set in time which saw her accept the “major fail”. “I am so disappointed for you. It’s the foundational aspect of this entire dish and it’s not set – that’s a really tough pill to swallow,” Melissa said. While judge Andy Allen said it was “delicious – but it could be better with a set panna cotta.” She received 21 points. The second and final round was tough for Billie who was already five points behind Sarah but the pair rallied on. Guest chef Heston Blumenthal arrived and gave Billie and Sarah five hours and 15 minutes to replicate his epic dish, taffety tart. Both contestants were faced with a few mishaps along the way before placing their dish to be judged. Once again, Sarah went first with judge Jock Zonfrillo saying her dish was “just as good” as Heston’s. Melissa called it an “extraordinary effort”. Andy however pointed out a few issues which gave a bit of a window for Billie. Sarah received 30 points out of 40 bringing her total score to 56. The judges' tasted Billie’s dish and were in awe at the precision and taste. Andy described the dish on “another level of precision and finesse”. “Everything is there, present and correct. My mind is blown,” Melissa said. Billie shot to the lead when she received 37 points out of 40 bringing her total score to 58. Image: Channel 10

Billy Joel's surprise touring announcement

Musical icon Billy Joel has delighted fans by announcing that he will be coming to Australia for a special one-off performance. The legendary superstar will belt out his greatest hits at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the 10th of December this year. As the the third-best selling solo artist of all time, Billy Joel has racked up more than 150 million record sales across his career. The 73-year-old’s one-night-only show at the MCG is part of Always Live, a collaboration between the Victorian Government and Frontier Touring. “It’s strange to go all the way to Australia to do just one show, but I guess that’s the deal,” Joel said. Joel has promised fans will get to hear his biggest songs when he takes the stage, which could include: Uptown Girl, Piano Man, Just the Way You Are, Movin’ Out, Allentown, She’s Always A Woman and The River Of Dreams. “You’ve got to do songs that people know. You can’t just do all your obscure album tracks because a lot of people may not know them,” he said. “You’ve got to have a good amount of hits, but you’ve also got to do songs you like to do.” It’s the second time Joel will have performed at the MCG after he sang with Elton John there in 1998. Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp told Sunrise, event organisers and all levels of government in Victoria are “pulling out all the stops” to keep her city’s status “as the events and arts capital of Australia” post-pandemic. General admission tickets go on sale on the 4th of July from 10 am <a href="http://www.frontiertouring.com/billyjoel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and Frontier members can access pre-sale tickets on 30th of June from 11am. Telstra Plus Members can access pre-sale tickets on the 27th of June at 10 am <a href="http://www.telstra.com/music" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

Music

“I don’t let it dictate who I am”: Billy Connolly opens up on living with Parkinson’s

Billy Connolly has opened up about living with Parkinson’s in a rare interview as he prepares to receive one of the highest accolades from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) at the awards next week. Connolly will be receiving the BAFTA Fellowship - which is awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions in film, games and television - at the May 8 ceremony. Speaking to <a href="https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/sir-billy-connolly-to-be-honoured-with-bafta-fellowship-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bafta.org</a>, Connolly discussed his neurodegenerative condition and how he doesn’t let it “dictate” his day-to-day life. “It’s really important to work, to draw, to write, to walk silly for your grandchildren,” he said. “Doing the same thing you’ve always done is good for you. “I don’t let Parkinson’s dictate who I am - I just get on with it. I’ve had a very successful career and I have no regrets at all.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdGDwIKDgfy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdGDwIKDgfy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BAFTA (@bafta)</a> </div> </blockquote> Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 and retired from live performances in 2018. He still continues to record projects and make TV appearances. Although his extensive filmography has earned him a slew of awards, Connolly revealed that he was never in show-business for the accolades. “I have a collection of shiny things that I’m very proud of. But I never set out to get them or hunt them down,” he said. He added that he was humbled to be receiving the award, which has previously been awarded to David Attenborough, Dawn French, and Jennifer Saunders. “I don’t believe in aiming at it because if you don’t get it for whatever reason you’re all disappointed. Just do what you do well and you’ll find yourself a fellow before you know it.” Image: @bafta (Instagram)

