Terry Jones, a founding member of the Monty Python comedy troupe, has died at the age of 77, his agent confirmed to the BBC.
“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.”
“His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programmes, poems and other work will live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath.
“We, his wife Anna, children Bill, Sally, Siri and extended family would like to thank Terry’s wonderful medical professionals and carers for making the past few years not only bearable but often joyful.
“We hope that this disease will one day be eradicated entirely. We ask that our privacy be respected at this sensitive time and give thanks that we lived in the presence of an extraordinarily talented, playful and happy man living a truly authentic life, in his words ‘Lovingly frosted with glucose.'”
A Look Back at the Life of Terry Jones
Born in Colwyn Bay, on the north coast of Wales, in 1942, Jones moved to Surrey, England as a child. He went on to study for an English degree at Oxford University, where he met his long-term writing partner and friend, Michael Palin, in the institution’s comedy troupe The Oxford Revue. Following graduation, the two went on to write and perform in several TV shows, including Twice a Fortnight, Do Not Adjust Your Set, and The Frost Report, alongside a number of other up-and-coming British comedians.
The Monty Python Years
In 1969, Jones formed Monty Python’s Flying Circus with Palin, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, and Terry Gilliam, aka “The Pythons.” The mould-breaking sketch show, which ran until 1974, helped to revolutionize British comedy and inspire a generation of artists. The troupe’s elevated status provided them with the perfect platform to transition onto the big screen. Jones made his directorial debut with Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which he co-directed with Gilliam. He later directed some of the Pythons’ best-loved works, including Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.
In 2016, Jones received a Lifetime Achievement special award at the BAFTA Cymru Awards for his outstanding contribution to television and film.
A Tribute to Terry Jones
Fellow Monty Python founding member, John Cleese, expressed his condolences on social media, tweeting, “Just heard about Terry J. It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away… Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of ‘Life of Brian’. Perfection.
“Two down, four to go.”
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Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.
Source: IGN.com Monty Python Co-Founder Terry Jones Dies Aged 77 After Dementia Battle