Billy Connolly was born at 65 Dover Street in Glasgow on 24 November 1942. His parents, Mary and William Connolly, were working-class, with William being the son of an Irish immigrant. During World War II, when Billy was just four years old, his mother abandoned him and his older sister, Florence (“Flo”), leaving them in the care of their aunts, Margaret and Mona, in Glasgow's Anderston district. Later, they moved to the Partick area, where Connolly's challenging yet formative experiences shaped his unique outlook on life. Educated at St. Peter's Primary School and then St. Gerard's Secondary School in Govan, Billy developed an early interest in comedy. By age 12, he aspired to be a comedian, but felt he lacked the persona he thought was necessary. At 15, he left school and worked as a welder at a Glasgow shipyard, a job that laid the foundation for his working-class ethos and sense of humor. He also joined the Territorial Army’s Parachute Regiment during this time, using humor to handle the challenges he faced, an ability that would prove pivotal in his future career. In 1965, having completed his apprenticeship, Connolly took a ten-week job constructing an oil rig in Nigeria. This experience was a springboard for his transition into the arts. Returning to Scotland, he directed his passion towards being a folk musician, forming the folk-pop duo The Humblebums with Tam Harvey, later replaced by Gerry Rafferty. While The Humblebums didn't achieve major commercial success, they gained a loyal cult following, and Connolly's comedic introductions to the songs revealed the burgeoning stand-up comedian within. By 1972, music became secondary as Connolly, encouraged by the head of Transatlantic Records, Nat Joseph, shifted focus to comedy. His first solo album, "Billy Connolly Live!" was released that year, blending comedic monologues with songs. His breakthrough came with the 1974 double album "Solo Concert," recorded live in Airdrie. Despite initial skepticism, the album’s success launched Connolly into British stardom. Connolly became a household name in 1975 when he appeared on BBC’s "Parkinson." A bawdy joke about a murderer and his bike captivated audiences, cementing his status in British comedy. His distinctive style, with its roots deeply embedded in storytelling rather than traditional punchline-driven jokes, resonated widely, even if his broad Scottish accent limited initial success in America. Throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s, Connolly continued to build his reputation in the UK, releasing successful comedy albums and appearing on significant platforms like "The Secret Policeman’s Ball" for Amnesty International. These appearances, alongside titans of British comedy like John Cleese and Peter Cook, bolstered his reputation. As Connolly’s fame grew, his personal life saw considerable change. In 1985, he divorced his first wife, Iris Pressagh, with whom he had two children. That same year, he began a relationship with New Zealand actress Pamela Stephenson, whom he married in 1989. Pamela brought stability and warmth into Connolly's life, further encouraging his creative explorations. The 1990s marked his successful crossover into American entertainment. In 1990, Connolly shot to prominence with a performance in an HBO special alongside Whoopi Goldberg. Although his stint on the American sitcom "Head of the Class" ended quickly, it paved the way for his continued success. Over the next decades, Connolly's world tours would document his love for storytelling, exploring new cultures and landscapes with his trademark humor. These tours, many accompanied by televised series for the BBC, expanded his global audience. In addition to his comedic achievements, Connolly also carved out a successful acting career, appearing in films such as "The Last Samurai" and "Mrs. Brown," showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist. Despite numerous accolades and worldwide recognition, Billy Connolly’s approach to comedy has remained true to his roots, marked by a fearless embrace of controversial topics and personal vulnerability. His legacy is not just one of laughter, but also of a man who broke barriers in the entertainment industry, inviting audiences to find humor in the unspoken facets of life.