Warning: This article contains descriptions of self-harm.
While Monty Python remains beloved to this day, John Cleese isn’t without his share of adversaries — including one of his oldest friends and collaborators and the family of the World War II hero that he turned into Basil Fawlty. But topping all of those feuds was the time Cleese angered an entire city in New Zealand.
Back in 2005, the George of the Jungle 2 star visited New Zealand for his “My Life, Times and Current Medical Problems” tour, which he promoted by getting into bed with a female newscaster, as is New Zealand custom, I guess?
Play
But during his trip, Cleese wasn’t too enamored with the city of Palmerston North, and he didn’t hold back while expressing that opinion in a podcast he recorded for his website. Cleese called the town the “suicide capital of New Zealand” and suggested “if...
While Monty Python remains beloved to this day, John Cleese isn’t without his share of adversaries — including one of his oldest friends and collaborators and the family of the World War II hero that he turned into Basil Fawlty. But topping all of those feuds was the time Cleese angered an entire city in New Zealand.
Back in 2005, the George of the Jungle 2 star visited New Zealand for his “My Life, Times and Current Medical Problems” tour, which he promoted by getting into bed with a female newscaster, as is New Zealand custom, I guess?
Play
But during his trip, Cleese wasn’t too enamored with the city of Palmerston North, and he didn’t hold back while expressing that opinion in a podcast he recorded for his website. Cleese called the town the “suicide capital of New Zealand” and suggested “if...
- 9/20/2024
- Cracked
As his daughter predicted, John Cleese's self-imposed exile from Twitter/X didn’t last long. To be fair, the Monty Python star managed to stay silent (save for a couple of retweets) for nearly nine days before deciding to fire new shots at archenemy and former comedy compatriot Eric Idle.
The latest grenade lob continues a social media feud from earlier this year. Idle publicly complained that the group’s relative lack of riches was due to mismanagement by Terry Gilliam’s daughter, Holly, who runs the company that steers Monty Python projects. Cleese, Michael Palin and (surprise) Terry Gilliam came out in support of Holly at the time. Cleese said that he found her to be “very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working and pleasant.”
What sparked the flames again? Deadline reports that Idle created “a fresh post on X (once Twitter),” accusing Cleese of firing former manager Jim Beach and installing Holly.
The latest grenade lob continues a social media feud from earlier this year. Idle publicly complained that the group’s relative lack of riches was due to mismanagement by Terry Gilliam’s daughter, Holly, who runs the company that steers Monty Python projects. Cleese, Michael Palin and (surprise) Terry Gilliam came out in support of Holly at the time. Cleese said that he found her to be “very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working and pleasant.”
What sparked the flames again? Deadline reports that Idle created “a fresh post on X (once Twitter),” accusing Cleese of firing former manager Jim Beach and installing Holly.
- 9/19/2024
- Cracked
Earlier this year, a sad truth for fans of Monty Python was unveiled when a feud between members Eric Idle and John Cleese was made public. Idle would profess that the brand had been mismanaged due to Cleese firing former manager Jim Beach and appointing Terry Gilliam’s daughter, Holly, in the position. Eric Idle revealed that funds have dried up from his Monty Python days, writing, “I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
Back in February, Idle made it clear on social media when he posted, “I don’t mind but once they put Gilliams daughter in as Manager and Cleese fires Jim Beach, well it’s over.” A fan responded to the situation by inquiring why other members didn’t get a say on the management replacement decision.
Back in February, Idle made it clear on social media when he posted, “I don’t mind but once they put Gilliams daughter in as Manager and Cleese fires Jim Beach, well it’s over.” A fan responded to the situation by inquiring why other members didn’t get a say on the management replacement decision.
- 9/19/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
John Cleese and Eric Idle are continuing to duke it out on social media.
The Monty Python legends exchanged barbs earlier this year, locking horns over their estrangement after Idle complained that he still had to work because Python’s earnings had dried up.
Idle blamed the mismanagement of the Python brand on Terry Gilliam and his daughter, Holly. The latter runs Hdg Projects, which manages Python and helped stage Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go, the group’s 2014 reunion shows at the O2 in London.
Cleese, along with Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, later made clear that they endorsed Holly’s management. “I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant,” Cleese said.
Now, in a fresh post on X (once Twitter), Idle has accused Cleese of firing former manager Jim Beach and installing Holly. He said this was the reason their relationship was “over.”
I...
The Monty Python legends exchanged barbs earlier this year, locking horns over their estrangement after Idle complained that he still had to work because Python’s earnings had dried up.
Idle blamed the mismanagement of the Python brand on Terry Gilliam and his daughter, Holly. The latter runs Hdg Projects, which manages Python and helped stage Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go, the group’s 2014 reunion shows at the O2 in London.
Cleese, along with Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, later made clear that they endorsed Holly’s management. “I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant,” Cleese said.
Now, in a fresh post on X (once Twitter), Idle has accused Cleese of firing former manager Jim Beach and installing Holly. He said this was the reason their relationship was “over.”
I...
- 9/19/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s certainly not uncommon for filmmakers to tell autobiographical stories in their work, such as how Steven Spielberg has used dinosaurs, aliens, ancient Biblical relics and aliens a few more times to process his parents’ divorce.
One movie that most people likely don’t tend to think of as autobiographical is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. After all, it’s not like any of the Pythons ever survived any bovine catapult attacks or bloodthirsty bunny rabbit skirmishes.
But an autobiographical reading of The Holy Grail has just been floated — and not by some unhinged fan, but by Eric Idle.
In a new interview with The New Yorker, Idle chatted about a number of different topics, including his apparent financial difficulties, and the state of his relationship with fellow Python John Cleese. But much of the discussion was focused on Idle’s upcoming tour, as well as his newest book,...
One movie that most people likely don’t tend to think of as autobiographical is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. After all, it’s not like any of the Pythons ever survived any bovine catapult attacks or bloodthirsty bunny rabbit skirmishes.
But an autobiographical reading of The Holy Grail has just been floated — and not by some unhinged fan, but by Eric Idle.
