Michael Palin on Monty Python, Bill Murray and Ken Dodd

Rob welcomes a man who needs no introduction, a man who is not a Messiah or a very naughty boy, one of the pillars of British comedy; Michael Palin. Rob dives into Michael’s legendary back catalogue of work as a comedian, actor, author, and explorer. The star of Monty Python also shares stories of working with Ken Dodd, Bill Murray, and Lorne Michaels and reveals how his mum became the star of Saturday Night Live. In the full-length podcast, Palin also speaks openly and movingly about the recent death of his wife of 57 years, Helen.
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Rob Brydon is best known for his work on The Trip, Gavin & Stacey and presenting the BBC One comedy panel show Would I Lie To You?
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[@SirHilaryManfat]

Python aside. Palin's first two travel shows especially got me through teenage depression, school bullying and an abusive father. It was Michael Palin's kind, funny and charming personality that kept me watching, and it was a welcome weekly respite from all my problems at the time. Thanks for helping me get through my teens Michael, much appreciated.

[@frankmurphyburr3598]

❤

[@chasbothesnake]

Those travel shows changed my life too. Especially Himalayas.

[@tris4082]

Me too. I was living in America on my own and around the world in 80 days was my only connection to England before the internet. I even named my first car Mike after him!

[@danieladams9950]

What an extraordinary thing to have helped you. Michael is the epitome of kindness.

[@heatrayzvideo3007]

It helped me too but I was very unwell

[@cariad4297]

Sir Michael Palin is a true gem and has enriched decades of our lives

[@howardchambers9679]

Nicest man in the world

[@stevecobb2997]

He just enriched my life right now. What a pleasant conversation.

[@rosscoghlan]

A British national treasure. love him

[@aimeemyers7194]

As a child in America, the only thing my step dad and I could agree on was Monty Python. It led to my love of British comedy and the UK in general. I’m so grateful to them for bridging the gap for me and my step dad. Thank you Michael and the rest of the guys.

[@ashcross]

That's lovely.

[@rorychivers8769]

One of us. One of us. One of us.

[@danielmoran9902]

My mothers third husband was into drinking lager, watching football, and constantly listened to Elvis Presley. I watched Monty Python and loved it, while he found it 'too high-brow' and preferred jokes about (and pictures of) naked women. To him, that sort of thing was hilarious. I never took his example and I am very happy to say I still don't share the fool's interests. I haven't spoken to the mindless buffoon for thirty years.

[@rorychivers8769]

@@danielmoran9902 High brow? My Mother and Father introduced me to Monty Python when I was four, and I still found it fucking hilarious, despite not being old and wise enough to spot every single wisecrack. If Monty Python is too "high brow" for your third step dad, I would ask him how well the lobotomy took, next time you bump into him

[@danielmoran9902]

@@rorychivers8769And I would thank you to mind your language and speak to people about their lives with a little more respect.

[@Highcastle_of_Geek]

For the longest time I would say that Michael was one of my favorite comedians and writers. As the years have passed and having seen his humanity and humility in so many contexts, he’s more importantly one of my favorite human beings.

[@daddylongles]

A lesson in humility from one of the true greats of British comedy. Rob, as ever, steers the ship in the right direction and we all love the voyage!!❤

[@hensonlaura]

Well put 💝

[@palmeraj70]

I understand that all the Python members had their place and talents, but for me, MP is the number 1. Always a joy to watch and listen to, with such a lovely genuine manner about him. A national treasure who isn't referred to as a national treasure anywhere near as much as he should be.

[@rorychivers8769]

It's because everyone already knows it as an intrinsic fact that doesn't need to be argued.

[@cmmooney564]

I’ve met Michael three times, he remembered me the second and third times, that’s a real talent and he’s a very nice man too, probably the nicest man is show business and certainly the nicest I’ve met.

[@SSNT4]

Oh wow, that's incredible. What were the circumstances of your meeting?

[@cmmooney564]

@@SSNT4 I think the answer to that is what makes it most incredible. I met him at book signings, 1994, 2001 and 2006. 😊

[@garrick3727]

If he'd remembered you the first time I would have been really impressed.

[@SSNT4]

@@cmmooney564 Holy cow, he remembered you from that? That's awesome! What did he say to you??

[@cmmooney564]

Quite a lot, the first time I had my baby daughter in a sling on my front and he even remembered her name.

[@interfusor]

I don't think everyone knows how good Palin is as an actor. He's amazingly scary in Terry Gilliam's Brazil.

[@ade0573]

Absolutely.

