News

Fans heartbroken as comedy legend is diagnosed with dementia

It will affect their ability to communicate

Monty Python star Terry Jones has been diagnosed with dementia.

Terry, 74, who directed Life Of Brian and Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life, and co-directed Monty Python And The Holy Grail with Terry Gilliam, is suffering from primary progressive aphasia, which affects his ability to communicate.

The news about Terry’s health came as Bafta Cymru announced he has been given a special award for outstanding contribution to film and television.

A spokesman for the Welsh-born comedian said: “Terry has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a variant of frontotemporal dementia.

“This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews. Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations.”

Terry was a member of the famous comedy troupe, which also included John Cleese and Michael Palin, and wrote and directed many of their best-loved works.

Fans of the Monty Python star were quick to pass on their thoughts to Terry via Twitter…

His award will be celebrated at the British Academy Cymru Awards on October 2.

Hannah Raybould, director of Bafta Cymru, said: “We are also very much looking forward to celebrating the work of Terry Jones during the ceremony with a look back at his work from 1969 to the present day.”


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor