'Monty Python' Star Eric Idle Says He's Still Working at 80 Because He Can't Afford to Stop

British actor and comedian Eric Idle is known to many people for his character—or rather, characters—in the Monty Python film series. He gained global recognition in the 1970s after starring in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and subsequent Monty Python films. In 2005, he adapted the Holy Grail film into the hit Broadway musical Spamalot and has appeared in several movies and TV shows since then, most recently competing on The Masked Singer in 2022.

At 80 years old, Idle is at an age when many people are enjoying retirement. But Idle continues to work and have public engagements, which he says isn't exactly by choice. When he expressed his distaste with the X algorithm on social media and a follower asked him if he'd be willing to buy the site, he shared the honest reality of his current financial situation.

"I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded," he stated plainly. "Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age." He added in another post that he sold his home last year, which hit the market at nearly $6.5 million, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

Idle didn't go into specific numbers, but he alluded to just why the work he's best known for hasn't been able to tide him over decades later. "We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously," he said.

He then took aim at fellow Monty Python comedy troupe member Terry Gilliam, as well as his daughter Holly, who took over managing the Monty Python brand a decade ago. "I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised," he quipped. "One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company."

Idle received an outpouring of support from fans online and requests to send him donations via GoFundMe, which he politely declined. "Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement. It means a great deal to me," he said gratefully.

As for the public perception of his socioeconomic status, Idle stated plainly that he'd rather make people laugh than be rolling in cash. "I don't mind not being wealthy. I prefer being funny," he said. "I don't like being assumed to be wealthy."

Sometimes, a good laugh is all one needs to get by.