Today we take a moment to remember the life of Terry Jones. The Welsh writer/director/actor/comedian/history expert/bon vivant is best known for his work with the Monty Python comedy troupe, helping to assemble the deal, starring and co-scripting every episode, co-directing Monty Python and the Holy Grail (with Terry Gilliam), and directing the features Monty Python’s Life of Brian and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, has died at the age of 77 following a courageous battle with dementia.
On Twitter, Jones’ fellow Python John Cleese left this tribute:
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
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) January 22, 2020
Michael Palin also responded:
You will be very missed old friend. I feel very fortunate to have shared so much of my life with Terry. pic.twitter.com/4oNANoIeB2
— Michael Palin (@NotMichaelPalin) January 22, 2020
As did Eric Idle:
I loved him the moment I saw him on stage at the Edinburgh Festival in 1963. So many laughs,moments of total hilarity onstage and off we have all shared with him. It’s too sad if you knew him,but if you didn’t you will always smile at the many wonderfully funny moments he gave us
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) January 22, 2020
And Terry Gilliam:
…and very often a complete pain in the ass.
One could never hope for a better friend. Goodbye, Tel.
2/2— Terry Gilliam (@TerryGilliam) January 22, 2020
While they knew him best from over 50 years of comedic collaboration, Jones also worked with talents ranging from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy creator Douglas Adams and Jim Henson, writing the screenplay for 1986’s Labyrinth. In later years, Jones was a fixture on British television presenting various documentary series’ that showcased his love for history.
I wanted to end this tribute by celebrating my favorite Terry Jones moment…one that happens to be arguably the grossest movie scene from the 1980s. In Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, Jones portrayed Mr. Creosote, a gluttonous beast of a man who finally meets his end after eating one “wafer thin” dinner mint. Watch it in its entirety above, if your stomach can take it that is.
R.I.P Terry Jones, thank you for the laughter.