Tis’ a sad day for surrealist comedy.

2020 has claimed the life of Monty Python star Terry Jones due to losing in his battle against FTD dementia. He was 77 years old.

In case you need a reminder, Terry Jones:

• Is known for playing a lot of shrilly old aunty-slash-men roles like Dennis’ mom and Prince Herbert (Swamp Castle guy’s son) in Monty Python & The Holy Grail and Brian’s mum in Monty Pythons’ The Life of Brian.
• Is also renowned for writing a bunch of non-Monty Python shows like Erik the Viking, Blazing Dragons, and The Wind in the Willows adaptation Mr Toad’s Wild Ride (the live-action version). The freaky-looking one.

The following is a statement from his family.

“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.”

While we don’t have a tribute to Monty Python on standby, we will share this cool Last King Podcastthat’s essentially the life and times of the Monty Python troupe.

https://soundcloud.com/thelastkingpodcast/episode-140-and-now-monty-python