In a new interview with The New Yorker, Idle chatted about a number of different topics, including his apparent financial difficulties, and the state of his relationship with fellow Python John Cleese. But much of the discussion was focused on Idle’s upcoming tour, as well as his newest book,...
- 9/9/2024
- Cracked
Eric Idle is addressing Monty Python’s money troubles and his “poor” relationship with his comedy troupe colleague John Cleese.
In a new interview in The New Yorker, the 81-year-old discussed how he’s been anything but, well, idle in his octogenarian years due to feeling cash strapped.
Idle had posted in February, “I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously … I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. [Their musical] Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.” He also appeared to blame the comedy troupe’s asset manager, Holly Gilliam, member Terry Gilliam’s daughter, for the state of their finances. Cleese also posted that he “loathed and despised” Idle, then later said he was only joking.
Idle says his comment about the group’s finances was,...
In a new interview in The New Yorker, the 81-year-old discussed how he’s been anything but, well, idle in his octogenarian years due to feeling cash strapped.
Idle had posted in February, “I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously … I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. [Their musical] Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.” He also appeared to blame the comedy troupe’s asset manager, Holly Gilliam, member Terry Gilliam’s daughter, for the state of their finances. Cleese also posted that he “loathed and despised” Idle, then later said he was only joking.
Idle says his comment about the group’s finances was,...
- 9/9/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Are liberal snowflakes too sensitive to laugh at Terry Jones’ many gender-bending characters without crying about “transphobia,” or are conservatives too stupid to understand that those anarcho-syndicalist peasants from Monty Python and the Holy Grail were basically the medieval Antifa?
Sadly, we’ve reached the stage in the comedy culture wars where such questions apparently must be asked whenever John Cleese opens Twitter and participates in whichever political debate rages the loudest at the moment. Despite being best known for his work in the iconoclastic, anti-establishment and counter-cultural comedy troupe Monty Python, Cleese’s personal politics have been hard to keep straight in the last 10 years as he’s raged against the rise of “wokeness” on the U.K.’s version of Fox News while simultaneously criticizing the American alt-right and its figureheads in inflammatory Twitter threads like this one that went viral over the holiday weekend.
On Monday, Cleese...
Sadly, we’ve reached the stage in the comedy culture wars where such questions apparently must be asked whenever John Cleese opens Twitter and participates in whichever political debate rages the loudest at the moment. Despite being best known for his work in the iconoclastic, anti-establishment and counter-cultural comedy troupe Monty Python, Cleese’s personal politics have been hard to keep straight in the last 10 years as he’s raged against the rise of “wokeness” on the U.K.’s version of Fox News while simultaneously criticizing the American alt-right and its figureheads in inflammatory Twitter threads like this one that went viral over the holiday weekend.
On Monday, Cleese...
- 9/3/2024
- Cracked
Eric Idle and John Cleese’s recent social media feud garnered a lot of attention from fans, but it’s far from the first time that the two Monty Python members squabbled. As one resurfaced interview clip illustrates, their behind-the-scenes tension goes back decades, and once involved an argument over drinking urine.
One of the most infamous lost Python sketches is “Wee-Wee Wine Tasting,” which was filmed for the Season Three episode “E. Henry Thripshaw's Disease” but ultimately cut from the broadcast. As Idle recalled in the 1990 documentary Life of Python, the sketch, which he wrote with Michael Palin, found a refined gentleman visiting a wine cellar, and taking guesses as to the contents of his glass (Pouilly Fumé? Médoc?) only to be constantly informed that the wine is, in fact, “wee-wee.”
While most members of the Pythons got behind the “very silly” sketch, Cleese was vehemently opposed to it and,...
One of the most infamous lost Python sketches is “Wee-Wee Wine Tasting,” which was filmed for the Season Three episode “E. Henry Thripshaw's Disease” but ultimately cut from the broadcast. As Idle recalled in the 1990 documentary Life of Python, the sketch, which he wrote with Michael Palin, found a refined gentleman visiting a wine cellar, and taking guesses as to the contents of his glass (Pouilly Fumé? Médoc?) only to be constantly informed that the wine is, in fact, “wee-wee.”
While most members of the Pythons got behind the “very silly” sketch, Cleese was vehemently opposed to it and,...
- 8/22/2024
- Cracked
Although somewhat tame by today’s standards, when Monty Python’s Life of Brian was released in 1979, it was considered to be among the most offensive — and blasphemous — films ever made. While no strangers to controversy, Monty Python faced a backlash like never before with their third film, in which they relentlessly mocked organized religion via a biblical epic parody about a man named Brian who is mistaken for the messiah just because he’s Jesus’ neighbor.
Forty-five years after its initial release, Life of Brian is still regarded as a classic, and many consider it to be the best, most sophisticated work the Pythons ever did. Here’s how it all came about, how angry it made everybody and why it’s stood the test of time…
45 Jesus Christ: Lust for Glory
Life of Brian was first conceived when the Pythons were on the publicity tour for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Forty-five years after its initial release, Life of Brian is still regarded as a classic, and many consider it to be the best, most sophisticated work the Pythons ever did. Here’s how it all came about, how angry it made everybody and why it’s stood the test of time…
45 Jesus Christ: Lust for Glory
Life of Brian was first conceived when the Pythons were on the publicity tour for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
- 8/18/2024
- Cracked
I think it's fair to say that Monty Python movies, much like the TV show from which they sprung, are all great. The absurdist brilliance of "Monty Python's Flying Circus," which ran on the BBC from 1969 to 1974, saw comedians John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam rewrite the rules of comedy. Alongside regular collaborators Carol Cleveland and Connie Booth, the Monty Python troupe established themselves as true comedic geniuses, leading to a run of feature films that remain just as beloved to this day as the "Flying Circus" itself.
Chief among those films is 1975's "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," a deconstruction of the British national identity by way of an irreverent retelling of Arthurian legend. The film was and is much more than its oft-quoted catchphrases would suggest, with the Python boys turning their subversive eye towards British history and sending up...
