Monty Python reunion! Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin support John Cleese at his new documentary screening in London – but Eric Idle is still absent following dispute over finances

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John Cleese recently met up with his former Monty Python colleagues, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, at a London screening of his new documentary.

The documentary, ‘John Cleese Packs It In,’ chronicles the comedian’s busy six-week tour, taking him to 16 cities across five different countries.

For the screening, John, Michael, and Terry reunited and posed for a series of fun-filled snaps. 

John says his new documentary, coming out November 13th, will show a side of him people haven’t seen before. He jokes that while the public knows him as charming and carefree, the film will also reveal his less glamorous, older self – the one his publicists work hard to keep hidden.

You’ll witness the difficult reality of an 85-year-old performer battling through a European tour, trying to entertain audiences who regret spending money on expensive tickets.

The criticism I’m receiving is both brutal and, strangely, funny – people aren’t laughing with me, they’re laughing at me.

Eric Idle wasn’t at the screening because he had a disagreement with his old Monty Python colleagues about the group’s finances.

Eric, one of the original six cast members of the popular comedy sketch series, shared that he continues to work despite earning only £2,000 per series from the BBC show.

The comedian claims poor handling of Monty Python’s finances led to his money problems, and he’s also publicly criticized his former colleague Terry, who is now a successful film director.

After the innovative BBC show Monty Python’s Flying Circus premiered in 1969, its cast quickly became famous and well-known to audiences everywhere.

The comedy group was initially made up of Graham Chapman, John, Terry, Eric, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.

Sadly, Graham, 48, and Terry J, 77, have passed away. 

Graham in 1989 after battling tonsil cancer, and Terry J in 2020 from a rare form of dementia.

This comedy group created some of television’s most memorable moments, like the “Spanish Inquisition” and “Ministry of Silly Walks” sketches. Their popularity then extended to the big screen, resulting in beloved films such as Holy Grail and Life of Brian.

As someone who follows celebrity lifestyles closely, I’ve noticed a fascinating trend. Even with all the success, Eric Idle, one of the original members of Monty Python, has been surprisingly open on X (formerly Twitter) about his financial struggles. He’s shared that things aren’t always as glamorous as they seem, and he’s definitely not as rich as people might assume. It’s a good reminder that success and wealth don’t always go hand-in-hand, even for incredibly famous people!

You know, I’ve always believed happiness isn’t about a big bank account, and honestly, I’d choose making people laugh over being rich any day. It really bothers me when people assume I have money – it just feels…off. It reminds me of a really clever observation someone once made – they said something about Python being a form of unfiltered, spontaneous comedy. It just felt so true – like genuine, unscripted humor!

He also complained online, saying he didn’t understand why everyone always thought they were rich.

Python isn’t working out well. While ‘Spamalot’ was successful a couple of decades ago, I currently need to earn a living, which is challenging at my age.

He added, “But honestly, if you hire someone from the Gilliam family into a management position, you shouldn’t be shocked if things go wrong. One Gilliam is difficult enough to deal with – two could ruin any business.”

Lily Idle, a Los Angeles-based writer and photographer, publicly commended her father for at last revealing ‘the truth’.

She wrote: ‘I’m so proud of my dad for finally finally finally starting to share the truth.

He’s always been brave enough to confront people who bully or are self-centered, and he really deserves to be told he’s doing a good job and that his feelings matter.

Idle accused Terry of halting plans for a ‘Spamalot’ movie, which had been considered after the successful 2004 stage show.

Terry Gilliam, the American comedian who became a film director known for movies like Time Bandits and 12 Monkeys, hasn’t spoken publicly about any money problems, and neither has his co-star Michael.

Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! Apparently, he’s the richest member of Monty Python! All his movies together have made a whopping £137.5 million at the box office! I knew he was amazing, but seriously, £137.5 million?! It just proves he’s a legend!

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2025-11-06 00:49