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Monty Python's Terry Jones dies following battle with dementia, aged 77

Photo credit: Stephen Lovekin for the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival - Getty Images
Photo credit: Stephen Lovekin for the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival - Getty Images

From Digital Spy

Monty Python star Terry Jones has died at the age of 77, following a battle with dementia.

News of the much-loved actor's passing was revealed by his family in a statement.

It read: "We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones.

Photo credit: Robert Marquardt - Getty Images
Photo credit: Robert Marquardt - Getty Images

"Terry passed away on the evening of January 21, 2020 at the age of 77 with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after a long, extremely brave but always good humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.

"Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in North London.

"We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades."

Photo credit: Tommaso Boddi - Getty Images
Photo credit: Tommaso Boddi - Getty Images

It continued: "His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programmes, poems and other work will live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath.

"We, his wife Anna, children Bill, Sally, Siri and extended family would like to thank Terry’s wonderful medical professionals and carers for making the past few years not only bearable but often joyful.

"We hope that this disease will one day be eradicated entirely. We ask that our privacy be respected at this sensitive time and give thanks that we lived in the presence of an extraordinarily talented, playful and happy man living a truly authentic life, in his words 'Lovingly frosted with glucose.'"

Photo credit: Orion
Photo credit: Orion

Terry was best known for being a founding member of Monty Python alongside Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Michael Palin.

Jones co-directed Monty Python and the Holy Grail with fellow Python director Terry Gilliam, and was the sole director on Monty Python's Life of Brian and Monty Python's Meaning of Life.

In 2016, he was diagnosed with dementia and his reps said he would no longer be able to take part in interviews.


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