Monty Python star’s “severe” health diagnosis

If you’ve seen a Monty Python film or skit, then no doubt at some point in your life Terry Jones has made you laugh.

Sadly, Jones has been giving a serious health diagnosis and the news isn’t good.

The Monty Python founding member, who directed Monty Python’s Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, has been diagnosed with a severe form of dementia.

The diagnosis comes just as the 74-year-old has been announced as the recipient of a special award for outstanding contribution to film and TV.

His spokesman told The Guardian, Jones had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia – a variant of fronttemporal dementia.

“This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews,” he said.

“Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations.”

Among Jones’ other famous works with the Monty Python crew included co-directing Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Over the years Jones had given many interviews reflecting on his work, including one with the Radio Times in 2011 in which he said he’d be reluctant to make The Life of Brian today.

“It was heretical because it criticised the structure of the church and the way it interpreted the gospels,” he said.

“At the time, religion seemed to be on the back-burner and it felt like kicking a dead donkey.

“It has come back with a vengeance and we’d think twice about making it now.”

Jones will be honoured at the British Academy Cymru Awards on 2 October.

Bafta Cymru director Hannah Raybould said the award would reflect on Jones’ 47 year career.

“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,” she said.

Are you sad to hear this news about Terry Jones? Were you a big fan of Monty Python?