Sat Nov 22 03:50:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Billy Connolly Receives Artistic Excellence Award in Rare Public Appearance
KEY WEST, FL – Scottish comedian and actor Billy Connolly, 82, made a rare public appearance at the Key West Film Festival on Friday to accept the Golden Key Award for Artistic Excellence. The award was presented by actors Aidan Quinn and Steve Buscemi, colleagues and friends of Connolly.
Connolly, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease, accepted the award while seated but rose with the aid of a cane to address the audience. “I walk with a stick because I suffer from a horrible illness,” he shared, adding, “It’s a joy to live among you and it’s a joy to be among you tonight.”
The actor has lived in Florida with his wife, Pamela Stephenson, for some time, as doctors advised a warmer climate would be beneficial for his condition.
Connolly humorously remarked on the award itself, calling it “a blue thing” and expressing his gratitude. Buscemi, who worked with Connolly on the 1998 film “The Impostors,” lauded Connolly’s character and humor and shared fond memories of their time together.
In a previous interview, Connolly addressed his Parkinson’s diagnosis, stating that he learned to confront it head-on. “You just confront it and make decisions based on it,” he said, emphasizing the importance of perspective.
First Piper 