Monty Python Star Shocks Fans By Revealing Money Ran Out

Eric Idle, who currently resides in California, blamed the changing landscape of copyright law and criticized streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube for the decline in income. “Copyright ain’t worth jack s**t anymore,” he lamented. Idle also blamed his Monty Python co-star Terry Gilliam and his daughter, who started managing the brand in 2014, for his financial struggle.

“We own everything we ever made in Python, and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” Eric Idle continued, expressing disappointment at the unexpected financial downturn. “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.”

Eric Idle’s comments didn’t stop at financial matters. He also shared some pointed words about his Monty Python co-star John Cleese. Idle even accused Cleese of bullying Terry Jones, another Python icon. “I always felt ashamed we did nothing,” the actor admitted. He also revealed that he hadn’t seen Cleese in years and seemingly enjoyed their estrangement.

This public revelation comes after Eric Idle decided to distance himself from a stage version of Life of Brian in London, citing Cleese’s decision to cut the iconic song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” The 84-year-old Cleese has been open about his financial struggles, primarily related to expensive divorce costs, and has recently ventured into a woke-bashing television show on GB News.

Despite the financial challenges and selling his home in 2023, Eric Idle assured fans that he doesn’t need fundraisers and remains engaged in creative pursuits. “I’m fine,” he told one concerned fan. “I’m engaged and writing. It’s the thing I do and like the most. Creating a new show.” However, he has no interest in striking a deal with Netflix.

Despite his criticisms of the industry and his colleagues, Eric Idle is still proud of his work. The British comedy troupe Monty Python achieved global success with their groundbreaking sketch comedy television series, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, which aired from 1969 to 1974. Functioning as an independent entity, the Pythons could disregard the conventional rules of television comedy.

The group, composed of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, revolutionized comedy with their distinctive blend of absurdity, satire, and surrealism. The main cast members not only showcased their impeccable comedic timing but also portrayed a multitude of memorable characters.

Graham Chapman often played authoritative figures, while John Cleese brought iconic characters like the Minister of Silly Walks and the Black Knight to life. Eric Idle’s cheeky personas, Terry Gilliam’s surreal animations, Terry Jones’s versatility in playing various roles, including female characters, and Michael Palin’s likable portrayals all contributed to the unique charm of Monty Python.

The group’s influence extended beyond the small screen with successful films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python’s Life of Brian, and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, solidifying their legacy in the comedy world. A complete, albeit non-performing, gathering of the surviving Python members occurred during the March 2005 premiere of Eric Idle’s musical Spamalot.

Spamalot initially debuted in Chicago and subsequently had runs in New York on Broadway, London, and other major cities worldwide. In 2004, the musical received 14 Tony Award nominations and secured three wins, including Best Musical.