EXCLUSIVE: Sir Michael Palin Speaking For The First Time Since His Wife's Death | Lorraine

[@hilaryepstein6013]

Michael Palin is a true modern Renaissance Man who has entertained me for over 50 years. I am so sorry for the loss of his beloved wife Helen but it's very good to see that his interest in life has not diminished.

[@catzenhouse]

If I recall correctly, wasn't she a grief counselor? Maybe that skill helped him along.

[@judgeberry6071]

@@catzenhouse I know she worked as a television producer and director for the BBC. Not too sure about the grief counsellor part. She was very private and kept a low profile out of the limelight.

[@tonywright8294]

Did you know her ? If not why the comment ?

[@frankmurphyburr3598]

couldnt have said it better

[@markshrimpton3138]

About 20 years ago I stood for a couple of hours in a huge queue that snaked its way around the city square in Dundee to have Full Circle signed by Michael Palin. Finally I got inside the shop, book in hand, and realised that the author was taking the time and trouble to talk to every single person; pose for a photo that sort of thing. He came across very much as you see him on screen - genuine and decent. I’ve still got my signed copy.

[@jimmycricket7385]

Oh my, you mean he scribbled his name in a book, exchanged a few words and got paid for doing it? How ever did he manage without fainting with hunger and fatigue.

[@Komorebineeded]

Lovely anecdote. I adore Michael Palin.

[@jduff7036]

I'm not one to be obsessed by celebrities, but Michael is such an incredible man with a hugely diverse and fascinating career. I do love keeping up with his works.

[@johnrider3749]

Michael is a national treasure,

[@joelouis-arena4061]

Global. Greetings from Sweden ❤

[@crankybastid2197]

He's a world treasure.

[@ozpilotgirl]

@@crankybastid2197 Agree

[@planetX15]

International*

[@docbrightside784]

I was just gonna say that lol

[@ikhlasfam5142]

I admire Michael Palin and was so sad for the loss of his dear wife I am so glad he is having this interview

[@sratus]

Everybody loves Michael Palin. A treasure.

[@Crusty_Camper]

Michael Palin is someone who we all feel like we know personally. I too, was sorry to hear of his wife's passing. The book is a great publication and when you read it, you can actually hear Michael Palin speaking the words. In places it really made me laugh out loud.

[@ianjames3078]

I have a 95yo friend whose intellect, excitement and thirst for knowledge astounds me daily. May there be many more years for Michael.

[@chrisfox2890]

I love Michael - a complete inspiration. I met him once at a book signing and a lovely man.

[@catzenhouse]

I did once as well. Terrific speaker and very gracious. He is the one person I would invite if I could invite-anyone-to-dinner sort of occasion. Just a marvelous gentleman, so interesting and positive.

[@tjfSIM]

He always strikes me as being a really genuine and warm person. You're lucky to have met him!

[@michaelmcginn7260]

As a 75 year old, I love your comments on maintaining curiosity. Best wishes.

[@christopherwall444]

Sorry to hear about Michael's loss..my favorite Python...wonderful man

[@francesT5877]

The loveliest man in the world. And Lorraine is one of the few of those TV interviewers that has integrity.

[@WillScarlet1991]

Are you serious?? She's so fake.

[@alienorabrowning8920]

Bless him: one of my favourite human beings - and such a good, creative and funny example to us all. ❤

[@lindawillis2746]

Always love watching Michael Palin...so sorry for his loss...

[@valeriemulholland4282]

He’s absolutely right; it’s about what you don’t have to say. Loved this.

[@abw48]

An Italian female friend of mine was the interpreter of Mr Palin when he was in Italy many years ago and so she interpreted his words from English into Italian and as she was a big Monty Python fan she asked for a selfie with him and later he handed her a stock photo of himself and on it he wrote... Thank you for making my words sound so beautiful. She framed it.

[@sodapop83]

i could not concentrate on my job next to him

[@markwilliamson7846]

Micheal palin is one of the few men I would love to have a conversation with. He’s humble , interesting and funny very few of his contemporaries have one of these qualities let alone all three. Long may he live and condolences on his loss.

[@markshrimpton3138]

About 20 years ago, I queued to get his book Full Circle signed when he was visiting Dundee. He was so genuine a man, with something different to say to each person waiting patiently in line. I’ve met Lorraine a couple of times, also in Dundee, and she’s just as genuine a person.

[@woolmer608]

Yes I agree with you ,a lovely man with many a story to tell I would bet.Seems a very genuine person.

