Eric Idle

English comedian, actor and writer

Eric Idle is an acclaimed English actor, comedian, songwriter, and playwright who rose to fame as a member of the legendary Monty Python troupe. He co-created and starred in the iconic sketch series Monty Python’s Flying Circus and the classic Python films, showcasing his talent for witty wordplay and musical comedy. Idle has also found success as a solo artist, with his Broadway musical Spamalot earning a Tony Award for Best Musical.

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About the Eric Idle

Eric Idleis an English actor, comedian, songwriter, musician, screenwriter and playwright. He was a member of the British comedy group Monty Python and the parody rock band the Rutles. Idle studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and joined Cambridge University Footlights.

Idle reached stardom when he co-created and acted in the sketch series Monty Python’s Flying Circusand the films Monty Python and the Holy Grailand The Meaning of Lifewith John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Graham Chapman.

Known for his elaborate wordplay and musical numbers, Idle performed many of the songs featured in Python projects, including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” and “Galaxy Song”. After Monty Python’s Flying Circus he created the sketch show Rutland Weekend Televisioninto a musical, Spamalot (2005), which was a critical and commercial success earning the Tony Award for Best Musical, and Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. He also wrote Not the Messiah (2009). He also performed at the London 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eric Idle is an English actor, comedian, songwriter, musician, screenwriter, and playwright. He was a member of the British comedy group Monty Python and the parody rock band the Rutles. Idle studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and joined Cambridge University Footlights.

Eric Idle is best known for his work with the Monty Python comedy troupe, co-creating and starring in the sketch series Monty Python’s Flying Circus and the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian, and The Meaning of Life.

Eric Idle’s musical talents are showcased in many of the Monty Python projects, including performing songs like ,Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, and ,Galaxy Song., He also created the successful Broadway musical Spamalot, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical.

In addition to his work with Monty Python, Eric Idle has acted in various films, including The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Nuns on the Run, Splitting Heirs, Casper, and Shrek the Third. He also created the sketch show Rutland Weekend Television and hosted Saturday Night Live several times.

Eric Idle is renowned for his distinctive comedic style, which often features elaborate wordplay and musical numbers. His contributions to Monty Python’s groundbreaking sketch comedy and films have left a lasting impact on the world of comedy and popular culture.

9 Quotes by Eric Idle

  1. 1.

    No day of my life passes without someone saying the words ‘Monty Python’ to me. It’s not bad.

    Eric Idle

    English comedian, actor and writer

  2. 2.

    I like the idea of being out there regularly with an audience and with a funny gang of people. That’s what I grew up with – doing television, doing shows every week.

    Eric Idle

    English comedian, actor and writer

  3. 3.

    To me, the musical is best when it’s a musical comedy. So if you have a very, very funny show, and very good, funny songs, that’s what the musical does best.

    Eric Idle

    English comedian, actor and writer

  4. 4.

    Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will make me go in a corner and cry by myself for hours.

    Eric Idle

    English comedian, actor and writer

  5. 5.

    The Minister of Transport issued this appeal to motorists: Can anyone give him a lift to Leicester?

    Eric Idle

    English comedian, actor and writer

  6. 6.

    I think the special thing about Python is that it’s a writers’ commune. The writers are in charge. The writers decide what the material is.

    Eric Idle

    English comedian, actor and writer

  7. 7.

    I love being an older comic now. It’s like being an old soccer or an old baseball player. You’re in the Hall of Fame and it’s nice, but you’re no longer that person in the limelight on the spot doing that thing.

    Eric Idle

    English comedian, actor and writer

  8. 8.

    We’ve discovered that the less we do, the more money we make.

    Eric Idle

    English comedian, actor and writer

  9. 9.

    You look just like you!

    Eric Idle

    English comedian, actor and writer