London – Comedian Peter Kay has offered a moving and deeply honest update on the health of his longtime friend and comedy titan, Sir Billy Connolly. Kay revealed that the 83-year-old legend is now noticeably weaker as his long, cruel fight with Parkinson’s disease continues.

The sad news was shared only a month after Billy Connolly was seen using a walking stick during a rare public appearance—a quiet but clear signal of how much his condition has progressed.

“He’s Not In A Great Place Anymore”

Speaking during a conversation with Sara Cox at an event held at Salford’s Lyric Theatre, Peter Kay (52) admitted that while they still keep in contact, things have irrevocably changed.

“I still hear from Billy now and then,” Peter said softly. “But he’s not in a great place anymore. He still sends messages occasionally… but he’s not the same.”

Peter Kay went on to reflect on Connolly’s colossal influence on modern British comedy.

“So many comedians in this country wouldn’t be doing what they do without him,” Kay stated. “His influence is massive. Truly extraordinary.”

The Legend Who Once Made Giants Tremble

In his 2023 book, TV: Big Adventures on the Small Screen, Peter Kay elaborated on his immense reverence for Billy. He recalled a moment of panic when he was invited onto Michael Parkinson’s iconic talk show and discovered the lineup of guests.

“When I heard the lineup was David Beckham, Sir Michael Caine, Sir David Attenborough… and Sir Billy Connolly, I panicked,” Peter wrote. “How could I possibly sit next to Billy Connolly? He’s one of the greatest comedians who’s ever lived.”

Peter admitted he worried he wouldn’t even be funny in Billy’s presence. “Our styles weren’t that different,” he said. “So I had to figure out a way to be myself without stepping anywhere near his shadow.”

A Grueling Battle Against The Illness

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013, Billy relocated from New York to Florida on medical advice to benefit from the warmer climate. Over the years, he has been open about the cruel losses brought by the illness — from no longer being able to play the banjo to giving up cigars, and even hiding his condition from his children in its early stages.

Last month, Billy made a rare public appearance at the Key West Film Festival. He arrived with a walking stick and addressed the crowd from his seat rather than the stage.

“I walk with a stick because I suffer from a horrible illness,” he told the audience honestly. “But it’s a joy to live among you, and it’s a joy to be here tonight.”

Even as illness persists, his trademark humor hasn’t faded. When presented with an award by actors Steve Buscemi and Aidan Quinn, Billy joked that he wasn’t even sure what the blue trophy represented—only that it would sit proudly alongside his other honors.

An Undying Legacy

Today, Sir Billy Connolly may walk slower and speak more carefully, but his impact on comedy, storytelling, and British culture remains towering.

Peter Kay’s words carried both sorrow and reverence—a quiet acknowledgment that time and illness may be slowing a giant, but they can never erase what he gave the world.

Billy may no longer be the unstoppable force of the stage… but his spirit, legacy, and influence still echo through every generation of comedians who followed.