Monty Python's Terry Jones Diagnosed with a Rare Form of Dementia

Terry Jones, who co-directed and co-wrote Monty Python and the Holy Grail and is known for his founding part in British comedy group Monty Python, has been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced in a statement Friday.

Jones, 74, is being awarded with the BAFTA Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television for his contributions to the film and television industries.

A representative for Jones released the following statement on behalf of the BAFTA-nominated actor, writer and director: "Terry has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a variant of Frontotemporal Dementia. This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews. Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations."

Born in Colwyn Bay, Jones was a co-writer and co-director on the 1975 comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail and received an Emmy nomination in 2004 for outstanding writing for nonfiction programming for an episode of Medieval Lives. In 2004, he received a BAFTA nomination for best original song for 1983's The Meaning of Life.



Formed in 1969, Jones was a founding member of the British Monty Python comedy troupe that also starred Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin.