Eric Idle, 80, admits it's 'not easy' as he unleashes savage take on Monty Python money woes
John Cleese reprises iconic Monty Python role in side-splitting Dinosaur Hour teaser clip
Eric Idle launched into a fiery rant on social media over the weekend as the former Monty Python star hit back at claims the actors in the show are “loaded”.
Idle, 80, criticised the show’s creators, including Terry Gilliam, as well as streaming platform Netflix as he claimed he has to work for a living at his age.
Taking to X, the actor and comedian shared: “I don't know why people always assume we're loaded.
“Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
An X user replied to admit they weren’t sure if Idle was being serious or not and so the actor made further complaints.
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he argued.
The Monty Python star took to X to complain about having to work for a living at 80
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“But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised. One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company.”
He also posted: "Python gets one-third of the creative royalties for underlying rights. The largest deal ever made.
“It came out of JDP and my share. They literally have made millions from the show.”
Responding to suggestions that Netflix could make a documentary about Python, he fumed: “F*** Netflix and f*** documentaries.”
The Monty Python star slammed the show and claims it left him 'loaded'
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Idle went on to explain he was well for himself though, adding: “I’m fine. I’m engaged and writing. It’s the thing I do and like the most.
“Creating a new show. Something that feels so completely normal. Been doing it since 1963. I have learned a lot. But then I had some great mentors.”
The comedian co-founded Python in 1969 along with Graham Chapman John Cleese, Gilliam, Michael Palin and Terry Jones.
Chapman died in 1989 at the age of 48, while Jones died in 2020 at 77. The remaining Monty Python stars reunited in 2014 for a brief stint in Monty Python Live (Mostly).
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Idle was famed for his role in Monty Python
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His tirade comes decades after the comedy group’s huge success.
The sketch comedy series saw the men creating five films between 1971 and 1988, many of which are still praised by fans today.
The show made huge stars of the comedians, who came to prominence after Monty Python’s Flying Circus, which aired from 1969 to 1974.