Eric Idle on the Graham Norton Show

The full interview is on the BBC. Graham Norton Show

[@LuckyDejardin]

We're grateful Eric Idle is alive, couldn't agree more.

[@bencornish6910]

A hero in my eyes.

[@michaelmclaren7373]

No we’re not. Oh, sorry. Isn’t this the place for an argument?

[@batchint]

always look on the bright side..

[@philoebeddo8724]

I love Eric.I memorised every line to The Universe Song when I was a kid,and still remember it at 50! Senility is bound to start kicking in now..

[@morpher44]

“Know what I mean? Eh, eh, Nudge nudge, Say no more?”

[@DonoVideoProductions]

Not just a National Treasure, an International Treasure. He teaches us how to laugh at the absurdity that is life, which is a wonderful gift indeed.

[@cullingthegenepool6842]

Say No More.

[@jenniferclark9170]

One of my first comedic heros from watching The Meaning of Life and not really understanding what was going on, but my dad (we are American) absolutely loved it, so I began watching more and more of that group. Eric Idle still is to this day one of my absolute favorite performers. I am so thankful and grateful to hear that he is doing well.

[@DonoVideoProductions]

@@jenniferclark9170 Yeah. I had the good fortune right before the pandemic to see him as a surprise guest at a charity performance with Weird Al Yankovic. They are actually best friends, which blew my mind! To hear Idle do some of his hits live is an experience I will never, never forget.

[@flemingcourt]

Always look at the...

[@beccalopez2969]

My father passed away from pancreatic cancer in November. The fact Eric’s was caught so early, he is so unbelievably lucky… it’s an awful disease and the exposure Eric Idle has given it is so appreciated!

[@petermueller7407]

Same to my dad. :( May I ask u, if you yourself would get that diagnosis now and with all you know about this disease - what would you do?

[@rubysmith8818]

❤️

[@markrothenberg9867]

Very sorry for the loss of your father. Kenny sucks!! My father lived 89 days of 90 days with glioblastoma more than 30 years ago. Evil stuff.

[@helenamcginty4920]

A friend lost his dad and cousin and he then died of pancreatic cancer.

[@ghaznavid]

Happened to someone I worked with - left work early on Friday to go to the doctor, was detected same day, died the next Monday. Absolutely insane how quickly it takes people. All cancer is awful, but pancreatic especially.

[@MrKmoconne]

So glad Eric is with us. We need him in these dark days.

[@johnwatts8346]

yes, tis dark times indeed when passing ruffians can 'NI' to old ladies in the street!

[@MrKmoconne]

@@johnwatts8346 Sir Robbin ran away but not Eric Idle .

[@zapkvr]

Which friggin dark days

[@dw69376]

Indeed we do, John.

[@HikazePrincess]

I remember when he was on The Masked Singer....he was one of those performers that you just instantly recognized ^_^

[@billvegas8146]

My brother beat pancreatic cancer too. The operation is intense. The incision goes across the entire abdomen. But he has fully recovered. Amazing. They caught it very, very early but told him he still only had a 1 in 3 chance of survival. He's one of the 1 in 3.

[@enriquehartmann8642]

That's awesome!

[@LindaC616]

Great news!

[@scarecrowestetson]

Fabulous news!!!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Good for him. Most people have only a 5% of survival because they detect it so late.

[@zapkvr]

Respect

[@Euphoftoday]

A man with 0 haters. Love him

[@berserkrhadley]

Oh, I'm sure he has haters, but you know that nobody likes THOSE people.

[@colbyscott9822]

I'm not sure The Church is a big fan of his. Although, I think their beef is more with Michael Palin and John Cleese. lol

[@cthutu]

Big Nose doesn't like him.

[@juanmanu9652]

Eric Idle, what a comedy legend. I'm so happy to hear that he survived "kenny".

[@smiththomson95]

Hello Dear How are you doing today?

[@pfranks75]

My Dad beat pancreatic cancer and about 5 years later he died of congestive heart failure. Eric Idle is so optimistic, God bless him!

[@thetessellater9163]

Why did your god kill your dad? Was he not blessed? Silly superstitions, eh!

[@adamr9720]

My dad had congestive heart failure. They operated successfully then three years later colon cancer got him.

[@kartofle123]

Sorry for your loss. I miss my dad even though he died 33 years ago.