[@bootstrapperwilson7687]

Michael. Ffs.

[@xgreenjacket]

Michaels diaries are a joy to listen to. Every time I finish one, if I don’t move on to the next it feels like a good friend and companion is missing. Looking forward to the next one out in September. So sad for his loss

[@petesmith9472]

Michael Palin is a national treasure …. I hope he is appreciated in the Uk as much as he is everywhere

[@Isleofskye]

He is. Thanks,My Friend...

[@jeankroeber2481]

I'm from Germany...add my deepest condolences on the passing of Mrs. Palin. Mr. Palin is such a "mensch", he has it all -- humility, kindness, great intelligence and humor. I would be afraid that because of all these qualities, he would be overwhelmed by crowds of people but he seems to know his boundaries -- after all, he's been famous for a long time. Looking forward to reading this new book.😍🙏👌📖

[@Isleofskye]

@@jeankroeber2481 Very well said:)

[@elainerempel1613]

Love Michael Palin & his travel shows & books! Can anyone else see a resemblance between Michael & his great-uncle Harry? 💕💕

[@garryentropy]

looks like the guy from the fish slapping sketch

[@thesaint2700]

One of my favorite public individuals! Always comes across as a wonderful, humble, interesting and interested person

[@judyveness7581]

A real English gentleman, intelligent, amusing and curious.

[@rogerhawkins6433]

My idol …. For all my life! Michael Palin who has first made the world laugh, and then educated the world beautifully on all that is good in the world through his travel documentaries. I recognised the “lemon squeezer” hat immediately the photo was shown. With the greatest of respect from Auckland, New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@paulwillard9687]

Sir Michael Palin is great love his attitude and he looks marvellous for 80

[@robkeeleycomposer]

Great to see Sir Michael looking so well in spite of his recent bereavement. He certainly knows the secret to a good life: endless curiosity.

[@Isleofskye]

Almost never a bad word about this wonderful human being. A genuine National Treasure along with Attenborough and Fry.

[@scopex2749]

My deepest condolences to Dear Michael losing the wife he adored - truly sorry. I have followed all his activities since the 'Fish Slapping Dance'..........

[@chrishannon8187]

Michael Palin is a legend

[@clairejones5944]

What a fascinating man,an inspiration to others.

[@rosdavies1382]

Always said he’s the person I’d most like to sit next to at a dinner party.

[@danieladams9950]

Michael the personification of kindness.

[@barryjacobs8524]

What a wonderful man. ❤😊

[@Berniewahlbrinck]

He's still got this unmistakable voice - fantastic.

[@andydixon2980]

Who's other voice is he going to have?

[@Berniewahlbrinck]

@@andydixon2980 I suppose you mean "whose". My point was that poeple's voices often get thinner or less distinctive when they get older.

[@Capture262]

Michael really inspires me to travel the world, shaped the man I am going on that adventure many years ago, what a legend he is.

[@beverleyroberts1025]

Such a lovely man, and so interesting. I love people who have a passion and are curious about the world around us. 🌎

[@janetclaireSays]

Weirdly, in that photo Michael Palin's Uncle Harry looks like John Cleese! I'm so sorry for his loss, but how nice that they had such a long, successful marriage in an industry that doesn't lend itself to that.

[@riskybusiness3413]

You're right - it does.

[@pollyanne42]

I thought that

[@ZeuzBluez]

To me West Africa was the best part of your world tour thirty years ago. From Mauritania to Senegal to Mali and then crossing the Sahara with the tuaregs. An epic journey I never forget. Thank u Michael.

[@JoelWende]

Kind, curious, empathetic, warm…and yet also way more subversive than that Brand character could ever be!

[@michaeljust1193]

Curious what this has to do with russle brand ? Or were you just being "kind" ?

[@leonardoiglesias2394]

This guy is good philosophy put in life. I can be a bit happier about getting old now. When I see him, 80 years old, the same charme, the same humor, the same style, he ALWAYS had. Cant avoid thinking also about Paul McCartney….similar case. Good british generation.

[@normanbell-br7nf]

Thank you Michael for just being curious about life

[@daniellamcgee4251]

I don't think it's a choice. I don't think he can help it! It's Michael's nature. But I appreciate Michael's courage to explore, and his willingness to share his findings with us. 😊

[@evergreen452]

Michael Palin is my favorite human being. Deep condolences on his beloved wife's passing. \

[@Skans-Gustav]

What pleasant interview. Lovely to listen to these two.

[@fionathomson4436]

Sir Michael Palin a man of many 👏 talents

[@BrandenBrazil]

One of my favourite people. He has inspired so many of my travels.