Chief among those films is 1975's "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," a deconstruction of the British national identity by way of an irreverent retelling of Arthurian legend. The film was and is much more than its oft-quoted catchphrases would suggest, with the Python boys turning their subversive eye towards British history and sending up...
- 8/17/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
There’s been a lot of discussion lately about the interpersonal conflicts within Monty Python, even despite the fact that they haven’t performed as a group in 10 years, two of them are dead and the surviving members are old enough to join up with Hell’s Grannies.
It all started with a back-and-forth social media feud between John Cleese and Eric Idle, which led to Cleese stating that they have “always loathed and despised each other.” While he later claimed to be joking, Cleese, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam then celebrated Palin’s 81st birthday without Idle. This was soon followed by Cleese randomly calling Palin “boring,” forcing Palin to defend himself on national television.
All of which seems like a lot of drama for four octogenarians.
While promoting his Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Live! Tour, Idle was asked by Now to Love about his friendship with his fellow Pythons.
It all started with a back-and-forth social media feud between John Cleese and Eric Idle, which led to Cleese stating that they have “always loathed and despised each other.” While he later claimed to be joking, Cleese, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam then celebrated Palin’s 81st birthday without Idle. This was soon followed by Cleese randomly calling Palin “boring,” forcing Palin to defend himself on national television.
All of which seems like a lot of drama for four octogenarians.
While promoting his Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Live! Tour, Idle was asked by Now to Love about his friendship with his fellow Pythons.
- 7/18/2024
- Cracked
It’s been exactly 10 years since Monty Python (minus the late Graham Chapman) began their final run of live shows at London’s O2 Arena, pleasing their legions of fans while also allowing the group to pay off their mounting legal debts — not to mention Terry Jones’ mortgage and John Cleese’s alimony.
The first of 10 total performances occurred on July 1, 2014, and found the group reviving iconic routines like “The Dead Parrot Sketch,” “The Lumberjack Song” and “Argument Clinic.” Monty Python Live (Mostly) also featured some deeper cuts like “Llamas” and “Anne Elk’s Theory on Brontosauruses.”
The initial reviews weren’t exactly raves. The critical consensus seemed to be that it was both undeniably thrilling to see the Pythons performing again, presumably for the last time, yet also kind of sad to see creaky versions of classic sketches mounted by aging comedy legends who were, by their own admission,...
The first of 10 total performances occurred on July 1, 2014, and found the group reviving iconic routines like “The Dead Parrot Sketch,” “The Lumberjack Song” and “Argument Clinic.” Monty Python Live (Mostly) also featured some deeper cuts like “Llamas” and “Anne Elk’s Theory on Brontosauruses.”
The initial reviews weren’t exactly raves. The critical consensus seemed to be that it was both undeniably thrilling to see the Pythons performing again, presumably for the last time, yet also kind of sad to see creaky versions of classic sketches mounted by aging comedy legends who were, by their own admission,...
- 7/1/2024
- Cracked
Nearly a lifetime ago, in 1975, Terry Gilliam submitted his five-minute short film “Miracle of Flight” to the Annecy Animation Festival in France.
An absurdist gem about homo sapiens’ disastrous desire to take to the skies — using the same cut-out technique made famous by the irreverent interstitials and opening credits Gilliam designed for the British sketch comedy series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” — the film screened, but won no prizes.
Suddenly, half a century later (as “Miracle of Flight” might put it), Annecy corrected the oversight by awarding Gilliam an Honorary Cristal. Turns out, it’s a much nicer trophy — considerably bigger and far easier to dust — awarded in appreciation of lifetime achievement in the field.
“Can you believe how long it has taken me to get this fucking award?” Gilliam joked in mock outrage. “I think they know I might not be around next year.” But the director of “Time Bandits,...
An absurdist gem about homo sapiens’ disastrous desire to take to the skies — using the same cut-out technique made famous by the irreverent interstitials and opening credits Gilliam designed for the British sketch comedy series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” — the film screened, but won no prizes.
Suddenly, half a century later (as “Miracle of Flight” might put it), Annecy corrected the oversight by awarding Gilliam an Honorary Cristal. Turns out, it’s a much nicer trophy — considerably bigger and far easier to dust — awarded in appreciation of lifetime achievement in the field.
“Can you believe how long it has taken me to get this fucking award?” Gilliam joked in mock outrage. “I think they know I might not be around next year.” But the director of “Time Bandits,...
- 6/10/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Three members of Monty Python have reunited to celebrate Michael Palin’s birthday.
John Cleese posted a dinner table picture on X (formerly Twitter) of himself alongside Palin and Terry Gilliam after Palin turned 81 on May 5.
Cleese captioned the photo: “An 18 foot Python celebrates Pallin’s 181st Birthday and 195th Travel Book. Photo taken at cafe on peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.”
The day after Palin’s birthday, Cleese wrote: “I was travelling yesterday, and forgot to wish Mickey Pallin a joyous 81st Birthday. We shall shall [sic] celebrate it together tonight, along with Terry Gilliam, if he promises to behave.”
An 18 foot Python celebrates Pallin’s 181st Birthday and 195th Travel Book.
Photo taken at cafe on peak of Mount Kilimanjaro pic.twitter.com/8w4KVsbK3p
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 8, 2024
Eric Idle, who lives in Los Angeles, appeared to be absent from the festivities following his online spat with Cleese and Gilliam earlier this year.
John Cleese posted a dinner table picture on X (formerly Twitter) of himself alongside Palin and Terry Gilliam after Palin turned 81 on May 5.
Cleese captioned the photo: “An 18 foot Python celebrates Pallin’s 181st Birthday and 195th Travel Book. Photo taken at cafe on peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.”
The day after Palin’s birthday, Cleese wrote: “I was travelling yesterday, and forgot to wish Mickey Pallin a joyous 81st Birthday. We shall shall [sic] celebrate it together tonight, along with Terry Gilliam, if he promises to behave.”
An 18 foot Python celebrates Pallin’s 181st Birthday and 195th Travel Book.
