Monty Python

17 Stories

Monty Python Star Eric Idle: I Have to Work at 80

'I don't know why people always assume we're loaded'

(Newser) - Eric Idle has legions of fans around the world from his work with Monty Python, but that doesn't necessarily translate into a cushy retirement. In a series of tweets, Idle says he still finds it necessary to work at age 80, reports the BBC . "I don't know...

Monty Python Star Mourned as 'Complete Renaissance Comedian'

Comedy troupe founder Terry Jones dead at 77

(Newser) - The comedy world is mourning a genius . Terry Jones of the Monty Python comedy troupe died Tuesday at age 77 after what family described as "a long, extremely brave but always good humored battle with a rare form of dementia." The Welshman, who died at his home in...

Terry Gilliam Rips Into #MeToo, and That's Not All

The Monty Python alum says Harvey Weinstein's victims made 'choices'

(Newser) - Terry Gilliam, offensive? The Monty Python alum seems to relish the role, smiling as he tosses off explosive opinions—and his latest Independent interview is no different. "People work so hard to be offended now," says the 79-year-old. "I don't know why I'm doing it....

The '7th Python' Dead at 75
The '7th Python'
Dead at 75
Dec 30, 2019 11:15 AM CST

The '7th Python' Dead at 75

Monty Python collaborator Neil Innes was also known for his Beatles parody group, the Rutles

(Newser) - Comedic writer and actor Neil Innes, who created a Beatles parody group called the Rutles and frequently worked with the members of Monty Python, has died at age 75, his agent confirmed Monday. Innes died of natural causes Sunday night, agent Nigel Morton said, per the AP . A statement released...

Eric Idle Gets Mail, Then a Hazmat Response

Anthrax scare after powder came out of envelope has since been deemed a false alarm

(Newser) - Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition , nor an anthrax scare—but it was the latter that brought emergency workers to the Los Angeles residence of a Monty Python alum Monday evening. The LAPD reports the Hollywood Hills home of Eric Idle and his wife, Tania Kosevich, was evacuated after someone...

Silly Walkers Welcome in This Texas Town

Sulphur Springs has crosswalk signs inspired by Monty Python

(Newser) - If you see someone doing a strange walk, or more precisely, a silly walk in Sulphur Springs, Texas, DallasNews.com has the explanation. It's all about two crosswalk signs that any Monty Python fan will recognize instantly—they depict John Cleese's Ministry of Silly Walks character crossing the...

Monty Python's Terry Jones Is Losing Ability to Speak

He's been diagnosed with dementia

(Newser) - Terry Jones, founding member of Monty Python and director of the comedy troupe's films, has been diagnosed with dementia, the AP reports. The 74-year-old Jones has primary progressive aphasia. The Huffington Post quotes a spokesperson for Jones as saying the disease "affects his ability to communicate and he...

Monty Python Reunion Sold Out in 45 Seconds

Troupe plans 4 more shows

(Newser) - Monty Python's reunion gig sold out in less than a minute—and so did each of four added performances, according to Eric Idle, who's directing the shows at London's O2 Arena. "This pretty much took us by surprise," Idle tweeted . Performances will run from July...

Monty Python Plans Stage Reunion

Will be surviving members' first performance together since 1998

(Newser) - For the first time in more than a decade, all surviving members of Monty Python will be performing together. Member Terry Jones confirmed the event to the BBC following a Sun report. "We're getting together and putting on a show—it's real," he says. "I'...

Lawsuit: Gov. Scott Running Florida a la Monty Python

Florida governor sued by blind woman for rules change

(Newser) - A blind Florida woman is suing Gov. Rick Scott over his order suspending the state’s rulemaking process—and her attorneys had some fun with the filing. Rosalie Whiley thinks the governor overstepped his constitutional bounds, while the governor says he has the “ supreme executive power ” to do...

Diary Advice from Monty Python Diarist Michael Palin
 How Not to Write a Diary 
Michael Palin
Mar 22, 2011 1:38 PM CDT

How Not to Write a Diary

Michael Palin: If you're not interesting, don't pretend to be

(Newser) - Keeping a diary is well worth your while—but there are some “do’s and don’ts” to keep in mind, writes Monty Python’s Michael Palin in Vanity Fair . The big one is, “don’t try and make your life interesting when it isn’t,” notes...

Helen Mirren Slams UK's 'Savage' Americanization

Britain's becoming too cruel, expat Oscar-winner says

(Newser) - Britain is becoming far too much like the US, complains Oscar-winning British actress—and Los Angeles resident—Helen Mirren. The 65-year-old told a French magazine that she feels her native culture is changing for the worse, and becoming too Americanized, the Telegraph reports. "England is constantly threatened by a...

Capitol Hill's Favorite New Book: The Big Short

Lawmakers love how it explains meltdown

(Newser) - Listen to debate over financial reform on Capitol Hill for any length of time and you might think lawmakers were being paid to plug The Big Short, by Michael Lewis. They're not; they just love the way the book explains the financial meltdown and how a handful of investors made...

NJ Gov Hopeful Runs Afoul of Monty Python
NJ Gov Hopeful Runs Afoul of Monty Python
election 2009
Nov 2, 2009 3:40 PM CST

NJ Gov Hopeful Runs Afoul of Monty Python

Troupe threatens to sue Republican over pirated video footage

(Newser) - Republican Chris Christie holds a razor-thin lead over incumbent Jon Corzine in the New Jersey governor's race, and now he has five more potential opponents—the members of Monty Python, who are considering suing the former US Attorney for violating their copyright. An online ad the campaign swiftly yanked from...

Cleese Hits Stage to Fund $20M Divorce

Monty Python comedian John Cleese, still bitter, will stage one-man show

(Newser) - Hit with a $20 million divorce settlement, John Cleese is taking to the stage for the first time in four years to raise some cash—and have a little fun airing his outrage at the payout to his third wife. A Ludicrous Evening with John Cleese… or How to Finance ...

The 10 Best Jesus Films
 The 10 Best Jesus Films 
OPINION
Apr 11, 2009 6:01 AM CDT

The 10 Best Jesus Films

From Cecil De Mille to Parker & Stone

(Newser) - In honor of Easter, Time lists the 10 best Jesus flicks—from Cecil B. De Mille to South Park—and gives you the scoop on each.
  1. The King of Kings, 1927 Cecil B. De Mille.
  2. The King of Kings, 1961 Nicholas Ray.
  3. The Gospel According to St. Matthew, 1964, Pier
...

Cleese Wants to be Obama Speechwriter

British actor offers comedic services to 'brilliant' candidate

(Newser) - British comedian John Cleese has endorsed Barack Obama and says he stands ready to be a speechwriter for his chosen candidate. "If Barack Obama gets the nomination, I'm going to offer my services to him as a speechwriter," the California-based Cleese tells the UK's Western Daily Press, "...

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