'Monty Python' Movies: Here's How The Iconic Brits Are Doing Today

Monty Python was a British comedy troupe known for their unique satirical humour. Featuring Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Graham Chapman, the group first appeared in the television series Monty Python's Flying Circus. The show was a hit on British television, and established the Pythons' success as comedic icons across the pond. 

The ensemble created several films not long afterwards which made them internationally known, including 1975's Monty Python and the Holy Grail and 1983's The Meaning of Life. While some of the members have sadly passed away, others have gone on to enjoy successful careers long after the Monty Python movies. Click through the slides to find out about the lives (and deaths) of the Monty Python members! 

Graham Chapman was most known to fans of the Monty Python movies as "King Arthur" in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. He also played "Brian Cohen" in Monty Python's Life of Brian and several other ensemble roles in the Pythons' projects, which he was creatively involved in as well. Unfortunately, the actor passed away on October 4, 1989 due to throat cancer.

John Cleese's career in comedy took off thanks to his time as part of Monty Python! Some of his notable roles in the group's films included "Sir Launcelot the Brave" in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and "Humphrey Williams" in The Meaning of Life.

Cleese has continued to be successful in the industry today, appearing in many films and television series since Monty Python. He has done voiceover work for animated projects, such as voicing "King Harold" in the Shrek films, and can recently be seen as "John" in The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee!

Terry Jones brought characters like "Sir Bedevere" and "Dennis's Mother" to life in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and "Mr. Creosote" in The Meaning of Life. However, one of his most iconic roles was as "Mandy Cohen" in Monty Python's Life of Brian!

Jones took part in writing and acting in various projects following the Monty Python films. These included the comedic fantasy cartoon Blazing Dragons and the Disney film Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, which also starred fellow Pythons members Idle and Cleese. Jones sadly passed away on January 21, 2020 after suffering complications related to dementia.

Terry Gilliam played "King Arthur's" servant "Patsy" in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and "Man Even Further Forward" in Monty Python's Life of Brian, among several other roles. 

Gilliam has continued his career as a writer and actor after the Monty Python films, with appearances in several films, shorts, and television shows. Recently, he appeared in the 2015 sci-fi film Jupiter Ascending as the "Seal and Signet Minister," as well as the French film Bye Bye Morons (Adieu les cons), where he played the role of "Le chasseur publicité".

Eric Idle took on the infamous roles of "Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir Launcelot" in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and "Harry the Haggler" in Monty Python's Life of Brian, to name a few! He is considered one of the most famous members of the Pythons today...

Idle followed a similar career path to the other living Pythons, taking on various voice and acting roles in the years that followed. He also composed the music and lyrics for the musical Spamalot, which is adapted from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and coordinated the 2014 Monty Python reunion show Monty Python Live (Mostly), which featured the group's remaining members performing for the first time in years!

Michael Palin played roles like "Pontius Pilate" in The Meaning of Life and "Sir Galahad the Pure" in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. He also worked with some of the Pythons members on other projects after the Monty Python films, including A Fish Called Wanda, which saw Cleese earn an Oscar nod for the screenplay!