Billy Connolly was born in Glasgow in 1942 and after leaving school he worked in the shipyards and later joined the Territorial Army.
Billy Connolly holding a guitar made of bread, at a festival, circa 1975. Credit: Anwar Hussein/EMPICS Entertainment
He learned how to play the banjo and joined a band called the Humblebums, which featured Gerry Rafferty, who later recorded the song Baker Street.
Connolly told jokes between songs and later became a full-time comedian with one of his major breakthroughs coming after an appearance on chat show Parkinson in the early 1970s.
As well as comedy, he has also turned his hand to acting with roles in The Last Samurai and the forthcoming film The Hobbit: There and Back Again.
Connolly is also known for his charity work with frequent appearances on Comic Relief - including one year when he streaked through central London.
The comedian was made a CBE in 2003 and was awarded the freedom of his home city in 2010.
Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered.
In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment.
Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year.
Comic and actor Billy Connolly has undergone surgery for prostate cancer and is being treated for the "initial symptoms" of Parkinson's Disease, according to a spokeswoman for the star.
Tom Courtenay, Sheridan Smith and Billy Connolly arriving for the Charity gala screening of Quartet Credit: John Phillips/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Scottish actor and comedian Billy Connolly has vowed to stay out of political discussions after a backlash to his opinions on Scottish independence.
The 69-year-old said: "Whenever I open my mouth I get it slapped shut. I'm told to mind my own business, to learn what I'm talking about".
The star went on to express his dislike of celebrities influencing the public on who to vote for.
Connolly has openly said in the past that he does not approve of Scottish independence.
he was speaking at the premiere of his latest film Quartet, a British comedy directed by Dustin Hoffman.
