Michael Palin
Michael Edward Palin, CBE FRGS (born 5 May 1943) is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries. Palin wrote most of his comedic material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "Argument Clinic", "Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", and "The Spanish Inquisition".
Palin continued to work with Jones after Python, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer and travel documentarian. His journeys have taken him across the world, including the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and, most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin was honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
Acting
TV
The Simpsons
as Springfield History Museum curator (voice)
1989
Movie
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
as First Swallow-Savvy Guard / Dennis / Peasant 2 / Right Head / Sir Galahad the Pure / Narrator / King of Swamp Castle / Brother Maynard's Brother / Leader of The Knights Who Say NI!
1975
Movie
Life of Brian
as Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
1979
Movie
Brazil
as Jack Lint
1985
Movie
A Fish Called Wanda
as Ken Pile
1988
Movie
The Death of Stalin
as Vyacheslav Molotov
2017
Movie
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
as Various Roles
1983
Movie
Arthur Christmas
as Ernie Clicker (voice)
2011
Movie
Absolutely Anything
as Kindly Alien (voice)
2015
Movie
The Witches
as Witch at Meeting (uncredited)
1990
Movie
Time Bandits
as Vincent
1981
TV
Monty Python's Flying Circus
as Various / "It's" man
1969
Movie
And Now for Something Completely Different
as Gumby / Man with tape recorder / Phrasebook Author / Arthur Pewtey / Second self - defence student / Second Tenant / Lost His Wallet / Shrill Petrol Announcer / Milkman / Ernest Scribbler / Pet shop employee / Lumberjack / Headwaiter Gilberto / Herbert Anchovy / Blackmail Presenter / Gervais Brookhamster / Town Guild Lady
1971
TV
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Co-Host
1975
TV
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Special Guest
1975
TV
Saturday Night Live
as Dick Savage (uncredited)
1975
TV
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Host
1975
TV
Saturday Night Live
as Self / Various (uncredited)
1975
Movie
Fierce Creatures
as Adrian 'Bugsy' Malone
1997
Movie
Jabberwocky
as Dennis Cooper
1977
TV
The Graham Norton Show
as Self
2007
Movie
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
as Various Roles
1982
TV
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
as Self - Guest
1993
Movie
The Crimson Permanent Assurance
as Workman
1983
Crew
Movie
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Writer
1975
Movie
Life of Brian
Screenplay
1979
Movie
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Screenplay
1983
Movie
Time Bandits
Writer
1981
TV
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Writer
1969
Movie
And Now for Something Completely Different
Screenplay
1971
Movie
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Writer
1982
TV
Time Bandits
Characters
2024
Movie
Monty Python Live (Mostly)
Writer
2014
Movie
The Missionary
Writer
1982
TV
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days
Writer
1989
TV
The Two Ronnies
Writer
1971