RIP Terry Jones: Creative Mastermind of Monty Python was 77
Photo via Getty Images, Tommaso Boddi
Since contracting a rare form of dementia known as FTD four years ago, legendary Monty Python comedian, director and writer Terry Jones had largely been out of the spotlight. But his genius will live on in his works, even as the family of Jones announced that the actor has passed away at the age of 77.
The outpouring of emotion from others in the comedy, film and music worlds has been predictably swift. A statement from the man’s family sums it up: “We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man. His uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades.” The death comes only a few weeks after the passing of musician Neil Innes, a fellow Python collaborator.
Sir Michael Palin, who Jones knew from his earliest comedy writing days at Oxford University, called the performer “one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation,” and went on to say the following: “Terry was one of my closest, most valued friends. He was kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full.”
John Cleese, meanwhile, echoed the same sentiments: “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.”