[@findlesplurb]

Agreed! He also does an excellent job in a supporting role in The Death of Stalin.

[@kylekirchhevel9097]

If you haven't seen him in GBH, find it. Incredible performance.

[@inisipisTV]

In Fish called Wanda he's totally hilarious.

[@user-dx3sp1yy5l]

​@@kylekirchhevel9097was going to say the same, good call!

[@marco69tits]

What a treasure Michael is.Great interview from Rob too

[@johnmorlan1790]

God bless my mother for exposing us to PBS as children; mostly for things like Masterpiece Theatre, but then we found out Monty Python came on after that. I would scan the TV Guide to find out the weekly schedule so I wouldn't miss an episode. It was bizarre for an adolescent but in a good way and shaped my sense of humor for the rest of my life. Thank you all for what you've given to humanity.

[@jennaolbermann7663]

My family had PBS British shoes on for decades and my mom always watched Masterpiece Theater and my brother watched Monty Python. I’ve had a life long love on British tv.

[@superhillsider]

Was lucky enough to meet Michael at a friend’s wedding, he was just as you imagine; friendly, funny and kind.

[@tuvantrader]

Time Bandits (which he co-wrote with Terry Gilliam) was a significant part of my childhood, being one of a handful of movies I watched numerous times over the years and was happy to share with my own son not so long ago. We’re lucky to have you, Michael Palin! “Oh! Oh! The problem! Pansy, the problem! I must have fruit!”

[@WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS]

I'm a big fan of that movie (and Gilliam's film output in general if I am honest) and I was totally unaware of his involvement in the writing but it makes complete sense in retrospect.

[@rorychivers8769]

Terry Gilliam was an integral part of Python for me, I'm glad he stole the show with animations, I'm glad he spent the majority of budget for the Meaning of Life on the epic corporate piracy skit, I'm glad that every time I hear the word "Brazil", I have to spend the next four days whistling the opening theme while I file my taxes and iron my ties, I mean only yesterday, I had a vivid nightmare that my room opened up and was sucked into an infinite void leaving nothing behind but me, and the first thing I could choose to say to relate it to someone the next day was "I'm glad Time Bandits is still giving me nightmarish fever dreams, 20-odd years after I first watched it

[@LulaJake]

Handmade films was started so George Harrison wouldn't have to pay so much tax.

[@stevecarter8810]

Oh, how I love the ocean... She's so... She's so damn... Wet...

[@Buzzkill-wn7tf]

Canadian kid in the Prairies. Early 70's. Got a buddy's dad (TV video tech guy) to modify an earpiece to fit whatever jack our home black and white TV used (maybe RCA?) because I got tired of holding the transistor radio jack into the TV jack to hear shows. Just to watch Monty Python in the last CBC time slot before the "test screen" came on until morning. Snuck down to the TV room and watched it every chance I got without anyone knowing (nah...they knew). Then it went away, until Holy Grail. And life got silly again! Just in time for high school. Palin's travel docs are still well worth watching and, frankly, serve as a template for a whole genre that continues today. Kudos.

[@WelshBudds]

Michael’s travel shows are a joy to watch. I’ve rewatched them several times over the years and will do again in the future. Thanks for this interview Rob and Michael. Two absolute legends! X

[@JonLaw1956]

I was 18 years old living in the Dallas Tx area in 1974, a big fan of PBS and KERA back then when I was introduced to the Python's and the Flying Circus and and was simply awestruck. I thought to myself what have I just seen, there had never been anything like it before and I became a huge fan of them and British comedy in general till this day. Thanks Michael Palin for being the comedy genius and sweet soul that you are and the joy and laughter you bring all of us.

[@jamescox4231]

I live in Dallas and was introduced to Python about 1979 on KERA. It was an underground subversive Sunday night treat for me growing up in Mesquite and the small minds that surrounded me. I loved it because it was weird, naughty, brainy and inspiring at the same time I still tip my hat to KERA for bringing those cheeky lads to US consciousness.

[@dilwich]

I love Michael he's the funniest Python and his travel shows are a joy to watch.

[@denbones1234]

John clease Eric idle ..and the others

[@PrimarchX]

Michael always delivers the goods. It's! The Parrot Sketch. The Cheese Shop Sketch. The Lumberjack Sketch. Bicycle Repair Man. I'm here for an argument. Sir Galahad. Pontius Pilate. Ken. Molotov. It goes on and on. So glad to see him!

[@sarac.3259]

Don't forget the vocational guidance counsellor sketch where he wants to be a lion tamer. 😂

[@GrahamCLester]

I am disappointed with your list. I was expecting the Spanish Inquisition.

[@PrimarchX]

@@GrahamCLester Okay, I'll bite. However you have stated a philosophical tautology because no one expects the Spanish Inquisition!

[@GrahamCLester]

@@PrimarchX Wasn't it Descartes who said, "I expect the Spanish Inquisition therefore I am not"?

[@PrimarchX]

@@GrahamCLester Or as Yoda said, "Do or do not. There is no Spanish Inquisition."

[@paulmarshall2007]

Wonderful interview. What a really nice man. I almost met him once at the old BBC in queen street in Glasgow. Was so disappointed when he wasn’t there. Would have been one of the highlights of my life. Never too late I suppose. So if you’re ever in Balerno, Michael - give me a shout! 😀👍

[@FakingANerve]

What a beautiful conversation and peek inside the mind of a brilliant, hilarious, lovely soul. Thanks for this. ❤

[@LoremIpsum1970]

Around the World in 80 Days, one of the most memorable TV shows of my youth, and then there was Wanda...Love it! ❤

[@joannmay-anthony1076]

I born in the USA, but my grandfather was from the Manchester area in England and so I had a sense of my grandfather's sense humor. I fell in love with Monty Python the first episode i watched. I loved the young ones as well. People I knew didn't understand these programs!!!!

[@TTM9691]

"John Cash. Big fan." Love that story. Love Michael Palin, so happy he had those experiences. FANTASTIC interview with Palin.

[@MrHolmgren194]

Thank you for the laughs Michael, you`re one of the finest :)

[@JeremyCoppin]

A Legend talking to a legend. I remember an acceptance speech by Robin Williams where he talks about how in film it is easy to make the audience cry, it is easy to make them scared, it is easy to give them a fright.. but to make them laugh.. that takes hard work. The fact that for all intents and purposes, everybody that goes to a MP show knows the sketches (word perfect) and yet will still find themselves unable to breathe through their laughter, speaks volumes about the character of these chaps, and, not only their talent but the fact that they have worked to keep it alive and are still able eke out something for themselves when performing a sketch for the nth-million time.

[@Tysto]

As silly as Python was, they also made very intellectual references. It was silliness for smart people, & that blew my mind.

[@DarylVHorn]

Michael Palin, or how to be as successful as anyone could aspire to and stay humble, sweet, and lovely.

[@zestusfaze59]

I was trying to think of something, anything to say that would be witty and or memorable but I think you summed it up perfectly with your comment.

[@ChirumboloFilm]

You know those moments in life that you vividly remember where and when you were in great detail. Like on 9/11, when we landed on the moon, or when The Berlin Wall came down? The night I saw Monty Python for the first time is one of those moments for me. Watching the tv in my dad’s office area in the basement with the lights off, huddled in a blanket sitting on the desk 2 feet from the screen, I didn’t know that I was about to discover a side to my sense of humor that I didn’t know existed. It’s one of those times I can pinpoint that changed my life for the better. Been a fan ever since. Probably will be til the day I die.

[@TrondBrgeKrokli]

Rob, thanks a lot for talking to Michael. Very good.

[@jazzkazz]

Ahhh - Michael always comes across as such a nice chap. What a lovely interview!

[@danmayberry1185]

Young fame-seekers, please note the humility of Sir Michael Edward Palin KCMG CBE FRGS FRSGS FRSL

[@jennaolbermann7663]

What a lovely interview this is, Rob is such a good host and Michael Palin is such a great person.

[@RobbC.]

One word... Legend.

[@richharper8159]

Just brilliant. A true gem.

[@denisesf5]

Love how he adores his mother. Says a LOT. 💗

[@likeakite]

I'm nearly 66 years of age, and Mr Palin and his mates were so influential when I was at school. After the previous night's Python show, maybe 500 kids would be reciting the sketches for days. I thank you Python team for my surreal education, and left of field humour that has now been passed on to my children. I love the genetic line of humour, thank you Goons and thank you Python !!!

[@louisep5178]

Love Michael Palin so much 💙💎🙏 Rob Brydon too. I will never forget singing with the Russian choir I laughed so much.

[@Devinn777]

Oh great Rob, my eyes are wet now 😅 MP is similar looking and has similar sense of humour to my dad, but MP is faaaar more extrovert and accessible than dad is. Can’t help but feel MP gives me a glimpse of what dad would have been like if his life circumstances were a little different. And by extension you’ve helped me see more of that with this chat. Thanks so much 👏

[@georgetirebiter4343]

I remember being in fifth grade, and my older brother invited me into his room at night to check out this show on PBS he had on his little black-and-white TV. It was the Lumberjack Song, and I nearly fell over in surprise and laughter.

[@glowmaxTube18]

I never wanted to be someone who comments on you tube..... I wanted to be.... *chorus of mounties fades in* ❤😂

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Great interview. Such a nice and supremely funny man.

[@loui4898]

I love how he just turns on the humour at the end, still showing how funny he is when he wants to be.

[@CBL593H]

"John Cash. Big fan". Love it.

[@pauljames6132]

Mate... Mr. Palin travelling, with a tiny bit of python is the best. What a guy!!!

[@WarriorHeart2024]

I had to share this video with some friends of mine...we were just discussing Monty Python and especially "The Holy Grail" So cool to know that Elvis and Johnny Cash were fans...

[@tightmarker9924]

Absolute legend

[@pixiewings21_9]

I've always considered Michael to be a terrific actor - and the best of the Python team - he was superb in GBH all those years ago.

[@luminair11]

Love Michael Palin.....always have over the decades.....he's such a cutie!

[@mononoke721]

The best of the Pythons, his travel shows are wonderful, and his diaries were a joy to read - it would be a privilege to get to meet and talk to Michael Palin in person should the opportunity arise, as he seems very easy to converse with!

[@Starchaser63]

Ive got most of Michael Palins DVD's , so entertaining, I'll be watching them still in years to come.... 👍

[@MrUniman609]

Michael Palin, a gentleman in every sense of the word.

[@billkates6938]

Great interview! Mr. Palin is a treasure. Thank you for posting this.

[@onlykarlhenning]

Love Michael Palin!

[@CarolMartin-xm1ri]

Yes Michael Thank You - always a gentleman - so talented - so funny - like you best.

[@LucasR-xl4sl]

Great interview, thanks Rob, MP is an absolute Legend! =)

[@user-cv6lx5hs4t]

I've heard that meeting your favorites could be disappointing but I believe Michael Palin would be a pleasure. ☮️

[@Transterra55]

Thanks Rob for this interview- there was such a connection between you and Michael… He is a very talented man, and your interview was so enjoyable.

[@nickwilliams7716]

Brydon whispering yes while Palin talks is hilarious. He's like a star struck Mutley!

[@duncanwallace7760]

I loved the travel shows and the books that went with them! Michael is an absolute legend.

[@stoopidvideoz]

So good Rob interviewed Michael whilst he's still in his youth.

[@LadyAmaz]

I met Michael and Terry a few times. Michael is genuinely lovely. So was Terry

[@garfythecat]

What a legend. Had the pleasure of meeting him briefly at a book signing in Nottingham 30-odd years ago, loved it!

[@mguerra79]

Michael was the Python that was 2 meters from me... and some other hundreds of people, back in 2018, in my hometown, Viseu, Portugal, and I wish I was able to give him a hug or at least a handshake, to thank them for all the joy they gave us, they gave me... Even with girlfriends, to watch «The Life of Brian» or «Live at Hollywood Ball» is a must. Thank you. And if possible, another day you come to my town, please let's have a coffee and a chat together, sir! Thank you all, indeed! I salute you, Michael Palin and The Monty Python!

[@845H1R]

Jesus, the name drops and stories. Amazing

[@EmpireSB]

80 days is honestly my single favourite of any moving media from TV to the movies, there is something just utterly magical about it and so explorative of the world, people and Michael’s self, to which I feel I can both aspire and learn from

[@johnozed]

Michael's doc about Andrew Wyeth was the only thing I can bear to watch the night of the 2016 election.

[@paulrichardson9843]

Met Michael at a book signing - think it was for the Sahara tv series in early 2000s. He was so popular the queue went out the building and loads of people (especially students) had Monty Python memorabilia that they wanted signed. He had quite a bad cold, but he was as cheerful in reality as he always appears on TV - even though he was probably going to have to stay all day signing stuff. I took a journal I wrote when I had been travelling in America and Canada a few years earlier and got him to write 'From one intrepid traveller to another' in it and sign it. One of the most famous people I've met and definitely the most down to earth.

[@jeee6835]

Love this fella. No heirs or graces. The 80 days episode he spent on the dow is my favourite show of all time.

[@canadaclaret]

He lacks airs, but I think he probably has heirs. I hope he has a will, because there is a lot for those heirs to inherit.

