Monty Python's Terry Jones, RIP
Terry Jones, comedian, scholar, director and Monty Python member, has died at age 77. He had been suffering for four years from a rare form of dementia known as FTD. Fellow Python Michael Palin said in a statement to the BBC, “Terry was one of my closest, most valued friends. He was kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full.” John Cleese said, “It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away.”
In addition to writing and performing with Monty Python, Jones also directed or co-directed their films, and he directed other films, too, most recently 2015’s Absolutely Anything. He was also a respected Medieval historian and made many television documentaries on the period, and he also wrote childrens books. It’s hard to overstate his influence on comedy and popular culture. Rest in peace, Terry.
Read tributes to Terry from fellow comedians, filmmakers and more, and watch a few of his classic Python clips, below.
A very fond farewell to Terry Jones: Not only 1/6 of the Pythons, Mr Creosote, Arthur Two Sheds Jackson, Dino Vercotti, Mandy Cohen, Prince Herbert, Cardinal Biggles & the Nude Organist, but also esteemed director of all time comedy classic; 'Life Of Brian'. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/PeBDlvGfsD
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) January 22, 2020
Farewell, Terry Jones. The great foot has come down to stamp on you. My god what pleasure you gave, what untrammelled joy and delight. What a wonderful talent, heart and mind
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 22, 2020
36 years ago I met Terry Jones. I was meant to interview him. I asked for tea, so he opened a bottle of Chablis & got me drunk. He was funny, brilliant and honest. He was irrepressible and is seen here repressing the very young me. Rest in Peace, Terry. You were an inspiration. pic.twitter.com/fNBJZwOFcX
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) January 22, 2020
Thank you for making the world a funnier place, Terry Jones. pic.twitter.com/XVBecCh9YZ
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) January 22, 2020
RIP Monty Python legend Terry Jones. He once had a pint with me in London & then graciously had me over for dinner with him & his wife Anna. A kind, brilliant & hilarious man.
— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) January 22, 2020
So sad to hear of the passing of genius comedy star and wonderful guy, Terry Jones. What a legacy to the world. Deepest condolences to his family and the other beyond fabulous Pythons. RIP. Bri https://t.co/omuIWP1BKb
— Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) January 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/chrismcquarrie/status/1219977732890689539
