Michael Palin

Michael Palin

Michael Edward Palin, CBE FRGS (born 5 May 1943) is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries. Palin wrote most of his comedic material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "Argument Clinic", "Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", and "The Spanish Inquisition". Palin continued to work with Jones after Python, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders. After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer and travel documentarian. His journeys have taken him across the world, including the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and, most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin was honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television. Description above from the Wikipedia article Michael Palin, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

More details

Known For

Filmography

2025

The Academy of Armando
The Academy of Armando
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/3/2025

2024

Movie
How To Make It In Comedy
Movie - Released: 1/3/2024
Michael Palin in Nigeria
Michael Palin in Nigeria
as Self
TV - Released: 4/16/2024

2023

Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs
Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs
as Self
Movie - Released: 5/6/2023

2022

The Fringe, Fame and Me
The Fringe, Fame and Me
as Self
Movie - Released: 8/8/2022
Michael Palin: Into Iraq
Michael Palin: Into Iraq
TV - Released: 9/20/2022

2021

Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated
Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated
as Self (archive footage)(uncredited)
Movie - Released: 6/5/2021

2020

Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy
Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy
as Self
Movie - Released: 5/9/2020
Movie
Jeepers Creepers
Jeepers Creepers
as Newscaster (voice)
Movie - Released: 10/12/2020
Staged
Staged
as Michael
TV - Released: 6/10/2020
Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime
Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime
as Self - Host
TV - Released: 10/4/2020

2019

An Accidental Studio
An Accidental Studio
as Self
Movie - Released: 7/12/2019
Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes
Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes
as Himself
Movie - Released: 5/10/2019
Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails
Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 9/7/2019
Worzel Gummidge
Worzel Gummidge
as The Green Man
TV - Released: 12/26/2019

2018

Michael Palin: A Life on Screen
Michael Palin: A Life on Screen
Movie - Released: 1/7/2018
Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair
as William Makepeace Thackeray
TV - Released: 9/2/2018
Michael Palin in North Korea
Michael Palin in North Korea
as Himself - Host
TV - Released: 9/28/2018

2017

The Death of Stalin
The Death of Stalin
as Vyacheslav Molotov
Movie - Released: 10/20/2017

2016

Attenborough at 90
Attenborough at 90
as Self
Movie - Released: 5/8/2016
Generation '66
Generation '66
Movie - Released: 7/31/2016

2015

Absolutely Anything
Absolutely Anything
as Kindly Alien (voice)
Movie - Released: 2/13/2015
Michael Palin's Quest for Artemisia
Michael Palin's Quest for Artemisia
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/28/2015
TV
Artsnight
as Self
TV - Released: 3/6/2015

2014

Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule
Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/20/2014
Monty Python Live (Mostly)
Monty Python Live (Mostly)
as Self, others
Movie - Released: 7/20/2014
50 Years of BBC Two Comedy
50 Years of BBC Two Comedy
as Self
Movie - Released: 5/24/2014
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live
as Self
Movie - Released: 11/13/2014
Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace
Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace
as Himself
Movie - Released: 12/10/2014
Alexander Armstrong's Real Ripping Yarns
Alexander Armstrong's Real Ripping Yarns
as Self
Movie - Released: 4/3/2014
Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar
Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar
as Self
Movie - Released: 6/29/2014
Remember Me
Remember Me
as Tom Parfitt
TV - Released: 11/23/2014
A Life on Screen
A Life on Screen
as Himself
TV - Released: 12/24/2014
Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)
Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)
as Self (archive footage)
TV - Released: 11/3/2014

2013

Frost on Sketch Shows
Frost on Sketch Shows
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/13/2013
The Wipers Times
The Wipers Times
as General Mitford
Movie - Released: 9/11/2013
The Meaning of Monty Python
The Meaning of Monty Python
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/8/2013
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World
as Himself
Movie - Released: 12/29/2013

2012

Anatomy of a Liar
Anatomy of a Liar
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/26/2012
The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/4/2012
Produced By George Martin
Produced By George Martin
as Self
Movie - Released: 9/11/2012
Brazil with Michael Palin
Brazil with Michael Palin
as Self (Presenter)
TV - Released: 10/24/2012

