Art & Life with Billy O’Connor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy O’Connor.

Billy O’Connor was born in County Cork Ireland and grew up in the Bronx. After Vietnam, Billy was an illegal bookie, a Teamster, a pub owner, and a New York City firefighter. More importantly, he was also an alcoholic. The tragedy of 9/11, and the loss of 343 of his brother firefighters, brought with it an epiphany. Billy sobered up and attended the University of Florida. At the age of 62, he earned his journalism degree and began to write has written two highly praised weekly columns, two screenplays, and numerous political pieces. His second book, Da Mick, follows his award-winning first novel, Confessions of a Bronx Bookie.

For the past seven years, Billy’s acerbic wit as a standup comic has also entertained audiences throughout, California, Florida, New York, Nevada, and Arizona. He has shared the stage with great comedic talents such as: Jim Florentine, Orny Adams, Todd Berry, Jon Lovitz, Paul Virzi, Julian McCullough and Finesse Mitchell.

His inspirational story reminds us that with the proper attitude, life begins at 60. Billy can be reached at Oconnor.williamp@gmail.com or at BronxBilly.com

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
For the past seven years, Billy’s acerbic wit on stage has entertained audiences throughout, California, Florida, New York and Arizona. He has shared the stage with such great comedic talents as Orny Adams, Todd Berry, Jon Lovitz, Shawn Wayans, Julian McCullough, Finesse Mitchell, and Chris Cope. O’Connor has headlined at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy and many rooms in N.Y. and Phoenix and finished among the top three in the Tempe Improv’s funniest comedian contest three years in a row. He also finished second the following year in AZ’s Funniest Comedian at the House of Comedy. As a reformed alcoholic, compulsive gambler and retired firefighter, his inspirational story reminds us all that with the proper attitude, life begins at 60. This award-winning author was born in County Cork, Ireland, and raised in the Bronx streets, he currently lives in Phoenix, AZ.

Vietnam Vet
Former FDNY LT. – first responder at 9/11
Published Author – Confessions of a Bronx Bookie, Da Mick
Stand-Up Comic
Former Bookie, teamster, club and restaurant owner
University of Florida Journalism Graduate

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
You only live once. Follow your dreams. It’s never too late. Even if you make a mistake, always remember that bad decisions make great stories, so throw the dice.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Oct 26th, O’Connor will be performing a one-man show at Stand Up Live to open the prestigious All Thing’s Comedy Festival in Phoenix.

Contact Inf0:

• Website: BronxBilly.com
• Phone: 3055093168
• Email: OConnor.williamp@gmail.com
• Instagram: BronxBillyO
• Facebook: Billy OConnor
• Twitter: BronxBillyO

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.