Billy Connolly
Chantel Brink
Chantel Brink
September 17, 2024 ·  5 min read

A Decade After Robin Williams’s Death, Friend Billy Connolly Discusses The Actor’s Heartbreaking Final Words

Robin Williams and Billy Connolly were two of the most beloved comedians of their time. Both possessed an unparalleled gift for bringing joy and laughter to millions around the world, but what set them apart was the profound bond they shared with one another. Their friendship, which spanned decades, was characterized by warmth, shared experiences, and a deep understanding of each other’s inner struggles. As Connolly reflected on Williams a decade after his tragic passing, he revealed new details about their relationship. Specifically, their final conversation, which now haunts him with its somber undertones.

The Unlikely Beginning of a Lifelong Friendship Between Robin Williams & Billy Connolly

Robin Williams and Sir Billy Connolly photographed together in Scotland
Image Credit: Julian Parker/Liaison

The duo first met on a Canadian talk show, where their chemistry was immediate. It was as if the two were long-lost kindred spirits. Connolly, with his sharp wit and infectious charm, and Williams, with his whirlwind energy and boundless creativity, clicked instantly. Over the years, their bond strengthened through mutual respect for each other’s craft and personal lives. Williams, known for his fast-paced comedic brilliance, would visit Connolly in Scotland. This is where they shared many moments of laughter and reflection. In many ways, their friendship transcended the entertainment industry—it became a connection rooted in the kind of vulnerability and camaraderie only two people who truly understood each other could share.

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The Heartbreaking Last Dinner

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - exact date unknown - circa 1990 - Robin Williams arrives at a celebrity event
Source: Shutterstock

It was in one of these tender moments that the heartbreaking final conversation took place. According to Connolly, Robin Williams called him up one evening asking to have dinner together. This was not unusual, as they frequently met for meals, but what transpired that night has since left an indelible mark on Connolly’s memory. At dinner, Williams said, “I love you.” Connolly, taken slightly off guard by the sincerity of the statement, replied with a simple “thank you.” However, Williams pressed further, asking Connolly, “Do you believe me?” and then repeating, “Believe me, I love you.” At the time, Connolly thought little of it, but in hindsight, he realized this was Williams’s way of saying goodbye.

A Cryptic Farewell

Source: Shutterstock

Reflecting on that final interaction, Connolly admitted that it felt strange—this wasn’t the usual banter they shared, filled with jokes and lightheartedness. Williams’s insistence on expressing love and affection was unusual for him, but Connolly didn’t read too deeply into it. After all, they were two men who had gone through life’s battles together, and moments of emotional vulnerability weren’t rare. It wasn’t until Williams’s death by suicide just days later that the weight of the conversation hit Connolly with full force. “I always felt that was him saying goodbye,” he confessed. Sharing how those words now reverberate in his mind as a final farewell​.

Read More: Robin Williams’ widow explains misconceptions about what really happened to him

Shared Struggles: A Deep Connection Through Health Challenges

HOLLYWOOD, CA - AUGUST 12, 2014: Robin Williams' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is surrounded by flowers and various memorial tributes left by fans on August 12, 2014.
Source: Shutterstock

Another poignant aspect of their friendship was how Williams and Connolly supported each other through personal struggles, particularly with health. Connolly had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, and Williams, around the same time, believed he was also suffering from early-onset Parkinson’s. The two often discussed their illnesses, confiding in each other about their fears and frustrations. Robin Williams, who was known for his outwardly boundless energy, had begun to experience a deterioration in his mental and physical health. Which deeply troubled him. The two friends would regularly compare notes on their conditions, finding solace in their shared experience.

However, after Williams’s death, it was revealed that he had not been suffering from Parkinson’s at all, but rather from Lewy body dementia. A severe and debilitating condition that affects cognitive and physical functioning. This diagnosis cast a shadow over their final conversations, as it became clear that Williams’s struggles were even more profound than anyone, including Connolly, had realized at the time.

The Aftermath: The Shock and Grief Following Williams’s Death

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Williams’s death sent shockwaves through the world. The iconic comedian, who had spent his life making others laugh, had been fighting a silent battle with mental illness. For Connolly, the loss was personal and profound. “It was the saddest day,” he recalled, emphasizing the depth of his grief. Connolly’s reflections on that day, a mixture of sorrow and disbelief, reveal the complexity of dealing with the loss of a close friend to suicide. Even a decade later, the pain of that day lingers. Particularly when he remembers the uncharacteristic final words Williams spoke to him.

Robin Williams’s Enduring Legacy

23MAR98: MATT DAMON (left), ROBIN WILLIAMS & BEN AFFLECK at the 70th Academy Awards.
Source: Shutterstock

As we mark ten years since Robin Williams’s passing, his legacy remains as vibrant as ever. He is remembered not only for his unparalleled talent as a comedian and actor but also for the kindness and generosity he extended to friends, colleagues, and fans. For Connolly, the memories of Williams are bittersweet. He treasures the years they spent together, the laughs they shared, and the deep conversations they had. But he is also haunted by the loss of a dear friend taken far too soon. Connolly’s recent revelations about their final conversation offer a glimpse into the emotional complexity of Williams’s final days, and it serves as a reminder of the silent struggles many face, even those who seem to have it all.

Conclusion: A Tragic Goodbye and a Lasting Impact

HOLLYWOOD - JUNE 26: Robin Williams star on Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California. This star is located on Hollywood Blvd. and is one of 2400 celebrity stars.
Source: Shutterstock

The final words that Robin Williams shared with Billy Connolly were not just the musings of a man at dinner—they were a poignant and heartfelt farewell. Though Connolly did not recognize their significance in the moment, he now sees them for what they were. A goodbye from a friend who knew he was nearing the end. Williams’s death may have left a void in the world of comedy, but his memory lives on through the stories of those who knew him best, like Connolly. In sharing these moments, Connolly honors his friend’s memory. Ensuring that the laughter, love, and lessons they shared continue to resonate for years to come.

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Sources

  1. 10 Years after Robin Williams’ Death, His Friend Billy Connolly Opened up about the Actor’s Heartbreaking Final Words – Details” Ahmama. September 5, 2024
  2. “10 years after Robin Williams’ tragic death, Billy Connolly opened up about the actor’s heartbreaking final words” NewsNer. Michael Panter
  3. “Sir Billy Connolly reveals heartbreaking final words Robin Williams said to him that ‘felt like a goodbye'” Lad Bible. Brenna Cooper. Spetember 2, 2024.
  4. “Billy Connolly emotionally recounts devastating final encounter with friend Robin Williams” Express. Alexandra Bullard. August 30, 2024.