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First performed on October 5, 1969, Monty Python’s Flying Circus celebrates its 55th anniversary this year. The popular Monty Python ensemble, starring John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Graham Chapman, kicked off this sketch show, featuring a group of British writers and comedians who aim to show off their silly sense of humour. Although the show only lasted until 1974, it sparked many other Monty Python creations such as Monty Python, the Holy Grail and Group Security as one of the most popular comedy groups of all time. Which begs the question: Where are the six stars now?
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Chapman died of cancer in 1989 at the age of just 48. Before his death, he continued to work with a comedy troupe and pursued a solo comedy career. He was also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The last time he appeared on television was for the 20th anniversary of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
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Jones died in 2020 from complications of dementia just days before his 78th birthday. Previously, he was very active in Monty Python meetups and events, even writing children’s books and scripts for theatrical performances.
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Cleese became one of the group’s most popular stars, especially in America, where he appeared in films such as A Fish Called Wanda, Life of Brian, Rat Race, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, and several Harry Potter films. films. Unfortunately, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the group, with Cleese and Idle in particular feuding. “We have always hated and despised each other, but the truth has only recently begun to emerge,” he said recently. However, he later admitted that he was joking about the quote.
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Idle went on to pursue a solo career in comedy, appearing on National Lampoon’s European Vacation, Casper, Ella Enchanted, and Saturday Night Live several times. He adapted the film The Holy Grail into a Broadway musical called Spamalot, which became a hit. He has dug up many of his former friends, and continues to try to separate himself from them.
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Gilliam was the only non-British member of the group and joined as an animator rather than a comedian. After the show ended, he focused on becoming a film director. His most recent film was 2018’s The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, but IMDb says he has one more project in the works. His daughter Holly took over the Monty Python brand in 2013, causing a rift between him and some members, especially Idle.
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Palin worked with Cleese and Gilliam again on A Fish Called Wanda, after which she abandoned comedy in order to travel and produce documentaries about the places he saw. He was honored with a knighthood in 2019 for his contributions to travel, culture and geography. He is also a well-known writer, having written books including Erebus: One Ship, Two Epic Voyages, and The Greatest Maritime Mystery of All Time, and appears regularly on podcasts.
Tell us in the comments: Who is your favorite member?