Photo taken at cafe on peak of Mount Kilimanjaro pic.twitter.com/8w4KVsbK3p
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 8, 2024
Eric Idle, who lives in Los Angeles, appeared to be absent from the festivities following his online spat with Cleese and Gilliam earlier this year.
- 5/9/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
After fifty years, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is still rightfully hailed by many as one of the all-time greatest comedies, and for a seemingly countless number of reasons: King Arthur’s “horse”, the corpse collector, the Black Knight, the outlandish animations, the rude French knights, an enchanter named Tim, the Knights who say “Ni” a killer rabbit, the Holy Hand Grenade, and so and so on.
But while the end result is historically hilarious, the filmmaking process itself was often pure misery for most involved. Get ready to storm the castle and find out Wtf Happened to this Movie!
During the 1960s, British comedy writers and performers Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin had variously collaborated and found degrees of success before uniting in 1969 to form the group known as Monty Python. This alliance resulted in the BBC sketch comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus,...
But while the end result is historically hilarious, the filmmaking process itself was often pure misery for most involved. Get ready to storm the castle and find out Wtf Happened to this Movie!
During the 1960s, British comedy writers and performers Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin had variously collaborated and found degrees of success before uniting in 1969 to form the group known as Monty Python. This alliance resulted in the BBC sketch comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Dave Davis
- JoBlo.com
On August 12, 2012, 750 million sets of eyes were entranced by the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, a spectacle celebrating the host city and nation. From under the stage emerged Eric Idle, surrounded by nuns on roller skates and Roman soldiers. Idle led the audience in a rendition of his hit comedy anthem “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”. The live crowd joined in on every word, even thirty years after the song’s initial release.
Since the 1960s, Eric Idle has reminded us to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”. More than that, he has made doing so a lot easier with his unique brand of comedy and creativity. Idle rose to prominence with his fellow Pythons in the late 1960s and was a staple of screens big and small in the decades to follow. He has largely stepped away from the spotlight in recent years,...
Since the 1960s, Eric Idle has reminded us to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”. More than that, he has made doing so a lot easier with his unique brand of comedy and creativity. Idle rose to prominence with his fellow Pythons in the late 1960s and was a staple of screens big and small in the decades to follow. He has largely stepped away from the spotlight in recent years,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Derek Mitchell
- JoBlo.com
While two of Monty Python’s most famous former members, Eric Idle and John Cleese, are embroiled in a very public feud, it wasn’t always this way. In recent weeks, Idle has been vocal about how he feels the Monty Python estate is being handled, with him targeting Terry Gilliam and his daughter, Holly, who manages the rights, directly. John Cleese jumped to their aid, writing on X (perhaps in a tongue-in-cheek way) that (referring to Idle) “we always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.”
Now, this might need to be taken with a grain of salt, as Cleese has a notoriously dry wit. Let’s not forget that he eulogized his best friend, Graham Chapman, by saying, “Good riddance to him, the freeloading bastard! I hope he fries.” That was lovingly tongue-in-cheek, although Idle and Cleese always...
Now, this might need to be taken with a grain of salt, as Cleese has a notoriously dry wit. Let’s not forget that he eulogized his best friend, Graham Chapman, by saying, “Good riddance to him, the freeloading bastard! I hope he fries.” That was lovingly tongue-in-cheek, although Idle and Cleese always...
- 2/25/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
John Cleese says the media got it wrong when it quoted his tweet seemingly declaring that he and his Monty Python co-star Eric Idle have always “loathed and despised each other.”
Cleese originally made the comment amid an apparent online dispute over the beloved comedy troupe’s finances, sparked by Idle criticizing the other Pythons, as well as their asset manager Holly Gilliam — daughter of Python member Terry Gilliam.
The Cleese came to Holly’s defense — and he was apparently serious about that part. But 84-year-old claims he wasn’t being serious when he wrote, “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.”
“I’ve just seen the Press Association release,” Cleese wrote. “They got it totally wrong. My remark about ‘loathing and despising each other.’ 1. Referred to all the members of the group. 2. Was a joke I would...
Cleese originally made the comment amid an apparent online dispute over the beloved comedy troupe’s finances, sparked by Idle criticizing the other Pythons, as well as their asset manager Holly Gilliam — daughter of Python member Terry Gilliam.
The Cleese came to Holly’s defense — and he was apparently serious about that part. But 84-year-old claims he wasn’t being serious when he wrote, “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.”
“I’ve just seen the Press Association release,” Cleese wrote. “They got it totally wrong. My remark about ‘loathing and despising each other.’ 1. Referred to all the members of the group. 2. Was a joke I would...
- 2/15/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Monty Python famously performed a sketch about a joke so funny, it was lethal. Well, it turns out that John Cleese’s latest attempt at a gag has been somewhat lost in translation.
In a social media spat for the ages, Eric Idle spent the weekend roasting his fellow Pythons on X (formerly Twitter). Cleese bit at Idle’s comments on Tuesday, posting a repost.
“We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge,” Cleese wrote in a cryptic response to an X user, who asked if he had fallen out with Idle.
The A Fish Called Wanda star has now clarified that he was joking, posting a series of messages on X lashing out at the reporting of his remarks.
Cleese said some publications “got it totally wrong,” arguing that his “loathed and despised” barb was a joke about all his fellow Pythons.
In a social media spat for the ages, Eric Idle spent the weekend roasting his fellow Pythons on X (formerly Twitter). Cleese bit at Idle’s comments on Tuesday, posting a repost.
“We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge,” Cleese wrote in a cryptic response to an X user, who asked if he had fallen out with Idle.
The A Fish Called Wanda star has now clarified that he was joking, posting a series of messages on X lashing out at the reporting of his remarks.
Cleese said some publications “got it totally wrong,” arguing that his “loathed and despised” barb was a joke about all his fellow Pythons.
