Fans flock to social media to wish comedy legend Billy Connolly a happy 81st birthday

Fans from around the world have taken to social media to wish the legendary comedian, Billy Connolly, a joyous 81st birthday.

The Scottish stand-up icon, known for his razor-sharp wit has left an incredible mark on the world of comedy, and appreciative fans are ensuring that his birthday is nothing short of spectacular.

Connolly, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease in recent years, received a tidal wave of well-wishes and heartfelt messages on Friday, November 24 from fans expressing gratitude for the decades of joy he has brought into their lives.

Many shared their favourite Connolly jokes and memorable moments, creating a virtual scrapbook of laughter that spanned his extensive career.

Huge happy 81st birthday to the brilliant #BillyConnolly born #OnThisDay 1942

Absolute #legend pic.twitter.com/5wROm5ewP8

— Ian Hilton ?? (@whistler360) November 24, 2023

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Living Scotsman, Billy Connolly. 81 today. Bless his cotton ?!!!!#billyconnolly pic.twitter.com/WGg243fe9K

— Barbara Dickson (@BarbaraDickson) November 24, 2023

Happy Birthday to the magnificently windswept and interesting Billy Connolly. Here he is making an apple pie. Comedy genius. #BillyConnolly pic.twitter.com/orRfurUPz1

— James Melville (@JamesMelville) November 24, 2023

An Audience with Billy Connolly…
Nearly 40 years old this show!
Still makes me guffaw like a goon every time I watch it
Happy 81st Birthday, you brilliant human being ❤️ #BillyConnolly pic.twitter.com/KEyZyEDsWc

— Trace Monte Darlo ❄️ (@SwindyMiller) November 24, 2023

The immortal comedian, actor, and firebrand Billy Connolly is 81 today – as observant & witty as ever.

I love that he wears his heart on his sleeve & lives life to the full!

And as for his disdain for religion… #Comedy #Atheism #CriticalThinking#Satire #BillyConnolly ? pic.twitter.com/qsSRkxCdZa

— The Silent Dude ? (@Juggling_Words) November 24, 2023

Billy Connolly is 81 today, Happy Birthday Billy ?? pic.twitter.com/P4riSwJbJ4

— ??? Classic British TV ??? (@Classicbritcom) November 24, 2023

Still one of my favourite quotes by Billy Connolly ?? Have a very happy birthday Big Yin ????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/y8ZxtFVuB1

— ????? ? (@SG68RFC) November 24, 2023

Happy Birthday #BillyConnolly pic.twitter.com/MU7DAh6aap

— Janey Godley (@JaneyGodley) November 24, 2023

Happy Birthday to the legend that is the Big Yin #BillyConnolly pic.twitter.com/vOs6Dz7F83

— Andy M (@andymars19) November 24, 2023

As he turns 81, we wish a very happy birthday to Scottish comedy legend, the irreplaceable Sir Billy Connolly. https://t.co/KvISiG2cbb

— BritishComedySociety (@BritComSociety) November 24, 2023

As fans globally rally around Connolly with heartfelt birthday wishes, the outpouring of love and laughter will no doubt serve as a heartening boost for the comedy icon as he faces the hurdles of Parkinson’s disease.

While the beloved performer has always managed to put on a brave face when it comes to his Parkinson’s battle, he recently admitted that he is “being encroached upon by the disease”.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Connolly offered fans a candid glimpse into his life as he confronts this “cruel” adversary head-on, telling the publication that he has noticed “a deterioration” in his balance which has resulted in “a couple of serious falls”.

“It’s very difficult to see the progression exactly, because a lot of things come and go,” he said.

“Recently I’ve noticed a deterioration in my balance. That was never such a problem before, but in the last year that has come and it has stayed.

“For some reason, I thought it would go away, because a lot of symptoms have come and gone away … just to defy the symptom spotters. The shaking has reappeared.”