Caring

“It has stayed with me”: Using fiction to explore trauma

Content warning: This article mentions sexual assault. Those who experience trauma can seek help in various ways, through therapy or creative outlets, and fiction is no exception. In fiction, traumatic events are often depicted as a jumping-off point for a protagonist or hero’s story - whether that’s watching Bruce Wayne’s parents die before he can fight crime as Batman, or witnessing the attempted murder of Uma Thurman as the Bride in Kill Bill before she seeks revenge. These depictions of traumatic events are often the precursor to a character’s descent into revenge, madness, or both, but they don’t have to be the only stories we see. In her <a rel="noopener" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0022167817749703?casa_token=s_BbuJyDvjAAAAAA%3Apewb-trbcPxlbO0uGRYKAqOf_cchsFgT1CCpbRZQvODADU7rWimX6gaj1of76-A1cM1u61nak6K1L40" target="_blank">doctoral thesis</a> published in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Dr Lynn Gumb defines an ‘ordinary hero’ that can emerge in fiction as a “person who, despite the challenges of trauma, continues to live an ordinary life” and doesn’t follow the well-worn path to madness or revenge. Instead, the individual can choose to “alter the landscape of their own lives” after trauma and pursue recovery. P. J. McKay, the author of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.pjmckayauthor.com/shop-1" target="_blank">The Telling Time</a>, uses traumatic experiences from her own life to explore this recovery process, as women from two generations navigate the Croatian immigrant experience, family secrets and backpacking as a rite of passage. “I know that my personal experience while backpacking in the 1980s, especially in a country like Yugoslavia, where there was such a chasm in the way men viewed Western women (fuelled of course by Western movies and songs) would be familiar territory for many young women,” she told OverSixty. “For me, novels that speak of shared experiences, or situations which feel believable, resonate most. “The backpacking experience has been a rite of passage for many, particularly in Australasia and I know many have experienced unwanted sexual attention. My experience was a close call. It has stayed with me and has felt like a significant turning point in my life.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Our discomfort and resulting tendency to retreat into silence only adds to the power of perpetrators. — Grace Tame (@TamePunk) <a href="https://twitter.com/TamePunk/status/1464790576323170305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote> As difficult as it can be for survivors to witness these moments, stories like The Telling Time keep these traumatic situations at the forefront of our minds, especially as these situations continue to happen. “I thought it was important not to shy away from the reality of sexual assault and to explore the impact of this on friendships and why sometimes (often) it seems best to hold close and not disclose what happened,” McKay adds. However, some argue that the focus of recovery stories should be on what happens after the traumatic event, and how individuals can find truth and healing despite their experiences. “There seems to be no doubt that trauma can stand in the way of finding truth and healing,” McKay says. “It remains to be seen whether society today, with its broader expectations and openness around sexual relationships, and less traditional male and female roles, will alow for more open conversations by those who have suffered trauma, particularly sexual trauma.” In an interview with ABC’s 7.30, American activist and founder of the #Metoo movement Tarana Burke said conversations around trauma should shift, as the retelling of traumatic events comes with more costs than benefits. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> "We urge survivors to share their story, so you're re-traumatising not only the person but the person hearing that. There's not a tremendous amount of value in hearing the story, there's so much value in the hearing what happens after." – <a href="https://twitter.com/TaranaBurke?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@taranaburke</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abc730?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abc730</a> — abc730 (@abc730) <a href="https://twitter.com/abc730/status/1450386432757927947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2021</a></blockquote> “We urge survivors to share their story, so you’re re-traumatising not only the person but the person hearing that,” she said. “There’s not a tremendous amount of value in hearing the story, there’s so much value in hearing what happens after.” As the conversations around trauma continue to change, it may be that having to witness these events becomes less necessary, and that we no longer need to share them to prevent future generations from experiencing them. Image: Getty Images

