Cast of ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’: Where Are They Now?

Lauren Novak October 8, 11:08 am

MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, 1969-74 — Everett Collection

Originally premiering on October 5, 1969, Monty Python’s Flying Circus celebrates its 55th anniversary this year. Starring John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Graham Chapman, the iconic group Monty Python began with this sketch show, featuring a group of mainly British writers and comedians aiming to show off their absurd humor. While the show only lasted until 1974, it sparked many other Monty Python creations like Monty Python and the Holy Grail and secured the group as one of the most popular comedy troupes of all time. Which begs the question: Where are the six stars now?

Graham Chapman (d. 1989)

Everett Collection; John Downing/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Chapman died from cancer in 1989 at just 48 years old. Before his death, he continued to work with the comedy troupe and pursued a solo comedy career. He was also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The final time he appeared on television was for the 20th anniversary of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Terry Jones (d. 2020)

Everett Collection; Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Jones died in 2020 from complications of dementia just a few days before his 78th birthday. Prior, he was very active in reunions and events for Monty Python and even wrote children’s books and scripts for stage shows.

John Cleese (84)

Everett Collection; Joshua Sammer/Getty Images

Cleese went on to become one of the more famous stars of the group, especially in America, appearing in films such as A Fish Called Wanda, Life of Brian, Rat Race, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, and several Harry Potter films. Unfortunately, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the group, as Cleese and Idle in particular have been feuding. Recently he said, “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.” However, he later admitted to joking about the quote.

Eric Idle (81)

Everett Collection; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society

Idle went on to pursue a solo career in comedy, appearing in National Lampoon’s European Vacation, Casper, Ella Enchanted, and Saturday Night Live several times. He adapted the Holy Grail film into a Broadway musical called Spamalot, which became a huge hit. He has made digs at many of his former friends, and continues to try to separate himself from them.

Terry Gilliam (83)

Radio Times via Getty Images; Lia Toby/Getty Images

Gilliam was the group’s only non-British member and joined as an animator rather than a comedian. After the show ended, he focused on becoming a film director. His most recent film was 2018’s The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, but IMDb says that he has one project in the works. His daughter, Holly, took over the Monty Python brand in 2013, and that caused a bit of a rift between him and some of the members, particularly Idle.

Michael Palin (81)

Everett Collection; Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Palin worked with Cleese and Gilliam again for A Fish Called Wanda, and later on ditched comedy for traveling and making documentaries about the places he has seen. He was honored with knighthood in 2019 for his contributions to travel, culture, and geography. He is also an established writer, and has written books including Erebus: One Ship, Two Epic Voyages, and the Greatest Naval Mystery of All Time, and regularly appears on podcasts.

Tell us in the comments: Who is your favorite member?