LONDON (AFP) - Scottish comedian and actor Billy Connolly has had surgery for prostate cancer and is being treated for the "initial symptoms" of Parkinson's Disease, his spokeswoman said Monday.
The 70-year-old, best known for his roles in films such as "Mrs. Brown" and "The Last Samurai", will keep working despite the diagnosis.
"Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer," the spokeswoman said.
"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."
Nicknamed 'The Big Yin', which means 'The Big One' in Scots dialect, Connolly worked in the shipyards of Glasgow in the 1960s before moving into entertainment with folk singing and stand-up comedy performances.
Connolly is married to actress-turned-psychologist Pamela Stephenson whose biography of her husband, "Billy", was a best-seller.
His other film credits include "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" and he will also play the part of Dain Ironfoot in the second and third parts of Peter Jackson's soon-to-be-released 'Hobbit' film series
Hang in there big fella ! Seen you on tour here many times, will see you again I am sure.