2011

Arthur Christmas
Arthur Christmas
as Ernie Clicker (voice)
Movie - Released: 11/10/2011
Making Qi
Making Qi
as Self
Movie - Released: 9/10/2011
Movie
The Phoenix: A Century of Cinema
as Self
Movie - Released: 1/1/2011
The Jonathan Ross Show
The Jonathan Ross Show
as Self
TV - Released: 9/3/2011

2010

Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)
Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)
as Mrs. Betty Palin / Julius Caesar / Bevis
Movie - Released: 3/25/2010
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall
Movie - Released: 6/8/2010
ZULU Comedy Galla
ZULU Comedy Galla
as Michael Palin
TV - Released: 9/2/2010

2009

Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened
as Self
Movie - Released: 5/10/2009
Monty Python in Aberystwyth
Monty Python in Aberystwyth
as Self
Movie - Released: 5/12/2009
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)
as Self
TV - Released: 10/18/2009

2008

Movie
Life Of Brian Screenplay
as Wise Man #3, Mr. Big Nose, Francis, Mrs. A, Ex-Leper
Movie - Released: 1/29/2008
Inside Shabby Road: The Music of 'The Rutles'
Inside Shabby Road: The Music of 'The Rutles'
as Self
Movie - Released: 11/1/2008
Get Up and Go: The Making of 'The Rutles'
Get Up and Go: The Making of 'The Rutles'
as Self
Movie - Released: 11/1/2008
Around the World in 20 Years
Around the World in 20 Years
as Himself
Movie - Released: 12/30/2008
The Seventh Python
The Seventh Python
as Self
Movie - Released: 6/26/2008
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/31/2008
The Last Day of World War One
The Last Day of World War One
as Presenter
Movie - Released: 11/1/2008
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus
as Self
Movie - Released: 7/1/2008
What Is Brazil?
What Is Brazil?
as Self
Movie - Released: 4/16/2008
Monty Python Conquers America
Monty Python Conquers America
as Self
Movie - Released: 1/1/2008

2007

Hitler: The Comedy Years
Hitler: The Comedy Years
as Heinrich Himmler (archive footage) (uncredited)
Movie - Released: 5/10/2007
Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind
Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind
as Gariiiiiii (voice)
Movie - Released: 12/25/2007
What the Pythons Did Next...
What the Pythons Did Next...
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 1/1/2007
The Secret Life of Brian
The Secret Life of Brian
as Self
Movie - Released: 1/1/2007
Michael Palin's New Europe
Michael Palin's New Europe
as Himself
TV - Released: 9/16/2007
TV
Movie Connections
as Self
TV - Released: 9/10/2007
TV
The Alan Titchmarsh Show
as Self
TV - Released: 9/3/2007
The Graham Norton Show
The Graham Norton Show
as Self
TV - Released: 2/22/2007

2006

Monty Python's Flying Circus - Graham Chapman's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus - Graham Chapman's Personal Best
as Various Characters
Movie - Released: 2/22/2006
Movie
50 Films to See Before You Die
as Self
Movie - Released: 7/22/2006
The South Bank Show: Spamalot
The South Bank Show: Spamalot
Movie - Released: 10/15/2006
The One Show
The One Show
as Self - Guest
TV - Released: 8/14/2006
Monty Python's Personal Best
Monty Python's Personal Best
as Self / Various Characters
TV - Released: 2/22/2006
TV
Legends
as Self
TV - Released: 11/17/2006

2005

Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi
Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi
as Host
Movie - Released: 7/14/2005
The Roots of Monty Python
The Roots of Monty Python
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 11/26/2005
John Peel's Record Box
John Peel's Record Box
as Self
Movie - Released: 11/14/2005

2004

Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/9/2004
Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and 'Dr. Strangelove'
Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and 'Dr. Strangelove'
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/28/2004
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 1/1/2004
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 1/1/2004
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 1/1/2004
Himalaya with Michael Palin
Himalaya with Michael Palin
as Self - Presenter
TV - Released: 10/3/2004

