Monty Python Star Terry Jones Has Died Aged 77

Monty Python star Terry Jones has died aged 77, his agent has confirmed.

PA

The actor, writer, comedian, screenwriter, film director and historian was diagnosed with a form of dementia in 2015.

Jones was a founding member of the famous surreal comedy group and directed three of their films: Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.

He went on to create TV series Ripping Yarns with fellow Python Michael Palin and made numerous documentaries about medieval history. He also wrote almost 20 children's books.

A statement from his family said: "We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones.

"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'."

Tributes to the British comedy great have begun pouring in on social media:

RIP Terry Jones.

Topics: Celebrity, UK Entertainment

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

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