Monty Python, the groundbreaking comedy troupe formed in the late 1960s, forever altered the landscape of humour with their irreverent wit, surreal sketches, and iconic characters.
Comprised of comedic geniuses such as John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, and the late Graham Chapman and Terry Jones, the troupe kept audiences in stitches for decades and made a fortune doing it through various streams such as television royalties, film revenues, merchandise sales, and live performances.
However, one member of the troupe has come out strongly on social media saying he is still having to work as he only receives a small portion of the proceeds made and described the finances as a “disaster”.
80-year-old Eric Idle also took a potshot at Holly Gilliam, daughter to fellow Python Terry, who has managed the Python brand since 2013, The Sun reported.
Speaking on X, formerly Twitter, Idle wrote: “I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded.”
“I have to work for my living. I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously.
“I have been working and earning for Pythons since 1995. And now no more.”
Speaking directly to Holly Gilliam, he added: “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.”
Idle’s daughter, Lily, supported her famous father by writing online: “I’m so proud of my dad for finally finally finally starting to share the truth.”
Films like Life of Brian, the stage show Spamalot and the BBC TV series Flying Circus would have brought in a significant income for the troupe during their heyday. They were active once more in 2014 with Monty Python Live (Mostly) – One Down, Five to Go, referring to late member Graham Chapman.
Featuring interpretations of some of their sketches, the show was a hit in Europe and the US and reportedly earned the surviving members of the troupe GBP2million each.
However Idle maintains, after having to sell his house, he is not wealthy and does not earn enough money to finally take a final bow from acting.
“We still get something but not enough to keep me on the beaches,” he said.