[@billvegas8146]

They bought you 5 whole years with your dad! If it isn't one thing it's another.

[@adamr9720]

@@billvegas8146 yup. Something has to get you.

[@ariesviolent]

I almost burst into tears. I'm so damned happy he's doing good after that.

[@aum3.146]

A rare gem. A full member of the Beatles of comedy.God Bless him as much as he blessed us.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

You mean the Rutles.

[@enriquehartmann8642]

I LOVE THIS MAN. He reminds me of my late mom, no not because they have a bald spot in the same place. In 1998 , my mom was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor. At that time: 98% of the patients die with in 18 momths. The other 2% die with in 24 months... MY MOM LIVED FOR 23 YEARS! She is the longest known survivor to date. My mom sadly passed away last November. My mom's attitude can be summed up in a thing she'd always say when she, or any of us were faced with an adversity: "When things go bad, you can either laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh."

[@laurakorhan4178]

God be praised-you’re mom stayed here to make sure you were to a point where you could survive her passing . She wasn’t ready to go. ❤️ I too was supposed to succumb to AML (Leukemia) at 24 in 1994 but I am still here 29 years later. Especially for my daughter and son whom I have raised now. I have taken many years for granted due to numerous health issues related to the chemo, but recently decided I am still not ready to go so an trying to get in better shape. It’s never too late til you’re dead and gone.

[@RL-lr8ji]

Sorry for your loss. Your mother fought to the end. My 73 year old mother has had dementia for 6-7 years.

[@Nannada1212]

She had the bravery of an officer waking up missing a leg.

[@lorik3966]

First, Im very sorry for your loss of your mother. Amazing that she beat the odds and lived so many years. I hope they were worry free happy years. 💞

[@lorik3966]

@@RL-lr8ji Oh so sad to watch. I'm sorry. I see this happening to my mother. In the past year I've noticed her cognitive difference. Getting old is not for the timid.

[@holysh1tballs3]

🎵 Always look on the bright side of life 🎵

[@OurGodReigns]

Love that song!!!! Love he's named his foundation after that glorious song!!!

[@davidfisher5599]

Eric Idle is brilliant. A true legend.

[@anthonypetty9288]

So glad that Eric survived Kenny. He has always been one of my comedy idols, and such a lovely man by all accounts. Best wishes Eric, from New Zealand.

[@ChristianW1975]

All the Monty Python lads are legends

[@lanceausnz5997]

I always thought that Tom Hanks was a great guest on Graham Norton and was able to keep interviews going ... but BLOODY HELL ... Eric Idle is straight out a natural genius.

[@legalgal12]

My mom died from inoperable pancreatic cancer, 17 months after she got her diagnosis. I’m glad he was able to catch it early and survive.

[@Fcutdlady]

So happy he surived his battle with cancer . Love to him and his family

[@neileyre6019]

What a thoroughly wonderful man! Thankfully still with us.thank you for all of your work Eric it has made the world a Brighter place.

[@micanope]

He does that. Not afraid to talk about death and illness. His book, Greedy Bastard, was all about George Harrison's death and it was a great book.

[@mattburt703]

totally recommend his autobiography "Always Look on the Bright Side." His Harrison stories are hysterical and the account fo the attack is horrific, plus he's bloody Eric Idle and the laughs keep on coming.

[@chrave1956]

saying ..’National’ is racist!

[@regant.cameron8237]

Really? I've always liked George

[@Shaunybread]

It's amazing how full of life he is.. love all the pythons

[@edwardlees4585]

That has put a great smile on my face. Eric and Jamie Lee on the same sofa. Wonderful!

[@dw69376]

And with David Tennant no less!

[@ABC-yt1nq]

Lost a good friend to this. So glad that Eric is still with us - he is an absolute treasure.

[@rodwallace6237]

My friend Karen battled skin cancer for years and was convinced it was going to get her in the end. The pancreatic cancer was not detected until well beyond surgery. I miss her all the time.

[@jeremygman2710]

Lost my mother to pancreatic cancer in 1991. Diagnosed at 38, she was dead at 40. Would be marvelous if they could tackle this disease.

