Sir Michael Palin has paid tribute to his Monty Python costar, actor and comedian Terry Jones, who has died at the age of 77.
Palin, who performed with Jones in Monty Python, described Jones as “one of my closest, most valued friends” in a statement to the PA news agency.
“He was kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full.
“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.
“I feel very fortunate to have shared so much of my life with him and my heart goes out to Anna, Alison and all his family.”
Jones' agent confirmed the comedian's death this morning. A statement from his family said: “We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones.
“Terry passed away on the evening of 21 January 2020 at the age of 77 with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after a long, extremely brave but always good humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.”
Stephen Fry paid tribute to Jones on Twitter, writing: “a great foot has come down to stamp on you".
“My god what pleasure you gave, what untrammelled joy and delight. What a wonderful talent, heart and mind.”
Bafta also paid tribute to Jones, sharing a photo of the comedian receiving his Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Film & Television from Palin at the 2016 Bafta Cymru Awards.
More stars shared their tributes on Twitter, with author David Walliams writing: “Thank you Terry for a lifetime of laughter.”
John Cleese wrote: "It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away."
Actor and comedian David Schneider described the news as a “punch to the gut”.
“Thanks for making us laugh so much, Terry.”
Others that tweeted tributes included Black Mirror writer Charlie Brooker, author Neil Gaiman and screenwriter Simon Blackwell.
Jones' death comes just weeks after the death of Monty Python star Neil Innes, who died on 29 December aged 75.
Jones was an original member of Monty Python, and was responsible for getting them together.
He met writing partner Michael Palin while studying at Oxford University and they went on to write for British comedy shows together.
Jones is survived by his wife Anna, and children Bill, Sally, Siri.