[@noreensingh2300]

So sorry Micheal about you're wife you are a wouñderfull man

[@pemman]

Michael is a very special guy, up there with David Attenborough. All the very best Michael in your future adventures :)

[@tyronewhitehead3123]

A lovely Sweet endearing interview thanks Michael the book will be a great read .

[@steveoshow4832]

Two respectful professionals creating a genuine, entertaining and insightful interview😎👌

[@barryjacobs8524]

Oh I’m so sorry to hear that.❤

[@balticstain7150]

Such a fantastic spirit full of adventure and no slowing down fabulous..

[@puzzleoyster]

This Man is Incredible I love him since do not adjust your TV Set as youngster Now I want to give love love love to Palin for his loss ❤❤❤❤

[@emmygoes2306]

What a wonderful interview!

[@raindrops21_9]

Such a sweetheart. Always my favourite Python but more than that, a genuinely decent human being. And he looks truly marvellous, I'd never imagine he was 80, still strikingly handsome.

[@bardo0007]

I just watched the new Africa series. What an amazing man and may he carry on as long as he's still healthy.

[@anthonypatterson]

Michael Palin: Top man

[@eamonnmorris5331]

A lovely man. I look forward to reading his book.

[@Reprobus3]

Nice of her to let him get a few words in.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

Agreed! Lorraine obviously is a big fan, and got a bit excitable and carried away! Heaping the guest with praise that makes the guest uncomfortable, doesn't make the interview so interesting for the viewer, either. Palin fortunately managed to squeeze some interesting things into this interview, nonetheless! But it would have been more interesting if Lorraine had let Michael talk about the subjects raised, with fewer interruptions just to praise him and his career!

[@jamesbyersmusic]

I'm OBSESSED with Python and all it's various offshoots (Ripping Yarns, Fawlty Towers, A Fish Called Wanda, Nuns On The Run...) and I just ADORE Michael Palin for his travel shows, his books and his fascinating diaries and the fact that he is just such an intelligent, lovely man! If anyone hasn't yet picked up a copy of 'Great Uncle Harry' please do, you'll be in for a treat!!

[@bootstrapperwilson7687]

Its various offshoots. Its. Not it's.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

​@@bootstrapperwilson7687True that. 'It's' for a contraction of 'it is'. To distinguish the contraction, the grammatical rule of an apostrophe to indicate possession is broken, to be 'its'. I recently learned this! Better late than never. 😊 I don't think the additional erroneous comma detracted terribly from my enjoyment of the passion evident in the O.P.'s comment, though. 😊

[@daniellamcgee4251]

James, thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, and the book recommendation! 😊

[@bootstrapperwilson7687]

Same here. I think most people share James' sentiment. I'm going to buy Michael's book today!

[@bootstrapperwilson7687]

Two hours later; I've got it; looking fwd 2 a good read.

[@trikywu]

I met Michael on July 19th 1988 and just came across the photo he autographed back then in the dressing room of the Letterman Show that day. (I worked at NBC at the time). I celebrate that day ever year. So sorry to hear about his wife. I didn't know she had passed.

[@markwalker2986]

I've always been a massive fan of michael palin and David attenborough 😊they are just brilliant 😊

[@Stonecutter334]

Sorry to hear his wife passed. Sincere condolences.

[@accidentalpatient4152]

I was watching michael palin's documentary on hammerschoi for probably the 5th time now on the train to newcastle and read that his wife had died. I actually had a little cry to myself. Hes such a clearly good, humble, funny, intelligent man and every documentary hes ever made means a lot to me.

[@tassie2348]

80??!! Wow, what a stunner!❤

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

My grandfather had 4 brothers, all 5 went to the first world war. The 2 youngest, still teens were both killed and are buried there, and one badly injured did return with my grandfather who carried shrapnel in his for the rest of his life. Imagine my great grandmother and her anguish that her 5 sons were all there and 2 didn’t return. To add insult to injury they were Australians. People today have no idea

[@markshrimpton3138]

Most younger people don’t have a clue. My dear grandfather served from 1914 until 1918. His elder brother Robert was lost on the Somme. His name is inscribed on the memorial at Thiepval.

