Actor Billy Connolly Celebrated At The National Television Awards
Acclaimed actor Billy Connolly was given a prestigious accolade at the National Television Awards (NTAs), being awarded the special recognition honour.
The Glaswegian actor started his entertainment career as a comedian and folk musician in Scotland before making it into mainstream acting, and going on to encourage many budding stars to attend acting school in London to achieve the same success in the field.
A spokesperson for the NTAs said: “It’s unbelievable and yet no surprise that we’re celebrating 50 years of Billy Connolly. Because he doesn’t compromise, because he doesn’t fit a label, he has no shelf life, he’s not part of a phrase. He’s unique.”
Connolly has both films and television dramas under his belt, and has starred in some huge Hollywood productions in his time, including The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
He has featured in big TV shows, from The X Files and House MD to 3rd Rock from the Sun and Columbo, and he has also lent his distinctive Scottish accent to animations, such as Brave and Pocahontas.
Among the other winners at the NTAs were Downton Abbey taking home the accolade of best drama, Eastenders for best serial drama, and Suranne Jones for best drama performance for her role in Doctor Foster. The short series also went on to win the gong for best new drama at the award ceremony.
Despite celebrating 50 years in the industry, 73-year-old Connolly has no plans to slow down and has most recently starred in a comedy movie called Wild Oats. The film also features Demi Moore and Jessica Lange and is set for release later this year.
The Glaswegian actor started his entertainment career as a comedian and folk musician in Scotland before making it into mainstream acting, and going on to encourage many budding stars to attend acting school in London to achieve the same success in the field.
A spokesperson for the NTAs said: “It’s unbelievable and yet no surprise that we’re celebrating 50 years of Billy Connolly. Because he doesn’t compromise, because he doesn’t fit a label, he has no shelf life, he’s not part of a phrase. He’s unique.”
Connolly has both films and television dramas under his belt, and has starred in some huge Hollywood productions in his time, including The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
He has featured in big TV shows, from The X Files and House MD to 3rd Rock from the Sun and Columbo, and he has also lent his distinctive Scottish accent to animations, such as Brave and Pocahontas.
Among the other winners at the NTAs were Downton Abbey taking home the accolade of best drama, Eastenders for best serial drama, and Suranne Jones for best drama performance for her role in Doctor Foster. The short series also went on to win the gong for best new drama at the award ceremony.
Despite celebrating 50 years in the industry, 73-year-old Connolly has no plans to slow down and has most recently starred in a comedy movie called Wild Oats. The film also features Demi Moore and Jessica Lange and is set for release later this year.
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Sophie Brun