- 2/15/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
To borrow a phrase from Paddy Chayefsky, Eric Idle is mad as hell, and he’s not going to take it anymore. The founding member of Monty Python, 80, has taken to X in recent days to clear the air on a number of matters regarding the legendary British troupe — whose catalog (four seasons of Monty Python’s Flying Circus plus five feature films, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Monty Python’s Life of Brian) have elevated them to “Beatles of comedy” status. (Idle, it’s worth noting, is also the mind behind the 1978 Beatles parody The Rutles.) The claims — which many fans say are ruining their cherished Python memories — are as follows:
Idle is Out of Money — and Blames the Gilliams
We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I...
Idle is Out of Money — and Blames the Gilliams
We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I...
- 2/14/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Cleese took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to Eric Idle after the latter went viral for some heated comments related to Monty Python, the legendary British comedy troupe that Idle and Cleese co-founded in 1969 alongside Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. Idle made headlines for saying he still has to “work for my living” and heavily suggesting that Monty Python funds are being mismanaged.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded,” Idle posted on X. “Python is a disaster. ‘Spamalot’ made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
“We own everything we ever made in ‘Python’ and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he added. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded,” Idle posted on X. “Python is a disaster. ‘Spamalot’ made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
“We own everything we ever made in ‘Python’ and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he added. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
- 2/13/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Update: John Cleese has responded to Eric Idle’s recent comments, and there doesn’t appear to be any love lost between the former Monty Python performers. Cleese defended Python manager Holly Gilliam, who Idle had suggested was responsible for dwindling income streams.
“I have worked with Holly for the last ten years,” Cleese tweeted, “and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with. Michael Palin has asked me to make it clear that he shares this opinion. Terry Gilliam is also in agreement with this.” Just in case there was any confusion over the status of the relationship between himself and Idle, Cleese drove the point home by saying, “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.” Yikes.
—Original article follows below—
Eric Idle may have written “Always Look on the Bright Side...
“I have worked with Holly for the last ten years,” Cleese tweeted, “and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with. Michael Palin has asked me to make it clear that he shares this opinion. Terry Gilliam is also in agreement with this.” Just in case there was any confusion over the status of the relationship between himself and Idle, Cleese drove the point home by saying, “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.” Yikes.
—Original article follows below—
Eric Idle may have written “Always Look on the Bright Side...
- 2/13/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
John Cleese is making it clear that he – and a few other Pythons – are in complete disagreement with long-ago co-star Eric Idle, who last weekend slammed manager (and daughter of Python co-founder Terry Gilliam) Holly Gilliam for what Idle suggested were the troupe’s dwindling finances.
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” Idle posted on X/Twitter Saturday. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised. One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company.”
Cleese left no doubt where he stands on the matter.
“I have worked with Holly for the last ten years,” the Fawlty Towers creator tweeted today, “and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with.”
Cleese continued, “Michael Palin...
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” Idle posted on X/Twitter Saturday. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised. One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company.”
Cleese left no doubt where he stands on the matter.
“I have worked with Holly for the last ten years,” the Fawlty Towers creator tweeted today, “and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with.”
Cleese continued, “Michael Palin...
- 2/13/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Eric Idle has set the record straight for anyone who thought he had a cushy life from his earnings as a member of Monty Python, saying that he still has to work for a living.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster,” the 80-year-old actor and comedian wrote on Twitter. “Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
Later on, Idle clarified that though the British comedy troupe owns “everything” they ever made as part of the group, changes to royalty distribution — and what he sees as mismanagement of the company — have made a drastic impact on their earnings.
“I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he wrote. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster,” the 80-year-old actor and comedian wrote on Twitter. “Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
Later on, Idle clarified that though the British comedy troupe owns “everything” they ever made as part of the group, changes to royalty distribution — and what he sees as mismanagement of the company — have made a drastic impact on their earnings.
“I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he wrote. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
- 2/12/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Eric Idle was in salty form on X/Twitter over the weekend.
The Monty Python star had some dismissive words for John Cleese and Terry Gilliam, co-founders of the comedy troupe, and he even took a shot at Netflix.
Idle wrote of his surprise that Monty Python’s income had dried up, complaining that he has to keep working at the age of 80.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded,” he said. “Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
He blamed the mismanagement of the Python brand on Gilliam and his daughter, Holly. The latter runs Hdg Projects, which manages Python and helped stage Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go, the group’s 2014 reunion shows in London.
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed...
The Monty Python star had some dismissive words for John Cleese and Terry Gilliam, co-founders of the comedy troupe, and he even took a shot at Netflix.
Idle wrote of his surprise that Monty Python’s income had dried up, complaining that he has to keep working at the age of 80.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded,” he said. “Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
He blamed the mismanagement of the Python brand on Gilliam and his daughter, Holly. The latter runs Hdg Projects, which manages Python and helped stage Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go, the group’s 2014 reunion shows in London.
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed...
- 2/12/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
“Monty Python” alum Eric Idle addressed an apparent fan misconception on Friday: that he and the rest of the legendary British comedy troupe’s members aren’t swimming in cash from their productions. As he put it, “I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.” Idle is 80 years old.
I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age. https://t.co/nFDbV9BOfC
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) February 9, 2024
Hours later, Idle added, “We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I guess if you put a Gilliam...
I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age. https://t.co/nFDbV9BOfC
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) February 9, 2024
Hours later, Idle added, “We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I guess if you put a Gilliam...
- 2/11/2024
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
“Just think,” Sir Lancelot (Taran Killam) muses as he celebrates his gay wedding at the end of Monty Python’s Spamalot. “In a thousand-and-eighteen years time, this will still be controversial.” Killam puts special emphasis on the “eighteen,” an addition to the script that nods to the supposed ways in which Spamalot remains relevant nearly two decades after the Tony-winning musical adaptation of Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam’s 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail tore up the 2004-2005 Broadway season.
The construction of the joke suggests that not much has changed—either for good or ill—in the past decades. That’s hardly true, because when Hank Azaria delivered the punchline in 2005, gay marriage wouldn’t be legalized in New York State for another six years. It’s surprising how much of Spamalot’s humor, especially the gay jokes, now feels rooted in an earlier time. Even peppered...