Mind

5 minutes with author P J McKay

In 5 minutes with the Author, OverSixty asks book writers about their literary habits and preferences. Next in the series is <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.pjmckayauthor.com/" target="_blank">P J McKay</a>, a novelist and mum-of-three based in Auckland. After training and working as a food scientist, McKay began writing while undertaking her Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Auckland. During her studies, McKay was inspired by her travels through former Yugoslavia to pen her debut novel, The Telling Time. After winning the 2020 First Pages Prize, McKay’s novel is now available. OverSixty sat down with McKay to chat about representing New Zealand’s Croatian community, her current reads, and the role cooking played in her novel. O60: What book(s) are you reading right now? My current book on the go is Betty by Tiffany McDaniel — insights into the Cherokee Indian culture are an added bonus and despite the tough themes I’m enjoying cheering this resilient young woman on. And I have just finished two novels: Crazy Love by Rosetta Allan — A love story with a twist. A triumph of love conquering adversity. A no-holes barred insight in the realities of supporting our mentally unwell. This is Rosetta’s third novel. She manages to inject humour into what’s a tough subject to tackle and never allows the story to wallow. And for something much lighter, Take me Home by Karly Lane — transports the reader from Australia to Scotland. A feel-good story with a dash of romance. O60: Does your training in food science influence your writing in any way? Great question! There are a few food descriptions peppered through The Telling Time. My love of cooking (and consuming food!) has most definitely influenced this. Some reviewers have noted it as a bonus to be transported by these descriptions. Any reference to food is of course relevant to the era and/or the setting but given the aroma, taste or even just the sight of food transports us to different settings it can be a useful and fun tool to employ: think Greece and Mediterranean dishes, or traditional Australasian sweet treats — lamingtons for example — or food which is typical in Croatia, such as črostule, njoki, špek or the local wine on Korčula, Pošip. As an author I invite the reader to use all their senses when imagining my characters in scene. If I get their taste buds watering then that’s a bonus. O60: How did you start writing historical fiction? It’s the genre which I enjoy most as a reader and my background roles in research were also very helpful. The nugget for this novel came from my own experience when backpacking in the late 1980s tied in with my interest in the immigrant experience and for The Telling Time, the Croatian diaspora. I also wanted the novel to encompass the mother/daughter relationship, hence the dual timeline that includes the late 1950s and 1989. It’s scary to think that these two eras now count as historical! When researching for a novel like this it means going back even further in time. The Telling Time references events from the early 20th Century, WWIII, and the events that followed afterward, particularly in the former Yugoslavia. I love that historical fiction often gifts the reader information they didn’t previously know. This for me is the joy of historical fiction writing; finding those facts to thread through the fiction to ensure the ‘world of the novel’ is credible. O60: The Telling Time was inspired by your travels and the connections you made with the local Croatian community. How did it feel to represent this community with your novel? I feel privileged to have been privy to stories from the Croatian community and delighted to shine some light on what makes this group unique, but also what unites their stories with other immigrant groups. It is always tricky finding the balance when representing a community that is not your own lived experience. For me, it was important to observe and listen at the local Dalmatian club when attending club nights and events. There were excellent resources to draw on at the club — their cultural museum and language tutor who checked my use of Croatian words/phrases in the novel — and having the novel reviewed by Dr Nina Nola from the University of Auckland’s English department was another essential step. Nina’s mother immigrated to New Zealand from Hvar in the 1950s. This is a novel, and therefore a work of fiction, but staying true to the culture and customs is an essential component and the feedback from readers of Croatian heritage suggests I have succeeded in getting the balance and details right. Of course, when Croatian publishers Znanje d.o. bought the translation rights for the novel earlier this year (to be published there in June 2022) this was a further seal of approval. I felt both proud and delighted that I would soon be able to gift copies of the translated novel to the club. O60: What book or books do you think are underrated? That’s a curly question! The Lost Lights of St Kilda by Elisabeth Gifford is a gentle historic novel, published last year which I thoroughly enjoyed but don’t hear a lot about now. And I’ll put in a plug for fellow New Zealand author, Rosetta Allan, mentioned above. Along with Crazy Love, her two other novels, Purgatory and The Unreliable People, are both fabulous reads that deserve more air-time!! O60: How do you deal with writer’s block? I found the best solution was to chat more. By this I mean nutting out a problem with trusted friends or asking a question which then often provided a lead, or new tangent to explore. There was one dire moment of writer’s block when I was desperate to get my character, Gabrijela, out of the house. I asked Mum for ideas about social events in the 1950s and she told me how popular a day at the races was along with a personal story about backing an outside runner called Red Glare. Bingo! Guess where Gabrijela was now off to! Critique was also a valuable tool, especially during my Masters in Creative Writing year at Auckland University. It challenges you to think harder and strive to improve, to iron out the creases waiting to trip the reader out of their suspended disbelief. O60: Which author, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with? Has to be Janine Cummins, who wrote American Dirt. Images: Supplied

