Terry Jones, 'Monty Python' Star, Dead at 77
Terry Jones, a British comedian, director, screenwriter and author, has died, his agent confirmed to the Associated Press on Wednesday. He was 77.
Jones was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2016. In a statement, his family said he died “after a long, extremely brave but always good-humored battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.”
Best known as a founding member of the iconic comedy troupe Monty Python, Jones teamed up with Eric Idle, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Graham Chapman in 1969 for the TV sketch Monty Python's Flying Circus and served as a co-director on the 1975 classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail and 1983's Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. He was also the sole director on the 1979 commercial hit, Monty Python's Life of Brian.
Jones was nominated for an Emmy in 2004 for his writing on the show Medieval Lives and in 1984, he received a BAFTA nomination for the original song "The Meaning of Life."
He is survived by his wife, Anna Soderstrom, and his three children, Bill, Sally and Siri.
As news of his death broke, Jones was honored on social media by colleagues and friends, including several of the surviving members of Monty Python who were quick to share their condolences.
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
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and messages of support for our dearly beloved brother Terry. It is a cruel and sad thing. But let's remember just what joy he brought to all of us.
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) January 22, 2020
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
Farewell dear Terry J. Two down, four to go. Love Terry G, Mike, John & Eric pic.twitter.com/RbVrAAJz2d
— Monty Python (@montypython) January 22, 2020
RIP Terry Jones.
Comic genius & a very naughty boy. pic.twitter.com/x5uBJoqAV3— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 22, 2020
36 years ago I met Terry Jones. I was meant to interview him. I asked for tea, so he opened a bottle of Chablis & got me drunk. He was funny, brilliant and honest. He was irrepressible and is seen here repressing the very young me. Rest in Peace, Terry. You were an inspiration. pic.twitter.com/fNBJZwOFcX
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) January 22, 2020
OMG (Oh my God), so funny. Salute to Terry Jones. https://t.co/1SK3dRwspf
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) January 22, 2020
Terry Jones was the absolute best
— John Oliver (@iamjohnoliver) January 22, 2020
RIP Terry Jones. I had the honor of getting directed by him to read some scenes from his work, at DragonCon 2015. Such a great man. (And I regret I dressed like such a dipshit for the occasion) pic.twitter.com/sixeGXgCvW
— Bill Corbett (@BillCorbett) January 22, 2020
I always knew Terry Jones from Monty Python, but @brucecoville also included one of his stories in an anthology of stories for children, and it was chilling and beautiful. He really was such a talent, and always seemed like a decent guy. May he rest in peace.
— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) January 22, 2020
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