[@petermaharajh2088]

❤

[@simonwood1461]

God bless you, Eric. Stick around for as long as possible.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

My sister's partner of 32 years died of pancreatic cancer last year. When I first heard that she (Rose) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I researched it online and discovered that it has about a 95% mortality rate overall, so Eric is indeed very fortunate. One of the biggest issues with this particular cancer is that it generally doesn't show itself until it is essentially too late to do anything about it. Rose had no symptoms to speak of until just a few months before her diagnosis and by then it was too far along. She went through chemo and fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to her affliction. *Detection* is the number one thing that needs to be researched. And not just for this cancer but for many others too. Treatment is important of course, but DETECTION is so much more critical.

[@dw69376]

So sorry for your family's loss.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@@dw69376 Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@bikkiikun]

You're absolutely right... early detection is the most critical (and life saving) measure, that needs to be researched and developed.

[@mellow5123]

I love Eric. He's enriched so many lives. SO glad you're well and still giving. ❤💜💛

[@cassylow9418]

I teared up watching this ....he's my favourite python and I adore him so much....the thought of losing him was a little too much to bear ... So I watched this and immediately went and played some of his sketches to make myself laugh again... We're so lucky to have him 💜💚💙🥰

[@madaknevarski6478]

my favourite is the money sketch / song 'the cold antiseptic sting of the Swiss Franc'

[@jamesbyersmusic]

He's my favourite Python too, with Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin all tied in at a very close 2nd!! ;-)

[@Love2Communicate]

Eric Idle has always been my favorite Monty Python cast member. I was delighted to see him on the Masked Singer and I enjoyed his interview here too. Glad he's still around and that he was fortunate enough to survive pancreatic cancer.

[@dougrobinson2024]

Wonderful to have him still here with us.

[@marydillonsalai8985]

I love the story that he commented once to George Harrison about how difficult it was trying to get a skit he had written into the Monty Python show, given the genius of the other members, and George responded, “Tell me about it.” They were friends.

[@mister3566]

I love the true story about him living in France and a family living nearby, the guy kept trying to sell him a vacuum cleaner, he said he didn't need one but kept supplying them with food cos they were struggling financially. The guy was James dyson.

[@ThatWeirdCreator]

He’s one of those voices that is so recognizable you just think of an English accent and you can hear his voice. You just think in an English accent and it’s likely to be his voice.

[@nonnyena4267]

I adore Idle. And it's so wonderful to see The Red Couch back in play! I kinda see it like ... Well. _Like Graham Norton's version of Ed McMahon._ O! The kudos don't go to Idle because he _"survived cancer."_ Depending on the type, _LOTS_ of people do. The _phenomenal_ part is he survived *_pancreatic_*_ cancer,_ because THAT puts him in a very tee-nincey club indeed!

[@Trevelyan1971]

My Dad died from Pancreatic Cancer 8 weeks after diagnosis so Im amazed anyone ever survives it...

[@ljay2823]

Same. Once in hospital, it was 5 days and he was gone.

[@kc7280]

Pancreatic, in particular, is such a beast. May you have joy in remembering your loved ones

[@Deanwb89]

My cousin had 11 days. It’s all about finding it early. Real early. So happy he beat all the odds!!

[@mikkiturkia415]

What a legend, so glad we get to enjoy this lovely man a good while longer!

[@marksmith9810]

His Love And Light Raised The Frequency Of Everyone 🌟

[@noteverton]

That was fantastic. As a survivor myself, respect.

[@bodnica]

💖

[@bloodorigin]

Eric Idol has always been an inspiration for all of us.

[@mollyfilms]

Will be a dark time when these legends go. True geniuses, all of them.

[@KNINESVIDS]

Terry Jones went 1 or 2 years ago 😢

[@AD-kv9kj]

And don't forget Graham Chapman killed himself with alcohol by 1989.

[@steinarbergstl5799]

@@AD-kv9kj Graham was certainly an alcoholic, that's well established, but what killed him was as far as I'm aware cancer which was first discovered in his tonsils and which then had spread to his spine. So once again cancer proves itself to be an absolute bastard. Fuck cancer!

[@olivegreenpants7153]

@@AD-kv9kj he had spinal cancer

[@johnwatts8346]

yeah its tragic innit, one day theyll all be gone, well apart from sir mick and sir macca of course- theyve both clearly done deals with lucifer, no doubt about it.

[@TrollsAndScrolls]

Eric is my Idle.