2003

The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life'
The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life'
as Self
Movie - Released: 9/2/2003
Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse
Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse
as Narrator
Movie - Released: 4/14/2003
Concert for George
Concert for George
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/3/2003

2002

Movie
Spike Milligan I told you I was ill... A live tribute
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/5/2002
Life on Air: David Attenborough's 50 Years in Television
Life on Air: David Attenborough's 50 Years in Television
as Himself - Presenter
Movie - Released: 11/20/2002
Sahara with Michael Palin
Sahara with Michael Palin
as Self - Presenter
TV - Released: 10/13/2002

2001

The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations
The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/23/2001

2000

The Unknown Peter Sellers
The Unknown Peter Sellers
as Himself
Movie - Released: 4/25/2000

1999

Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches
Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/8/1999
Monty Python: Pythonland
Monty Python: Pythonland
Movie - Released: 10/8/1999
The Monty Python Story
The Monty Python Story
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/8/1999
Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm
Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/8/1999
Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure
Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure
TV - Released: 10/17/1999

1998

Monty Python: Live at Aspen
Monty Python: Live at Aspen
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/21/1998
TV
Fantasy World Cup
as Self
TV - Released: 6/9/1998
Parkinson
Parkinson
as Self
TV - Released: 1/9/1998

1997

Fierce Creatures
Fierce Creatures
as Adrian 'Bugsy' Malone
Movie - Released: 1/23/1997
Palin on Redpath
Palin on Redpath
as Himself / Presenter
Movie - Released: 12/15/1997
Full Circle with Michael Palin
Full Circle with Michael Palin
as Himself
TV - Released: 8/31/1997

1996

The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows
as The Sun
Movie - Released: 10/16/1996
The Willows in Winter
The Willows in Winter
as Rat
Movie - Released: 12/26/1996
TV
Clive Anderson All Talk
as Self
TV - Released: 10/6/1996

1995

The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows
as Rat
Movie - Released: 12/24/1995
The Frank Skinner Show
The Frank Skinner Show
as Self
TV - Released: 9/10/1995

1994

Great Railway Journeys - Derry to Kerry
Great Railway Journeys - Derry to Kerry
as Himself
Movie - Released: 2/3/1994

1993

Movie
Tracey Ullman: A Class Act
as Various
Movie - Released: 1/9/1993
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
as Self - Guest
TV - Released: 9/13/1993

1992

Pole to Pole
Pole to Pole
as Himself
TV - Released: 10/21/1992

1991

American Friends
American Friends
as Rev. Francis Ashby
Movie - Released: 3/22/1991
The South Bank Show: Terry Gilliam
The South Bank Show: Terry Gilliam
Movie - Released: 10/6/1991
Rabbit Ears - Jack and the Beanstalk
Rabbit Ears - Jack and the Beanstalk
as Narrator (voice)
Movie - Released: 9/1/1991
G.B.H.
G.B.H.
as Jim Nelson
TV - Released: 6/6/1991

1990

Life of Python
Life of Python
as Self / Various Roles
Movie - Released: 3/16/1990
Viz: The Documentary
Viz: The Documentary
as Self
Movie - Released: 5/4/1990
The Witches
The Witches
as Witch at Meeting (uncredited)
Movie - Released: 5/25/1990

1989

The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
as Self
Movie - Released: 1/1/1989
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
as Self / Various Characters
Movie - Released: 11/18/1989
The Movie Life of George
The Movie Life of George
as Self
Movie - Released: 2/10/1989
The Art Of Travel With Michael Palin
The Art Of Travel With Michael Palin
as Self
Movie - Released: 11/7/1989
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days
as Himself
TV - Released: 10/11/1989
Michael Palin: The Art of Travel
Michael Palin: The Art of Travel
TV - Released: 11/7/1989
The Simpsons
The Simpsons
as Springfield History Museum curator (voice)
TV - Released: 12/17/1989

