Terry Jones, a founding member of Monty Python and a beloved comedian, screenwriter, film director, poet, historian and author, has died. He was 77.
His agent confirmed his death to the BBC. He had been suffering from dementia, which was revealed publicly by his son, Bill, in September 2016. It left him unable to speak.
“We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones,” his family said in a statement.
“Terry passed away on the evening of 21 January 2020 at the age of 77 with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after a long, extremely brave but always good humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.
“Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in North London. We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades.”
Renowned for his depictions of middle-aged housewives, often with hysterically falsetto voices, it was Jones who would famously scream the iconic line, “He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy,” while playing mother to the titular not-quite-son-of-god in the 1979 comedy Monty Python’s Life of Brian, which he also directed. The line twice was voted the funniest in film history in U.K. polls.
Not as famous as Palin, Cleese or Idle, but the heart and soul of the ensemble nonetheless. He did some very good documentaries after Python that are worth viewing.
I could’ve sworn I heard him say “I’m not dead yet”…
REALLY? “He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy,” while playing mother to the titular not-quite-son-of-god in the 1979 comedy Monty Python’s Life of Brian, which he also directed. The line twice was voted the funniest in film history in U.K. polls.
Eddie Izzard has many lines way better than that and I’m sure others do too. Brits are such idiots.
RIP
Enjoyed his work.
Mr. Creosote. I never laughed so hard when I first saw that. RIP Terry.
RIP, Terry.
“Always look on the bright side of life.”
Rest in peace, Terry.
Aw, that’s too bad. Not a hardcore fan of MP, but they had some funny stuff.
“Mr. Praline: ‘E’s not pinin’! ‘E’s passed on! This Python is no more! He has ceased to be! ‘E’s expired and gone to meet ‘is maker! ‘E’s a stiff! Bereft of life, ‘e rests in peace! If you hadn’t nailed ‘im to the perch ‘e’d be pushing up the daisies! ‘Is metabolic processes are now ‘istory! ‘E’s off the twig! ‘E’s kicked the bucket, ‘e’s shuffled off ‘is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin’ choir invisible!! THIS IS AN EX-PYTHON!!”
…I bet Terry Jones would think it’s funny…
…RIP Mr. Jones. The next time I hear thunder, I’ll know it’s because you’re cracking Heaven up…
He brought many smiles and laughs to many, many people. Now with God.
Thank you for your endeavors, Mr Jones
May your memory be eternal
Anon, what a dick
Terry Jones wrote intelligent, witty humor.
I saw MP at the Hollywood Bowl back in the day
I didn’t catch one of the Foster’s lagers they tossed out, but I drank a sip offered by a mate who did.
The were, are and will stay: Great
What a Joyous find for a Midwestern Teenager….We used to fake going to
sleep…then get up an Hour later to watch Reruns of Monty Python on
an old Black and White TV We inherited from My Grandma…
I can still imitate “Thank You for watching, the BBC” .
RIP Mr. Jones…Many laughs .
Monte Python was the catalyst for my warped sense of humor.
TJ was the best American on MP.
also, the only one.
All the heroes of my youth are dying.
Charlie, Terry Gilliam is the Yank. Still alive and recently in the news.
Loved him in ‘Arthur’ with Liza Minneli.
Agree with WDS, Mr. Creosote was the funniest skit EVER!!
His history and science films after MP are among my favorite shows to watch. I guess I now know why they have been scarce of late.
I’ll miss him and his work.
E’s buggered off,
Brave Sir Robin Ran away… When danger reared it’s ugly head, he bravely turned his tail and fled.
…kind of makes you feel so, sort of, insignificant, doesn’t it?
https://youtu.be/DGkCEH53UeA
…I wonder if they got his liver…
“You mean you we’re raped!?”
“Well, at first…”
One of the funniest pythons, and one of my favorites.
God rest his soul- this has made me terribly sad. ;-;
Loved Terry Jones since I was in middle school. Gave me a million laughs since then. R.I.P.