Billy Connolly's wife to be honoured for work in human sexuality

Published on Wednesday 15 July 2009 12:09

THE wife of Scots comedian Billy Connolly will be honoured today for her achievements in the field of human sexuality.

Pamela Stephenson-Connolly will be given a doctorate of science from Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University.

The university said the clinical psychologist and former actor has made a "marked, sustained and international contribution" with her work in sexuality.

Dr Connolly has run a private practice in Beverly Hills for 16 years, treating post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

She specialises in human sexuality, and at the California Graduate Institute she teaches advanced human sexuality and sex therapy. She is also founder and president of the Los Angeles Sexuality Centre and treats sexual disorders.

Her other roles include secretary to the American Association of Sex Educators, and she lectures internationally.

Born in New Zealand, Dr Connolly was educated in Australia where she pursued a successful acting career before moving to London and featuring in the comedy series Not The Nine O'Clock News.

She famously interviewed her future husband on the show in the guise of journalist Janet Street-Porter.

The couple married in Fiji in 1989 and have three daughters – Daisy, Amy and Scarlett.

Dr Connolly changed career direction and began studying psychology after the family settled in Los Angeles in 1991.

More recently she has written two books about her husband, Billy and Bravemouth: Living With Billy Connolly.

In Shrink Rap, a 2007 TV series for More 4, she interviewed celebrities including Stephen Fry and the Duchess of York to help them relate childhood experiences to problems in adult life.

A Robert Gordon University spokesman said: "This award marks and celebrates the successes of Pamela not only in her numerous careers in TV, in film, and in literature but particularly in science and the field of human sexuality, where she has made a marked, sustained and international contribution."