Eric Idle
- 81 years old
- English
- Actor, writer, director, composer and comedian
Press clippings
Eric Idle talks finding love and cheating death
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life has become the most-played song at UK funerals. The crew of the sinking HMS Sheffield sang it during the Falklands War and by Eric himself at the closing ceremony for the London Olympics, dressed as a human cannonball and surrounded by bhangra dancers, skating nuns and high-kicking Roman centurions. He is not sure what song he would like played at his own funeral, but he hopes there will be fireworks and humour.
Samantha Trenoweth, Australian Women's Weekly, 4th November 2024John Cleese accuses Eric Idle of 'inventing' narrative in latest Monty Python row
Fawlty Towers star reignited X/Twitter row with new message accusing Idle of telling fibs.
Ellie Muir, The Independent, 19th September 2024Eric Idle's Life of Python
The Spamalot creator revisits his collaboration with Mike Nichols and his years in Britain's most famous comedy troupe.
Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 8th September 2024Terry Jones statue proposed for his Colwyn Bay home town
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched today, aiming to raise £120,000 to erect a permanent statue of comedy legend Terry Jones in his home town.
British Comedy Guide, 5th September 2024The week in audio: Jon Holmes Says the C-Word
Holmes creates the "men talk cancer" show he needed, featuring Eric Idle, Stephen Fry and more.
Miranda Sawyer, The Guardian, 13th July 2024Jon Holmes opens up about cancer diagnosis in Radio 4 series
Radio 4 series Jon Holmes Says The C-Word will see The Skewer creator, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer, talking to comedians about their personal experiences of undergoing cancer treatment.
British Comedy Guide, 18th June 2024Neil Innes tribute to feature Pythons, The Rutles & Idiot Bastard Band
The life of Neil Innes is to be celebrated in a special show, Neil Innes - 'How Sweet To Be An Idiot', featuring performances from Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and former members of The Rutles, John Halsey and Ricky Fataar, plus a raft of comic and music talent.
British Comedy Guide, 5th June 2024Why are so many entertainers forced to work past retirement age?
From jobbing workers to familiar names, legions of entertainers are working well into their 70s and 80s. Why? Our writer uncovers an alarming story of shrinking budgets, axed royalties, misguided mortgages and paltry pensions.
Rachael Healy, The Guardian, 28th May 2024Monty Python stars reunite for Sir Michael Palin's birthday - with one notable absence
Sir Michael Palin has marked his 81st birthday with a Monty Python reunion - with John Cleese and Terry Gilliam joining him for a celebratory meal.
Anita Singh,, The Telegraph, 9th May 2024John Cleese challenges Eric Idle on Monty Python's finances
John Cleese has responded to Eric Idle in the growing row over Monty Python's earnings, coming out in support of Terry Gilliam's daughter, Holly.
British Comedy Guide, 14th February 2024