Michael Palin's Pets

Michael Palin is a distinguished British actor, writer, and television presenter, predominantly celebrated for his crucial role as a member of the groundbreaking British sketch comedy group, Monty Python.

Recognized for his exceptional versatility in the entertainment world, Palin made a prominent mark with his work on the surreal comedy show “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” from 1969 to 1974. Known for his keen sense of the absurd and his expert wordplay, Palin, together with his Python co-stars, revolutionized British comedy, creating sketches that have stood the test of time. Beyond his work with Monty Python, Palin showcased his acting abilities and comedic timing in a range of movies such as “A Fish Called Wanda” and “The Missionary.” In television, he moved beyond comedy, creating and starring in travel documentaries like “Around the World in 80 Days,” “Pole to Pole,” and “Full Circle with Michael Palin.”

Throughout his career, Palin’s collaboration with a variety of artists and influential individuals has been instrumental in his success. His work in Monty Python saw him team up with the likes of John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Graham Chapman, creating a potent mix of comedic talent. In “A Fish Called Wanda,” he joined forces with Kevin Kline, Jamie Lee Curtis, and again with John Cleese, resulting in an Oscar-nominated film. His travel documentaries involved collaborations with numerous production crews, making each journey a memorable adventure. A lifelong partnership with Terry Jones extended to their creation of “Ripping Yarns,” a collection of comedic tales that showcased their writing prowess. Palin’s collaborations also extended beyond entertainment, working with literary figures such as Terry Pratchett and historians like Jan Morris.

Palin’s career has been recognized with a series of distinguished awards. He received a BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “A Fish Called Wanda” in 1989. Monty Python received a Special BAFTA Award in 1987, further testament to the enduring appeal of their work. In addition, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts honored Palin with the Michael Balcon Award for outstanding contribution to cinema in 2009. In the same year, he was made a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society for his wide-ranging travel documentaries. On New Year’s Day 2019, Palin was knighted for his services to travel, culture, and geography, becoming Sir Michael Palin.