Legendary Scottish comedian and actor Billy Connolly, who plays the role of Dain Ironfoot in Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Hobbit, has revealed via his personal website that he recently had successful surgery for prostate cancer.
He has also been diagnosed with the initial stages of Parkinson’s disease. Connolly, however, tells his fans that he is receiving treatment and fully intends to continue working.
The statement on his website reads in full:
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.
TheOneRing.net staff send best wishes to Connolly, and hope to see him telling ribald jokes in cities around the world for many, many years to come.
[Connolly’s statement | [Guardian feature]
