Michael Palin
Biography
Michael Edward Palin, CBE FRGS (born 5 May 1943) is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries. Palin wrote most of his comedic material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "Argument Clinic", "Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", and "The Spanish Inquisition". Palin continued to work with Jones after Python, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders. After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer and travel documentarian. His journeys have taken him across the world, including the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and, most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin was honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
Also Known As
Movie Appearances
Brazil
as Jack Lint
1985
Life of Brian
as Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
1979
A Fish Called Wanda
as Ken Pile
1988
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
as First Swallow-Savvy Guard / Dennis / Peasant 2 / Right Head / Sir Galahad the Pure / Narrator / King of Swamp Castle / Brother Maynard's Brother / Leader of The Knights Who Say NI!
1975
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
as Various Roles
1983
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report
as Self
1974
Jabberwocky
as Dennis Cooper
1977
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
as Various Roles
1982
Fierce Creatures
as Adrian 'Bugsy' Malone
1997
And Now for Something Completely Different
as Gumby / Man with tape recorder / Phrasebook Author / Arthur Pewtey / Second self - defence student / Second Tenant / Lost His Wallet / Shrill Petrol Announcer / Milkman / Ernest Scribbler / Pet shop employee / Lumberjack / Headwaiter Gilberto / Herbert Anchovy / Blackmail Presenter / Gervais Brookhamster / Town Guild Lady
1971
Life Of Brian Screenplay
as Wise Man #3, Mr. Big Nose, Francis, Mrs. A, Ex-Leper
2008
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
as Various Characters
2006
Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule
as Self
2014
Time Bandits
as Vincent
1981
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
as Self
2004
50 Films to See Before You Die
as Self
2006
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
as Eric Manchester
1978
Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)
as Mrs. Betty Palin / Julius Caesar / Bevis
2010
The Wind in the Willows
as The Sun
1996
Inside Shabby Road: The Music of 'The Rutles'
as Self
2008
TV Appearances
Monty Python's Flying Circus
as Various / "It's" man
1969
Himalaya with Michael Palin
as Self - Presenter
2004
Full Circle with Michael Palin
as Self
1997
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days
as Self
1989
Ripping Yarns
1976
Pole to Pole
as Self
1992
Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure
1999
Sahara with Michael Palin
as Self - Presenter
2002
G.B.H.
as Jim Nelson
1991
The Complete and Utter History of Britain
1969
Pebble Mill at One
1972
The One Show
as Self - Guest
2006