[@MyMags8]

@@markshrimpton3138my great Uncle served in WWI, he returned so shell shocked he never spoke again. Spent the rest of his life in verbal silence living in a home for service men who’d returned unable to reintegrate into social living. I only met him once when my Nana took me with her on one her regular visits, I was only about 7/8yrs old, she told me to just chat to him as we walked round the lovely grounds of the home. My memories of him are of him being a gentle soul who cherished his sisters devotion 💖

[@eltinjones4542]

A truly lovely man 😊

[@RonniesRambles]

Wonderful man, I'm sorry for his loss and relieved at his approach to life moving forward. I have to add as well, what a lovely host this woman is.

[@ruudvanmontfoort4485]

loved his travel shows, looking forward to see more.

[@jeromegasser9631]

A man with such a class a national treasure .

[@kitcarson57]

Respect to you mr Palin. Thanks to you I have a new interest in Antarctica having read terror and Erebus .

[@joeletaxi821]

What a gentleman.

[@vivienvaughan9043]

Wonderful interview thank you!!

[@noohoozfurra]

Michael Palin. A gem, simple as that...

[@colh5910]

A genuine nice guy.

[@k.walderhaug1880]

Michael, we love you!

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

Listened to the 5 part series on Radio 4. The final part puts a lump in your throat at the end. A normal anonymous guy who simply ended up dying in a bomb crater, no proper grave, no body just a couple of little diaries to prove he existed. A sad story. This should be made into a film, Spielberg, are you listening???

[@lsmith9249]

there are thousands of similar stories stories from both world wars there is a monument in Flanders to those who don't have a grave

[@pressureworks]

The audio version of his Uncle's story is, at the time of posting this comment, available on BBC Sounds.

[@michelles2299]

You can see they are related, I so want to know about my great grandmother just about her everyday life maybe I will meet her in another life 🙏

[@daniellamcgee4251]

That's the difficulty with great grandmothers in particular. There is typically very little evidence of their lives, recorded, and as my mother said 'it wasn't the done thing' to talk with children, especially, about their lives. The best we can do to learn more is to learn about the context of their lives; their family, their time, their location, their beliefs etc.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

I can relate to the detecive work, solving mysteries, filling the gaps in knowledge, and 'bringing people to life' again with my own family tree. I recommend it. Having a clearer understanding of who, and where you come, and what events shaped the family, can enrich your sense of identity, and feeling of connectedness in the human family tree.

[@alanmarsh4557]

Simply one of the greats

[@paulofreire7520]

The great Michael Palin. Thank you, sir! 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@davidruddick3346]

I just think he’s such a nice man👍

[@JB-jz9ib]

Pure Class !

[@carlbyronrodgers]

A great guest.

[@duiduiduihao]

Michael should do a "Around the World at 80"

[@annaparry4045]

Love Michael Palin.

[@andydixon2980]

Hope this great man keeps going as long as David Attenborough.

[@fredscratchet1355]

One of my heroes, great man💖

[@bereal6590]

Michael seems a lovely bloke. This is so interesting, if I had the time and money to do this I would love to ✌

[@daniellamcgee4251]

Time is the biggest factor. I have little money, but made the most of 'free trials' and internet searches. 😊

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

Exactly, if you're not curious anymore your life is not worth living.

[@mrshamster4077]

I love Michael so much. A marvellous chap.

[@alansmithee8831]

A Ripping Yarn!

[@christinegallacher7409]

Really interesting to hear what Michael had to say about the loss of his wife I so understand that with the loss of my husband its not what you are saying it is the not saying...what he said too about keeping busy in something interesting and is so true...

[@stephenoliver1437]

Well done michael good to here your doing well

[@pressureworks]

The audio version of the story is at the time of posting this comment, available on BBC Sounds.

[@davidevans3227]

i like Lorraine 🙂 thankyou for sharing this..

[@timcase2494]

Loved all his travels shows. So good.

[@SpaceCattttt]

I admire a man who just "gets on with it". That's not to say that I think Michael shows too much stiff upper lip here, or anything. I remember him rushing back home in the middle of one of his travel programs (Full Circle?) to be with his wife who'd fallen seriously ill, so clearly she was enormously important to him. And after 6 decades together, how could she not be? Not unless she held him captive! No, she couldn't, could she? He was traveling, after all. Anyway, I'm sure Michael's had one of the toughest years of his life this year, but unlike so many others who've lost someone, he chooses to keep going and to keep busy. I'm not sure if I could manage that, but I do respect him for it. It's the right thing to do.

[@watchrepairwithchris4346]

A real man. a great fan and enjoy your curiosity and mine.

[@paulwatkinson7055]

Michael is a person for everyone, just great and funny, And monty python say no more.

[@robertalford2257]

That portrait reminds me of a M Python character. Maybe the fish slapping scene?