[@darlenel9226]

I love Eric Idle ❤️❤️

[@ysgol3]

God bless him - his life started so tragically when his father survived the second world war and was killed in a car crash on the way home - unbelievable. And he's brought so many people so much joy - I love him. Love, health and peace from Wales.

[@galwaygirl5600]

Jamie Lee just loving everything that comes out of Eric Idle’s mouth ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@TheTrwebster]

What a wonderful story! Very kind man.

[@regplasma7906]

Eric is irony personified. True legend.

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

Isn't it a coincidence that such a lovely and energetic man's surname is Idle...

[@danielreed5199]

Yes

[@ThePawsOfDeception]

Ironic in the extreme!

[@MarceloSantos-hi7gn]

No, it is not!!!

[@dw69376]

I absolutely love love love Eric Idle!

[@meerkat7406]

love eric Idle and all the Pythons.

[@VegardMinde]

That guy has a great gift and he is sharing it with us all.

[@peterdixon6807]

Thanks for posting this separately. Eric Idle was in The Rutles [Beatles spoof band] so perhaps him singing a Beatles song was no surprise. But Paul McC saying OK was!

[@elfeling7187]

Fantastic story. Leaves us speechless and joyous.

[@tyronewhitehead3123]

Eric it was a fabulous treat to see and hear your lovely voice, we did a collective Gasp when he Mentioned his illness .As the conversation went on I had great admiration for this man for the way he spoke about it ,he didn’t boo-hoo about it there was a joke here and there. .Again respect I wish Eric well. We all love you .

[@davidwalter2002]

Long live Eric Idle!

[@videohistorysnippets8963]

Great story, happy ending. Eric is such a wonderful man.

[@grahamallaway3292]

Such an icon this man and so glad he’s still here to help us keep a balanced view of life. Always look on the bright side! Cheers Eric 👍

[@flemingcourt]

Eric is a gem of outstanding quality!

[@craigroeser181]

I just love Eric Idle! What a awesome person and one of the funniest as well!

[@Ladefuss]

Idle Legend

[@peterfranks6243]

An absolute Legend in his own lifetime

[@johnwatts8346]

um, when youre being complimentary its usally stated as 'living legend',

[@peterfranks6243]

@@johnwatts8346 sorry teacher

[@johnwatts8346]

@@peterfranks6243 and im sorrry for being facetious, but i found your wording a bit too close to 'a legend in his own lunch time / mind' kinda thing. anyhow- thankfully, were all very glad old Eric remains a 'living legend' !

[@bobsands3557]

A legend in his lunchtime.

[@johnwatts8346]

@@bobsands3557 yeah, thats the line- from the rutles, eh?

[@Pip-ti9xp]

Absolute legend! So glad he has survived and is doing well

[@rustinpieces]

What a lovely man and how lucky we all are he's still here! One of the greatest on the MP-team back in the day,

[@2112splunge]

He still looks so good and still funny as hell! Life is good!

[@helenhucker346]

Eric's story demonstrates the need for screening and early diagnosis. Unfortunately many people do not have access to the same standard of treatment.

[@PizzaLord]

Blood screening is free on the NHS. I had a bunch of it done in that last year. Just keep an eye on your markers and try to catch stuff early.

[@kc7280]

His story sounds like a good bit of luck with the timing of his annual exam

[@khyrand]

It’s peculiar that he was getting an MRI - that’s a terrible screening test, and certainly would not be covered by insurance (or NHS) unless he had pretty significant symptoms and probably an ultrasound and/or CT first. And for good reason: if we routinely scanned everybody, there would be millions of incidental findings needing to be worked up with biopsies and surgeries but turning out to be nothing-except pain, anxiety, wasted time, and expense.

[@donjohn2695]

Because he's wealthy normal people get left to die

[@bodnica]

True

[@JorryGT]

What an amazing character, so brilliant and positive. Glad you're well and alive!

[@nicholasdavies6264]

Always look on the bright side of life! I sincerely hope Eric makes a full recovery 👍

[@MartinAhlman]

I'd love to invite Eric Idle to Sweden, in the winter, just to hear him complain. Love that man!

[@madamzajj980]

I've always been grateful he's alive 😊❤

[@sparky5860]

Bless you Mr. ldle… You have been such a huge part of my life since I was a young boy…… Monty Python was always shown in my house as my parents immigrated from Scotland to the United States in 1960…. I’m am American born myself…… Wish you much happiness ☮️

[@playbackamusicloversjourne8620]

If anyone deserves a second chance it's Eric...brilliant!