Books

No Time to Die will FINALLY be released here in November

The latest James Bond movie, No Time to Die, was ready to be released in May of 2020 but with COVID lockdowns in place in many parts of the world, its release was delayed again and again but now finally, it will be released in Australia and New Zealand on the 11th November. The date for many other parts of the rest of the world is early October but unfortunately the movie is further delayed for Australia and New Zealand because of the continuing lockdowns we've been experiencing. While other movies ended up being released on streaming platforms such as Disney+ and Netflix, this wasn’t possible for the latest James Bond film because the movie cost over $400 million Australian dollars to make and it’s reported it needs to take in US $900 million just to break even – making it the most expensive Bond movie ever made. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BIhNsAtPbPI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Daniel Craig stars again – many say this will be his last Bond movie No Time to Die is the 25th film in the James Bond franchise, making it the largest and most well-known film series ever. Daniel Craig stars again in this latest Bond movie but it’s been said this will be his last stint as the infamous 007 agent so it will be interesting to see how the film plays out. In a nod to the changing times, No Time to Die features two tough, kick ass female agents and who knows where this is going to lead for the future of James Bond. Some have even touted the next James Bond will be female. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pcYuPU8MP1w" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Blade Runner 2049 star, Ana De Armas appears alongside Daniel Craig as a ‘Bond Girl’ while Captain Marvel’s Lashana Lynch joins the cast. In interesting news, Rami Malek of Bohemian Rhapsody fame is playing the main Bond villain. Director, Cary Joji Fukunaga, has said: “We aimed to do something extraordinary with this one.” <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c2b5075361e44ebe8973c61ec4ff443c" />Movie starts with Bond having left active service The story line for the film starts with Bond having left active service and he’s enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. Theme song by Billie Eilish <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BboMpayJomw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> You may have heard the theme song for No Time to Die is performed by Billie Eilish. The 18-year-old wrote the title song with her elder brother, FINNEAS. This makes the duo the youngest artists in history to write and record a James Bond theme song. Billie Eilish has been quoted as saying: “It feels crazy to be a part of this in every way. To be able to score the theme song to a film that is part of such a legendary series is a huge honour. James Bond is the coolest film franchise ever to exist. I’m still in shock”. Her brother FINNEAS adds: “Writing the theme song for a Bond film is something we’ve been dreaming about doing our entire lives. There is no more iconic pairing of music and cinema than the likes of Goldfinger and Live And Let Die. We feel so so lucky to play a small role in such a legendary franchise, long live 007.” In reference to the film’s theme song, director Cary Joji Fukunaga said: “There are a chosen few who record a Bond theme. I am a huge fan of Billie and FINNEAS. Their creative integrity and talent are second to none and I cannot wait for audiences to hear what they’ve brought – a fresh new perspective whose vocals will echo for generations to come.” Release date The 25th 007 film will be released in Australia and New Zealand on 11th November. Where cinemas are open, No Time to Die will be playing. Images and Video: YouTube and No Time to Die

Movies

Greta Thunberg's first vaccine comes with global statement

Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg, took to social media, tweeting: "Today I got my first COVID-19 vaccination dose. I am extremely grateful and privileged to be able to live in a part of the world where I can already get vaccinated." But then she went on to blast the more wealthy countries for taking more than their fair share of the vaccines. She wrote: "The vaccine distribution around the world is extremely unequal. The Swedish climate activist, 18, tweeted a photograph of herself wearing a fox-print face mask with a bandaid on her upper arm, using the hashtags '#VaccineEquity' and '#VaccineForAll'. Thunberg is one of a number of famous people, encouraging others to get the jab as soon as it's available to them. What she says about the distribution of the vaccines has been backed up by media such as the New York Times which reported recently: "84 percent of shots that have gone into arms worldwide have been administered in high- and upper-middle-income countries. Only 0.3 percent of doses have been administered in low-income countries.'' Other celebrities including David Beckham and Billie Eilish, have asked world leaders to share surplus COVID vaccines with poorer countries. Before the G7 summit in June, Unicef ambassadors warned in an open letter how important it would be to ensure the "fair and equitable" supplies of vaccines internationally or the world would continue to be at risk from future mutations of the virus.

