Very sad news.
Actor, comedian, writer and director Terry Jones, famous for his involvement in the Monty Python comedy group, has died at the age of 77.
Having created and starred in various British comedies with writing partner Michael Palin in the 1960s, Jones and Palin joined fellow comedians John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam to form Monty Python, with the group's sketch show, Monty Python's Flying Circus, first appearing on the BBC in October 1969.
The show ran for five years, while Jones also directed three of the group's movies - Monty Python and The Holy Grail, Monty Python's Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.
A statement from his family read: "We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones.
"Terry passed away on the evening of 21 January 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.
"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."
The statement finished: "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’."