The construction of the joke suggests that not much has changed—either for good or ill—in the past decades. That’s hardly true, because when Hank Azaria delivered the punchline in 2005, gay marriage wouldn’t be legalized in New York State for another six years. It’s surprising how much of Spamalot’s humor, especially the gay jokes, now feels rooted in an earlier time. Even peppered...
- 11/17/2023
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
There’s no more appropriate reason to put Monty Python and the Holy Grail back in theaters than the celebration of a comically off-year anniversary. That is exactly what’ll happen this December, when the 1975 comedy classic returns to the big screen to celebrate its 48th-and-a-half anniversary.
The film will screen in select theaters across the country on Dec. 3, with additional showings scheduled for Dec. 6. For those who simply cannot help themselves, select theaters will be showing a special “Quote-a-Long” version of the film, while offering a safe space for...
The film will screen in select theaters across the country on Dec. 3, with additional showings scheduled for Dec. 6. For those who simply cannot help themselves, select theaters will be showing a special “Quote-a-Long” version of the film, while offering a safe space for...
- 10/17/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Taran Killam, the former Saturday Night Live player and Hamilton cast member, will play Lancelot in the Broadway revival of Monty Python’s Spamalot, with Alex Brightman taking over the role in January following Killam’s limited engagement.
The casting rounds out the principal roles for the production, which begins previews at the St. James Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 31, with an official opening on Thursday, November 16. Killam will play Lancelot from the first preview until January 7.
Brightman, who’ll take over the role on January 9, played Lancelot at the Kennedy Center staging earlier this year, but is currently starring in Broadway’s The Shark Is Broken, which closes Nov. 19.
The new Lancelots join a Spamalot cast that includes James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as the Lady of the Lake, Michael Urie as Sir Robin, Christopher Fitzgerald as Patsy, Ethan Slater as the Historian/Prince Herbert, Jimmy Smagula as Sir Bedevere,...
The casting rounds out the principal roles for the production, which begins previews at the St. James Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 31, with an official opening on Thursday, November 16. Killam will play Lancelot from the first preview until January 7.
Brightman, who’ll take over the role on January 9, played Lancelot at the Kennedy Center staging earlier this year, but is currently starring in Broadway’s The Shark Is Broken, which closes Nov. 19.
The new Lancelots join a Spamalot cast that includes James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as the Lady of the Lake, Michael Urie as Sir Robin, Christopher Fitzgerald as Patsy, Ethan Slater as the Historian/Prince Herbert, Jimmy Smagula as Sir Bedevere,...
- 9/26/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael McGrath, the veteran stage actor who received a Tony Award for his performance in the musical Nice Work If You Can Get It, has died. He was 65.
McGrath died unexpectedly in his sleep Thursday at his home in Bloomfield, New Jersey, his publicist told The Hollywood Reporter. No cause of death has been determined.
A regular in Broadway and off-Broadway musicals and musical comedy productions, McGrath had starring turns in Plaza Suite, Tootsie, Memphis, Born Yesterday and Wonderful Town. He was also the first actor to play Patsy, King Arthur’s long-suffering sidekick, in Spamalot, which earned him his first Tony nomination.
“Very saddened to hear that Michael McGrath, our first and most beloved Patsy in Spamalot, has passed away,” Idle wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Warm hugs to all the Spamalot family and very happy memories of a lovely man.”
McGrath was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Sept.
McGrath died unexpectedly in his sleep Thursday at his home in Bloomfield, New Jersey, his publicist told The Hollywood Reporter. No cause of death has been determined.
A regular in Broadway and off-Broadway musicals and musical comedy productions, McGrath had starring turns in Plaza Suite, Tootsie, Memphis, Born Yesterday and Wonderful Town. He was also the first actor to play Patsy, King Arthur’s long-suffering sidekick, in Spamalot, which earned him his first Tony nomination.
“Very saddened to hear that Michael McGrath, our first and most beloved Patsy in Spamalot, has passed away,” Idle wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Warm hugs to all the Spamalot family and very happy memories of a lovely man.”
McGrath was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Sept.
- 9/15/2023
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Casting for Broadway’s upcoming Spamalot revival is well underway, with James Monroe Iglehart, Michael Urie, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Jimmy Smagula and Nik Walker set to reprise their roles from the popular Kennedy Center production and Ethan Slater and Christopher Fitzgerald joining as newcomers.
Performances of the Monty Python musical comedy begin Tuesday, October 31, at the St. James Theatre ahead of an official opening night of Thursday, November 16.
Also returning from the Washington D.C. production is Josh Rhodes as director and choreographer.
With a book & lyrics by Python’s Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Idle, the original 2005 Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won three including Best Musical.
The creative team for the revival, also announced today in addition to the casting, includes scenic and projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III, costume design by Jen Caprio, lighting design by Cory Pattak,...
Performances of the Monty Python musical comedy begin Tuesday, October 31, at the St. James Theatre ahead of an official opening night of Thursday, November 16.
Also returning from the Washington D.C. production is Josh Rhodes as director and choreographer.
With a book & lyrics by Python’s Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Idle, the original 2005 Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won three including Best Musical.
The creative team for the revival, also announced today in addition to the casting, includes scenic and projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III, costume design by Jen Caprio, lighting design by Cory Pattak,...
- 8/9/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Spamalot is returning to Broadway this fall in the first revival of the Tony-Award winning musical.
The production, which is transferring to Broadway after a May run at the Kennedy Center, will play the St. James Theatre starting Oct. 31, with an opening night scheduled for Nov. 16. The show originally ran on Broadway from 2005 to 2009, and won three Tony Awards, including best musical.
The musical, which is adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, a member of the Monty Python comedy group, and music by John Du Prez and Idle. The original Broadway production was directed by Mike Nichols and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. Josh Rhodes, who led the production at the Kennedy Center, direct and choreograph on Broadway.
Casting has not yet been announced. The Kennedy Center run featured Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice) as Sir Lancelot, James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin) as King Arthur,...
The production, which is transferring to Broadway after a May run at the Kennedy Center, will play the St. James Theatre starting Oct. 31, with an opening night scheduled for Nov. 16. The show originally ran on Broadway from 2005 to 2009, and won three Tony Awards, including best musical.