[@hamishanderson6738]

Full head of hairs too! I'm jealous! (And Rob too!)

[@juliamcwilliam]

Oh this is going to be good!!!!!

[@realtruth529]

Michael Palin is pleasure in whatever he did. Monty phyton is a magic cure for any absurdity in life and speaks to allow yourself to keep the childlike creativity inside and still keep playing with the craziness of life. I loved his travel programs. He brought so much happiness to many. Thank you Michael !

[@munkeymajic]

That was magic, Thanks Rob and Mike

[@radburns]

Michael Palin ❤ what a treat

[@richardgodfrey3456]

I am a Sheffield lad and had the privilege of working a charity gig with Mr Palin in Sheffield we set up for him and then watched life of Brian on the projection screen while we waited for him to arrive. he waited in the wings and walked in saying the lines welease wodger we were extremely embarrassed but he was a true gent and at the interval we took him 2 ice cold tins of red stripe as he said he would prefer that to the top shelf whiskey on offer. A true gent and a true Sheffield bloke . I have worked with many of the greats this was one of the the top memories of my long 35 years back stage career

[@mellotronin54]

Legend.

[@davidlean1060]

How weird. I discovered uploads of his now legendary travel show Around The Wolrd In 80 days and began watching it again for the first time in decades only last night!

[@terranceparsons5185]

Always my favourite Python, loved Ripping Yarns, loved the travel shows.

[@megnhrdy]

i am as in love with him as ever

[@geoffh2560]

Great warmth, intelligence and honesty in this interview, thanks.

[@patrickmuhwheeney6518]

Mr. Palin charms me and amazes me...Great interview! Thanks for the upload!

[@bonneytony]

Living legend

[@tomcat7525]

What a great interview of a lovely man. 'What a dreadful guest! Oh Shut Up' 🤩 I really just could not imagine him being aggressively rude in any situation. 🙏

[@kwerk2011]

But you can see him getting super irritated in the Life of Brian debate :)

[@allwaizeright9705]

I remember back in the 1970's (I was a kid of under 10) - we would watch Monty Python - The 2 Ronnie's - Benny Hill on PBS...It was AWESOME..

[@roberthayes9842]

I didn't get Monty Python as a 13 year old far too stuck in childhood humour, but once I got thru puberty at 26 I suddenly got every show, still do, I could listen to Mr Palin read a menu, just love this guy

[@ChaosPootato]

He seems like such a nice guy. What a legend

[@j0hnn13K]

Two national treasures enjoying a conversation, life is good at times ;)

[@carolwardropper5521]

Michael Palin is a legand.

[@christopherdonahue6594]

Excellent interview. Like many other commenters I enjoyed Michael Palin's travel shows.

[@wetukman]

He is a legend...

[@thanksfernuthin]

Holy crap! That's Bicycle Repairman!

[@photophrodo]

I love this man.

[@PS_testing321...]

Many Americans are very well educated. Most of the people I know who love Monty Python were well educated. I studied British Literature and a friend studied Medieval Studies, and we both loved it. You'd have a hard time finding an audience in America now. No one would understand the allusions. If they study, it is all business or engineering, very few get a degree in the Liberal Arts anymore. Maybe those planning on law school, but now they do a degree in political science generally. So it flew in America back on the day when we were properly educated in literature and history. I was not aware of the travel shows, but I will go watch.

[@bilbob7624]

my fav Monty Python moment of all time i..... seeing Michael wrestle a Bear as part of a Hazing Ritual in School

[@michaelsmythe4031]

What a great interview.

[@spankflaps1365]

I can understand Elvis liking Python, because in his prime he was quite funny, larking about in rehearsals, almost like one of the lads. And in Vegas in the 60s/70s, they had loads of top quality comedy shows, live and often televised.

[@carmenplacido9479]

My favorite Python

[@ellenwood2167]

Fantastic!! His travel shows are my favorites and loved all the Python skits and movies.

[@juudsternr10]

I wish I could give more likes than one ! Thank you for interviewing mr. Palin!!!!

[@timwilks666]

Tomkinson's Schooldays. Genius.

[@frglee]

Ah yes, from the 'Ripping Yarns' series. Magic stuff. I'm very fond of 'Whinfreys Last Case' too.

[@stephenowens3687]

Michael's 'Across the Andes..by Frog' ignited my love of travel and adventure as a small boy.

[@KAF128]

Love Mr. Palin and the chaps. Best wishes from me and the College Leopard ! I'm off to nail a few more Freshers to the wall . . .

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks for such a lovely interview !