[@andrewbyrne7321]

Thank God he lived to tell the tale a legend

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

I love all of the Pythons dearly, they were my fun uncles growing up who taught me so many valuable lessons without me realising it as they did it through comedy. Keep on living Eric

[@TonyEnglandUK]

You've got a fine Pythonesque username.

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting.

[@joelouis-arena4061]

All the best, Eric. I will always love your characters on Python. Especially the sleazy ones 😂. Thank you so much. Nudge nudge.

[@ilabelle1]

One of the Beatles of comedy. A legend if I ever saw one.

[@ph8632]

I like that analogous description.......... I will be stealing that.

[@katejones2172]

@@ph8632 me too

[@PhilBagels]

Yeah! Monty Python is indeed the Beatles of Comedy!

[@johnwatts8346]

i think of them as the shakespeare of comedy, but of course theyre right up there with the great rock bands, theyre a group with a name and identity, and theyre english and of that era it all fits,

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

So glad Mr. Idle is still with us!

[@paulrichardson5450]

What a Legend Eric Idle is 🙌❤️

[@twoboysmom7423]

Thanks so much for sharing Jess.

[@patrickwolff2727]

Cheers to brave, brave Sir Robin!

[@johnheart6890]

God bless him! Met him in Sherman Oaks once, Just for a few minutes. Very kind of him to chat with a fan like me, he certainly didn’t need to do that, but I was grateful he did. I say again, God bless him!

[@helengorton894]

Wonderful!!! So glad.

[@ManCave1972]

Every member of Monty Python has shaped a bit of modern comedy in some way. If you laugh at something today, it has Monty Python DNA in it

[@ThePawsOfDeception]

He survived pancreatic cancer? Good on you sir! All I can think is (and yes, I know this is a Michael Palin character, but...) "You lucky bastard! You lucky, lucky bastard!" I hope he outlives me.

[@eetsion]

Good things happen to good people.. thankfully, we can still enjoy the presence of mr. Idle amongst us :)

[@Tarsus790]

Eric Idle is a loveable genius I only wish he did more comedy

[@madaknevarski6478]

Eric Idle is much more than a national treasure, so much more.

[@robinterry2906]

Love Eric! He's a jewel ❤️

[@russelljackman1413]

Thank Heaven, they got it! I wish you all the very best, Eric!

[@josealicea3103]

What a positive guy!! God bless, my brother survived by early diagnosis a ball of cancer that was between the pancreatic and the stomach, 10-hour surgery called the Whipple procedure, people you got to go to your doctor you got to do the screenings, you have to be proactive in your health !!! no question

[@tomshepherd4901]

We love you Eric and we are very glad that you staying around to make the world a better and happier place. 🙂

[@squigtonianmayhem4602]

Absolute legend.

[@peterd788]

My mother was diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer and I was with her at the time she was told of it. I remember the oncologist telling her he doubted she would be alive in 6 month's time. He was right. She lasted two. On her death certificate were the words "carcinoma pancreas". Her demise was extraordinarily fast.

[@tomsmith8511]

I also was with my dear mother upon hearing such news regarding cancer.. It's like the floor gives way beneath you dealing with the shock of it..

[@bodnica]

My sympathy, terrible disease.

[@PADS62]

Absolutely Greatfull Eric is still going strong! He's a worldwide treasure that should be protected at all costs. ❤️😍🤩

[@darthaelris2059]

Nothing in my heart but love for Eric Idle

[@deborahgrysko2427]

So glad Eric is well !

[@ZippyThePinhead]

I had no idea Mr Idle went through this, but am extremely happy they caught it in the early stages, and were able to treat and remove it. I had a very dear friend pass from pancreatic cancer in 2021, and it was devastating.., still is. 😢💔

[@markgrandconroyshawcross5408]

What a wonderful human being ❤️

[@denisvalente6844]

I saw Eric at the Sydney state theatre a week ago. He was brilliant. Hilarious, full of energy and with some amazing stories to tell. He did some songs, and a few skits. Like many others, he's my fave Python

[@SandraNelson063]

Cancer took my mother, and it will take my father. I applaud anyone who escapes it. And Eric is a treasure.

[@kiltworm]

That made me feel really good. He looks just excellent.