The musical, which is adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, a member of the Monty Python comedy group, and music by John Du Prez and Idle. The original Broadway production was directed by Mike Nichols and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. Josh Rhodes, who led the production at the Kennedy Center, direct and choreograph on Broadway.
Casting has not yet been announced. The Kennedy Center run featured Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice) as Sir Lancelot, James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin) as King Arthur,...
- 8/2/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
George Harrison and Eric Idle were close friends, and Idle said he learned a lot from the former Beatle. Harrison’s devoted interest in spirituality caused him to think a lot about purpose, death, and the afterlife, which Idle said gave him a unique perspective on fame. It also added a bit of morbidity to the conversations he had with others. According to Idle, Harrison was constantly talking about how everyone was going to die.
George Harrison | Sonia Moskowitz/Images/Getty Images Eric Idle and George Harrison met at a movie premiere
Harrison and Idle met at the premiere of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Harrison specifically sought out Idle, which was a bit stressful for the actor.
George with Olivia, @EricIdle and @TerryGilliam at the US premiere of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", 1975
?: Jim Selby pic.twitter.com/bvfr5N1Q6K
— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) October...
George Harrison | Sonia Moskowitz/Images/Getty Images Eric Idle and George Harrison met at a movie premiere
Harrison and Idle met at the premiere of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Harrison specifically sought out Idle, which was a bit stressful for the actor.
George with Olivia, @EricIdle and @TerryGilliam at the US premiere of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", 1975
?: Jim Selby pic.twitter.com/bvfr5N1Q6K
— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) October...
- 4/23/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison and Terry Gilliam met before Harrison founded HandMade Films, but they soon worked together on a movie for the production company. They did not have a smooth working experience, due mostly to the fact that they had different ideas for the direction of the film. While Harrison tried to be understanding of Gilliam’s creative vision, he eventually reached a breaking point. He lightly insulted Gilliam, and Gilliam said it made him proud.
George Harrison | William Lovelace/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images The former Beatle befriended members of Monty Python
Harrison founded HandMade Films as a way to finance Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Before this, though, he had befriended members of the comedy group. He first met Eric Idle at a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
“I had heard that George wanted to meet me, but I was somewhat shy of meeting him,...
George Harrison | William Lovelace/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images The former Beatle befriended members of Monty Python
Harrison founded HandMade Films as a way to finance Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Before this, though, he had befriended members of the comedy group. He first met Eric Idle at a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
“I had heard that George wanted to meet me, but I was somewhat shy of meeting him,...
- 2/2/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
George Harrison‘s wife, Olivia, thought her husband’s performance of “The Pirate Song” on Rutland Weekend Television was the bravest thing he ever did. The former Beatle proved he’d do anything for comedy.
George Harrison with his wife Olivia | Tom Wargacki/Getty Images The former Beatle fell in love with The Rutles
In 1975, Eric Idle and Neil Innes created a sketch that followed a fictional band based on The Beatles called The Rutles. The sketch appeared on Idle’s BBC television series Rutland Weekend Television later that year.
In 1976, Idle played clips of The Rutles on SNL. Producer Lorne Michaels liked the sketch and agreed to produce The Rutles‘ movie, All You Need Is Cash, with Idle. The Rutles line-up included Ron Nasty (Innes), Dirk McQuickly (Idle), Stig O’Hara (Ricky Fataar), and Barry Wom (John Halsey).
George was involved from the start. He immediately signed on to play a reporter.
George Harrison with his wife Olivia | Tom Wargacki/Getty Images The former Beatle fell in love with The Rutles
In 1975, Eric Idle and Neil Innes created a sketch that followed a fictional band based on The Beatles called The Rutles. The sketch appeared on Idle’s BBC television series Rutland Weekend Television later that year.
In 1976, Idle played clips of The Rutles on SNL. Producer Lorne Michaels liked the sketch and agreed to produce The Rutles‘ movie, All You Need Is Cash, with Idle. The Rutles line-up included Ron Nasty (Innes), Dirk McQuickly (Idle), Stig O’Hara (Ricky Fataar), and Barry Wom (John Halsey).
George was involved from the start. He immediately signed on to play a reporter.
- 1/29/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Though George Harrison is best known for his music, he also had a hand in many movies. With his production company, HandMade Films, Harrison helped revitalize the British film industry. He became disenchanted with the industry after a number of financial setbacks, but those who knew him say he really fell out of love with it after working on an early film for the company. The challenges of working with director Terry Gillam on Time Bandits wore on Harrison.
George Harrison | Michael Putland/Getty Images George Harrison produced movies through his company, HandMade Films
The controversial religious subject matter of Monty Python’s Life of Brian caused the film’s first backer to pull out at the last minute. Harrison was friendly with members of Monty Python, so when Eric Idle asked him for help, he agreed.
"Music’s always, you know, is the main thing, that I, I do.
George Harrison | Michael Putland/Getty Images George Harrison produced movies through his company, HandMade Films
The controversial religious subject matter of Monty Python’s Life of Brian caused the film’s first backer to pull out at the last minute. Harrison was friendly with members of Monty Python, so when Eric Idle asked him for help, he agreed.
"Music’s always, you know, is the main thing, that I, I do.
- 1/27/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sarah Polley’s Women Talking features a large ensemble of accomplished and award-winning actresses, so it would not have been a surprise to see one (or several) take the stage Thursday at the Palm Springs Film Awards, where Polley was honored with a director of the year prize.
But instead it was Eric Idle, the Monty Python star, who presented Polley with her award. His appearance was especially profound for Polley as it provided a public reunion for the two co-stars from Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. “About 34 years ago, I was on the set of a movie in Rome and I said farewell to a little girl of 8 who starred in the movie,” Idle said. “We had all been scarred on this movie … going on nine months before we’d been able to escape.” Idle called some of the scenes “life-threatening.”
It has come to light...
