
Eric Idle
Eric Idle is a British comedian, actor, musician, and screenwriter. He is known for his work with Monty Python and the British comedy troupe's sketch series Monty Python's Flying Circus. He also created the sketch show Rutland Weekend Television. For Monty Python, Idle wrote and performed notable songs such as Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from Life of Brian, and Galaxy Song from The Meaning of Life. He also wrote the script and co-wrote the music for the Broadway musical Spamalot, as well as the play What About Dick?
Along with his Monty Python work, Idle has appeared on Saturday Night Live, in films including Casper and National Lampoon's European Vacation, and as the voice for characters in movies such as Ella Enchanted and Shrek the Third.
Latest
- The Interview Eric Idle, comedian: Nothing is off limits in comedy

“I think there's nothing off limits [with comedy] because it's subconscious, it's examining things. I find it quite interesting. And Monty Python was particularly good at not allowing ourselves to be censored, although people tried with ‘The Life Of Brian’... But that’s what made it a hit.”John Wilson speaks to English comedian, writer, musician and actor Eric Idle about his life and career.He’s best-known for being a founding member of the comedy troupe Monty Python, writing and performing across their four television series and their films, including ‘The Life Of Brian’ and ‘The Meaning Of Life’.Idle is also behind the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Spamalot’, based on the film ‘Monty Python and The Holy Grail’. It ran twice in London’s West End and on Broadway, and has also been staged in 14 countries around the world.Thank you to the This Cultural Life team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Mexican actor Diego Calva, tennis champion Martina Navratilova, and global music icon Stevie Wonder. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: John Wilson Producers: Ben Cooper and Edwina Pitman Editors: Justine Lang and Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Eric Idle Credit: Sarah Jeynes/BBC)
Discover More
Eric Idle on Apple TV
Eric Idle on Apple Music
Eric Idle on Apple Podcasts
About
- FROM
- South Shields, England
- BORN
- March 29, 1943