Caring

Gladys responds to savage attack from Jodi McKay

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> The NSW Parliament resumed for the first time after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s ex-partner, former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, finished giving evidence to ICAC. The ICAC probing was whether or not he abused his parliamentary power for personal gain. This was not left unnoticed by Labor leader Jodi McKay, who hammered the NSW Premier during question time. McKay asked Berejiklian the following: “In July 2018, you knew ICAC was investigating Daryl Maguire’s dealings with Country Gardens and his commissions from property developers. We now know he told you about Country Garden, and we now know he told you about the commissions. Why did you not report this to ICAC as you were legally required?” The Premier responded: “I reject the imputations of the question, and secondly, she asked me the same question last week.” “And thirdly, we should allow the integrity body to do the work it needs to do while I do the work the people of NSW expect me to do: have the best COVID recovery plan in the nation, have the best and strongest economy and the best health administration.” The heated question time session came after a scathing tweet from McKay. “For the last year, I’ve looked (the Premier) in the eye when I’ve asked questions – believing she too wanted politics to be the best it can be. I respected my opponent. Today I’ll see a woman who has diminished the role of Premier & set an impossibly low standard. All respect is gone,” she wrote. The Labor MPs have also seized on comments made by the Premier to radio host Ben Fordham, saying she didn't take any interest in Maguire's business deals as MPs are allowed to make money from side deals. “That’s the key thing, rightly or wrongly. MPs are allowed to do deals and make money, as long as they disclose it in the right way,” the Premier said on the 2GB program. Deputy Opposition Leader Yasmin Catley said that the Premier's comments on 2GB amounted to saying that corruption was "acceptable". “It is quite clear that she feels there is nothing wrong with members of this parliament receiving sales commissions from property developers,” Ms Catley said. </div> </div> </div>

Legal

Dining with Dolly Parton: Sir Billy Connolly shares his bucket list

Sir Billy Connolly has revealed the people he would like to have at his dream dinner party. In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/dining-with-dolly-parton-sir-billy-connolly-reveals-his-fantasy-dinner-party-guests/">The Sunday Post</a>, the Scottish comedian said his fantasy guest list, featuring both alive and deceased figures, includes country musician Dolly Parton. “I had a brilliant experience seeing Dolly in Glasgow, being swept along with thousands in the crowd and no one recognised me,” he said. “No one could see me until a little girl shouted: ‘Look! Its Billy Connolly!’ She came and gave me a big cuddle. She was wonderful. I met her again in a shop and she did the same thing.” Another singer he would like to invite is Bob Dylan, who created his favourite album Blonde On Blonde. Other famous figures in Connolly’s wish list are authors Charles Dickens and Iris Murdoch as well as artists John Byrne and David Hockney. Byrne, who is an old friend of the Big Yin, paid tribute to the comedian with <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-39947883">a portrait in the 1970s and another in 2017</a>. The 77-year-old went public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013 and <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/billy-connolly-quits-stand-up-comedy-amid-parkinson-s-diagnosis">retired five years later</a>. He is now working as an artist.

Retirement Life

Billy Connolly quits stand-up comedy amid Parkinson’s diagnosis

Sir Billy Connolly has confirmed his career as a stand-up comedian has ended due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis. The 77-year-old made his diagnosis public in 2013 and retired five years later, but said last year he had hoped to continue performing in some way. “I’m finished with stand-up – it was lovely, and it was lovely being good at it,” he told <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/sir-billy-connolly-comedian-says-im-finished-with-stand-up-as-he-talks-about-his-new-career-as-an-artist-11950537">Sky News</a>. Connolly, who now works as an artist, said he does not want Parkinson’s to define him. “I’m always being asked to go to Parkinson’s things and spend time with Parkinson’s people, having lunch or something like that. And I don’t approve of it,” he said. “I don’t think you should let Parkinson’s define you and all your pals be Parkinson’s people. I don’t think it’s particularly good for you. So I don’t do it.” He said living with the condition was difficult at times. “Certain things go wrong, your brain goes adrift and affects your body, and so you walk differently, you walk like a drunk man sometimes. And you’re frightened you’ll be judged on it. And you shake sometimes.” However, he said he had “no regrets at all” and urged more people to “listen to comedians and poets”. “More people should listen to comedians, and fewer people should listen to politicians,” he said. “People should listen to comedians and poets, they’re telling the truth.”