But instead it was Eric Idle, the Monty Python star, who presented Polley with her award. His appearance was especially profound for Polley as it provided a public reunion for the two co-stars from Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. “About 34 years ago, I was on the set of a movie in Rome and I said farewell to a little girl of 8 who starred in the movie,” Idle said. “We had all been scarred on this movie … going on nine months before we’d been able to escape.” Idle called some of the scenes “life-threatening.”
It has come to light...
- 1/6/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Cleese gave fresh voice to a familiar grudge on Tuesday, raging at the BBC for not showing repeats of Monty Python.
The 83-year-old actor and comedian asked his 5.6M Twitter followers: “Can anyone (including BBC employees) tell me why the BBC has not shown Monty Python for a couple of decades?”
The question overlooked the BBC’s celebration of the iconic comedy, including the broadcast of the first episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, to mark its 50th anniversary in 2019.
John Hoare, a TV playout director, replied to Cleese reminding him of the night dedicated to Python on the BBC. “I sat in BBC Two’s pres suite on the 7th September 2019, prepped an episode of Monty Python for transmission as part of an evening of Python-related programmes, and then put it on air, if that helps,” Hoare said.
Cleese’s tweet also did not mention rights deals...
The 83-year-old actor and comedian asked his 5.6M Twitter followers: “Can anyone (including BBC employees) tell me why the BBC has not shown Monty Python for a couple of decades?”
The question overlooked the BBC’s celebration of the iconic comedy, including the broadcast of the first episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, to mark its 50th anniversary in 2019.
John Hoare, a TV playout director, replied to Cleese reminding him of the night dedicated to Python on the BBC. “I sat in BBC Two’s pres suite on the 7th September 2019, prepped an episode of Monty Python for transmission as part of an evening of Python-related programmes, and then put it on air, if that helps,” Hoare said.
Cleese’s tweet also did not mention rights deals...
- 12/28/2022
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Monty Python star Eric Idle has addressed the topic of “cancel culture”.
Idle, 79, was asked about the subject during a recent appearance on an episode of the podcast On with Kara Swisher.
Asked about Dave Chappelle’s complaints that he is being silenced for his controversial jokes, Idle responded: “Where does he say it? On SNL… well you’re not being that much cancelled, are you?
“If you were in your room complaining. I’d have a lot more sympathy.”
Idle went on to address another vocal critic of “cancel culture”, Bill Maher.
“I didn’t like it when Bill Maher complains about the audience for not laughing, they’re telling you they don’t find it funny.
“You shouldn’t moan about the audience. There’s nothing wrong with the audience. If they don’t laugh at your jokes, there’s something wrong with your joke. And so… I...
Idle, 79, was asked about the subject during a recent appearance on an episode of the podcast On with Kara Swisher.
Asked about Dave Chappelle’s complaints that he is being silenced for his controversial jokes, Idle responded: “Where does he say it? On SNL… well you’re not being that much cancelled, are you?
“If you were in your room complaining. I’d have a lot more sympathy.”
Idle went on to address another vocal critic of “cancel culture”, Bill Maher.
“I didn’t like it when Bill Maher complains about the audience for not laughing, they’re telling you they don’t find it funny.
“You shouldn’t moan about the audience. There’s nothing wrong with the audience. If they don’t laugh at your jokes, there’s something wrong with your joke. And so… I...
- 11/23/2022
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - Film
Eric Idle isn’t going anywhere.
In a new interview with People, the “Monty Python” alum opened up about being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three years ago and surviving.
Read More: Duran Duran Guitarist Andy Taylor Reveals Stage 4 Prostate Cancer: ‘There Is No Cure’
As Idle explained, his cancer spotted thanks to early detection.
“My doctor specializes in preventative medicine, and he makes me go for blood tests every year,” he said. “He noticed a difference in the markers from the previous year, so he ordered an Mri and asked them to add contrast. That lit up the pancreas, and there it was.”
The treatment involved a “partly robotic” surgery that lasted five hours.
“I had a fantastic surgeon … and he cut it all out because it wasn’t attached to anything; it was intact,” Idle said. “The technicians had never seen it in that state before because they’d never seen it that early.
In a new interview with People, the “Monty Python” alum opened up about being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three years ago and surviving.
Read More: Duran Duran Guitarist Andy Taylor Reveals Stage 4 Prostate Cancer: ‘There Is No Cure’
As Idle explained, his cancer spotted thanks to early detection.
“My doctor specializes in preventative medicine, and he makes me go for blood tests every year,” he said. “He noticed a difference in the markers from the previous year, so he ordered an Mri and asked them to add contrast. That lit up the pancreas, and there it was.”
The treatment involved a “partly robotic” surgery that lasted five hours.
“I had a fantastic surgeon … and he cut it all out because it wasn’t attached to anything; it was intact,” Idle said. “The technicians had never seen it in that state before because they’d never seen it that early.
- 11/10/2022
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
If nuns make you nervous, you’re not alone. Whether it’s their distinctive religious attire, their unwavering devotion to a higher power, or their reputation for meting out corporal punishment in Catholic school, it’s hard to deny that there’s something vaguely eerie about them at times. As the new supernatural horror film “The Nun 2” prepares to haunt theaters on Sept. 8, here’s a look at 20 other movie nuns that are guaranteed to give you the creeps.
Courtesy of New Line Cinema
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Audiences first met the eerie title character of “The Nun” in the sequel to James Wan’s horror hit “The Conjuring.” Sporting a ghostly complexion, a bad attitude, and a mouthful of rotting fangs that would make Pennywise the clown jealous, the Nun is referred to by several names throughout the film, including the Marquis of Snakes, the Defiler, and the demon Valak.
Courtesy of New Line Cinema
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Audiences first met the eerie title character of “The Nun” in the sequel to James Wan’s horror hit “The Conjuring.” Sporting a ghostly complexion, a bad attitude, and a mouthful of rotting fangs that would make Pennywise the clown jealous, the Nun is referred to by several names throughout the film, including the Marquis of Snakes, the Defiler, and the demon Valak.
- 9/5/2018
- by Matthew Chernov
- Variety Film + TV
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