Billy Connolly

Billy Connolly

Date of birth: 24-11-1942

Born in a poor tenement block, Connolly was abandoned by his mother, Mamie, at the age of three and brought up by his aunt, Mona, who used to beat him, and his father, William, who sexually abused him - a background explored in his 2001 biography Billy.

As a teenager, he joined the Clyde shipyards, where he served his apprenticeship as a welder. While working there, he bought a banjo for £2 10s after seeing blues singer Pete Seger on the TV, and started performing on Scotland's folk circuit as part of a band called the Humblebums, which counted Gerry Rafferty among its members.

While performing, Connolly noticed that audiences warmed to the banter between his songs, which built up his confidence. In 1970, the band split up and he started performing solo.

Also during his time at the shipyards, he met his first wife, Iris, with whom he had a son and a daughter.

His big break was on the Parkinson show in 1975, which made him a star and led to his first UK tour: The Big Wee Tour.

He spent many years on the road, the lifestyle taking its toll, and he became a heavy drinker, until he gave up alcohol in 1986.

His reputation grew and grew, and he eventually moved to California to try to break into the US, with varying degrees of success.

In 1989, he married Pamela Stephenson, who he met while recording a sketch for Not The Nine O'Clock News.

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Billy Connolly: AI scammers are impersonating me

Comedian's warning to fans

Sir Billy Connolly has warned fans not to be taken in by scammers using artificial intelligence to impersonate him.

The Scottish comedian also said crooks had tried to pass themselves off as his wife, Pamela Stephenson.

In a message on his website, the 82-year-old said: "Dear friends, I have learned that, unfortunately, online scam artists are targeting my fans and supporters. They are impersonating me, often reaching out to fans soliciting direct messaging

‘They create multiple deceptive social media and email accounts, and there could well be criminal intent.

‘For the protection of all my fans and supporters, please be aware of the following:

‘My official Facebook page - Billy Connolly - is my ONLY social media account. I do not have an Instagram, X, Snapchat, Telegram or any other social media account. My only website is https://billyconnolly.com

‘I NEVER interact directly with fans or supporters, and would never suggest they direct message me, meet me, send me money or purchase goods directly. I do not sell memberships, fan cards, meetings. I will never suggest meeting personally or ask for personal information.

‘If you are asked for any of the above, it is a scam.

‘My likeness and the sound of my voice can be created by AI … so beware My wife Pamela is also being impersonated, but please be aware that neither she nor any of my children have public social media accounts or pages.'

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Published: 18 Aug 2025

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Agent

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