Terry Jones, co-founder of Monty Python, died Tuesday night at the age of 77.
The beloved actor, comedy writer, director and author was diagnosed with dementia in 2015, which left him unable to speak.
"We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones," his family said in a statement. Jonas' wife and three children shared they had lost "a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humor has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades.”
Fellow Monty Python co-stars Eric Idle and John Cleese were among the first to pay tribute to the comedy legend, reminiscing on their favorite projects and iconic quotes from Jones' life-long career.
“Thank you all for your kind thoughts and messages of support for our dearly beloved brother Terry,” Idle wrote on Twitter. “It is a cruel and sad thing. But let’s remember just what joy he brought to all of us."
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and messages of support for our dearly beloved brother Terry. It is a cruel and sad thing. But let's remember just what joy he brought to all of us.
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) January 22, 2020
“It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away,” Cleese tweeted. “Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of ‘Life of Brian.’ Perfection. Two down, four to go.”
Just heard about Terry J
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) January 22, 2020
It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away...
Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of 'Life of Brian'. Perfection
Two down, four to go
Another Python Michael Palin told the U.K. news agency Press Association: "He was far more than one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation, he was the complete Renaissance comedian — writer, director, presenter, historian, brilliant children’s author, and the warmest, most wonderful company you could wish to have."
Palin added, “Terry was one of my closest, most valued friends. He was kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full."
Jones wrote and performed for the comedy troupe's early-70 popular TV series and films, including "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" in 1975 and "Monty Python's Life of Brian" in 1979.
Famously enacting the role of Brian's mother, Jones delivered his comedy with brilliant personality to the delight of audiences around the world, including one of Pythons' most recognizable lines, "He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy!"
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