Boondock Saints Actor Diagnosed With Parkinson’s

Billy Connolly, best known to American audiences as Noah ‘Il Duce” McManus from The Boondock Saints, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

News AU reports that the 70-year-old Scottish star was diagnosed following a prostate cancer procedure performed in America.

“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,” read a statement from his reps.

“In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment.”

Though known to American audiences for the Boondock Saints films, Connolly is internationally known for his music and comic careers. He was a member of the Scottish folk band “The Humblebums” between 1965 and 1970, before pursuing a solo career.

He later made a seamless transition from folk singer to comedian, which is what he is best known for in Scotland, as opposed to the gruff persona we associate with him here in the states.

Busy as he is, his reps confirm that his diagnosis with prostate cancer and Parkinson’s won’t slow him down at all.

“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,” the statement said.

Most recently, Connolly provided the voice of King Fergus in the Disney/Pixar film Brave. He will be seen next in The Hobbit series of films as the dwarf Dain Ironfoot.

Fun fact: Billy Connolly is known as “The Big Yin” in Scotland.

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