News

“My life is slipping away”: Billy Connolly bravely opens up about his battle with Parkinson’s disease

Billy Connolly has gotten candid in his BBC documentary series Made In Scotland as he reveals he feels his “life is slipping away” due to his battle with Parkinson’s disease. The comedian, who is now 76, was diagnosed with the illness in 2013 and said: “There is no denying it, I am 75, I have got Parkinson’s and I am at the wrong end of the telescope of life, I am at the point where the yesteryears mean more than the yesterdays. “Because it is back there in my childhood and youth when I go to all those things that made me that live keenest in my memory now. My life, it’s slipping away, and I can feel it and I should.” He goes on to say: “I’m 75, I’m near the end, I’m a damn sight nearer the end than I am the beginning, but it doesn’t frighten me, it’s an adventure and it is quite interesting to see myself slipping away.” According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Mirror</a>, Billy was forced to ask the cameras to stop filming as he suffered from uncontrollable shaking throughout the process. Parkinson’s disease is when sections of the brain become increasingly damaged over time. Discussing his symptoms, Billy said: "As bits slip off and leave me, talents leave and attributes leave. I don’t have the balance I used to have, I don’t have the energy I used to have,” and claimed he is being prepared for “some other adventure, which is over the hill.” Billy spoke about the disease and described it as “losing all” of himself to be on the “shadowy side of the hill, doing the next episode in the spirit world.” The two-part documentary gives an insight into the comedian’s world, who throughout his time, garnered massive success. Billy was diagnosed with prostate cancer and Parkinson’s on the same day in 2013. He has now been cleared of the cancer and is currently residing in Florida in the US with his wife Pamela Stephenson where he aims to continue fighting his illness.

Mind

Billy Connolly and wife slam Michael Parkinson's claims: “He’s a daft old fart”

Billy Connolly and wife Pamela Stephenson have slammed UK TV host Michael Parkinson's claims Connolly can no longer recognise him. According to <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comedy/comedians/michael-parkinson-mistaken-billy-connollys-illness-say-friends/">The Telegraph</a>, the Scottish comic refuted Parkinson's claim on Sunday that, the last time they saw each other, he wasn't sure if Connolly knew who he was or not. Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013 after a fan warned him his walk showed "distinct signs" of it. On the same day as his Parkinson's diagnosis, he also learnt he had prostate cancer, which he was later given the all-clear from. In spite of the claims by Parkinson – that Connolly's "wonderful brain is dulled" – Connolly told The Telegraph his friend was mistaken. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Mike Parkinson is a daft old fart - doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Billy’s doing great and still funny as hell — Pamela Stephenson (@PamelaStephensn) <a href="https://twitter.com/PamelaStephensn/status/1031544889941614593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2018</a></blockquote> "I would recognise Parky if he was standing behind me – in a diving suit," he said. Connolly's wife, Kiwi Pamela Stephenson, also slammed the idea, posting a succinct rebuttal to Twitter: "Mike Parkinson is a daft old fart – doesn't know what he's talking about. Billy's doing great and still funny as hell." Producers working on TV projects with the Scottish comedian also denied Parkinson's description of Connolly. "We have been busy filming with Billy over the summer and can report happily that he's on top form – as sharp and hilarious as ever," producers at Indigo Television said in a statement. On Sunday, Parkinson – affectionately known as "Parky" in the UK, by those close to him and the wider public - told Saturday Morning with James Martin that Connolly's <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/mind/billy-connolly-s-sad-new-battle">"wonderful brain has dulled".</a> "To know someone as long as I knew and loved Billy [...] it was an awful thing to contemplate, that [recognising a friend] had been taken from him in a sense," Parkinson said. While he is best known as a stand-up comedian, Connolly has featured in a number of movies, including Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, Brave and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz">Stuff.co.nz. </a>

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