Robin Williams 'tried to say goodbye' to Billy Connolly, actor claims

The comedian says that his late friend made a parting phone call to him

Billy Connolly opts for a smart moustache and beard combination that matches his long grey hair (Getty Images)

Billy Connolly’s great friend Robin Williams phoned to tell him he loved him, before the actor’s suicide on 11 August.

"As a matter of fact, I thought afterwards he tried to say goodbye to me, because he got very luvvie towards the end," said Connolly.

"It’s fanciful but that’s what I told myself. On the last phone call he said, 'I love you like a brother' and I said, 'I know you do' and he said, 'Are you sure you know?' and I said, 'Yes'."

Williams visited Scotland on numerous occasions, often as Connolly’s guest. He also performed at Edinburgh Fringe during the early stages of his career.

"He would call me and we would compare notes," said Connolly. "His was early onset, the same as mine. Everybody worries about it. It’s like a mugger following you around."

At the time of Williams’ death, Connolly was one of many famous names to have paid tribute to the actor, calling him both "my friend and hero".

"The world will be a much poorer place without him," he said.

Williams had been suffering from depression prior to his death, aged 63. His ashes were scattered near his family home over San Francisco Bay.