1988

A Fish Called Wanda
A Fish Called Wanda
as Ken Pile
Movie - Released: 7/15/1988
Movie
John Cleese's First Farewell Performance
as Self
Movie - Released: 7/13/1988

1987

Movie
The Grand Knockout Tournament
as Self
Movie - Released: 6/19/1987
Going Live!
Going Live!
as Self
TV - Released: 9/26/1987
TV
Daytime Live
TV - Released: 10/21/1987

1986

Comedians Do It On Stage
Comedians Do It On Stage
as Self
Movie - Released: 2/1/1986
Omnibus Presents Comic Relief
Omnibus Presents Comic Relief
TV - Released: 4/25/1986

1985

Brazil
Brazil
as Jack Lint
Movie - Released: 2/20/1985

1984

A Private Function
A Private Function
as Gilbert Chilvers
Movie - Released: 11/9/1984
The Dress
The Dress
as Howard
Movie - Released: 1/3/1984

1983

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
as Various Roles
Movie - Released: 3/31/1983
The Crimson Permanent Assurance
The Crimson Permanent Assurance
as Workman
Movie - Released: 3/31/1983
Comic Roots: Michael Palin
Comic Roots: Michael Palin
Movie - Released: 8/12/1983

1982

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
as Various Roles
Movie - Released: 6/25/1982
The Missionary
The Missionary
as The Reverend Charles Fortescue
Movie - Released: 11/2/1982
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
as Self - Various Roles
Movie - Released: 3/1/1982
Wogan
Wogan
as Self
TV - Released: 5/4/1982

1981

Time Bandits
Time Bandits
as Vincent
Movie - Released: 7/13/1981
The Box
The Box
as (voice)
Movie - Released: 3/29/1981

1980

Travels with Palin
Travels with Palin
as Himself
TV - Released: 11/27/1980
Great Railway Journeys
Great Railway Journeys
as Self - Presenter
TV - Released: 10/23/1980

1979

Life of Brian
Life of Brian
as Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
Movie - Released: 8/17/1979
The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball
as Various Roles
Movie - Released: 12/22/1979
The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979
The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979
as Self
Movie - Released: 6/20/1979
Whinfrey's Last Case
Whinfrey's Last Case
as Gerald Whinfrey
Movie - Released: 10/10/1979
Roger of the Raj
Roger of the Raj
as Roger
Movie - Released: 10/24/1979
Golden Gordon
Golden Gordon
as Gordon Ottershaw
Movie - Released: 10/17/1979

1978

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
as Eric Manchester
Movie - Released: 3/22/1978

1977

Jabberwocky
Jabberwocky
as Dennis Cooper
Movie - Released: 3/28/1977
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
as Eric Olthwaite
Movie - Released: 9/22/1977
Murder at Moorstones Manor
Murder at Moorstones Manor
as Charles Chiddingford
Movie - Released: 10/11/1977
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B
as Major Errol Phipps
Movie - Released: 10/4/1977
The Curse of the Claw
The Curse of the Claw
as Kevin Orr
Movie - Released: 10/25/1977
The Broken Bottle
The Broken Bottle
Movie - Released: 3/31/1977

1976

Pleasure at Her Majesty's
Pleasure at Her Majesty's
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/29/1976
Movie
Tomkinson's Schooldays
as Tomkinson
Movie - Released: 1/7/1976
Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns
TV - Released: 1/7/1976
The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball
as Self
TV - Released: 4/1/1976
Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns
as Gerald Whinfrey
TV - Released: 1/7/1976
Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns
as Roger
TV - Released: 1/7/1976
Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns
as Kevin Orr / Uncle Jack
TV - Released: 1/7/1976

1975

Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
as First Swallow-Savvy Guard / Dennis / Peasant 2 / Right Head / Sir Galahad the Pure / Narrator / King of Swamp Castle / Brother Maynard's Brother / Leader of The Knights Who Say NI!
Movie - Released: 3/14/1975
Three Men in a Boat
Three Men in a Boat
as Harris
Movie - Released: 12/31/1975
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Host
TV - Released: 10/11/1975
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Cameo (uncredited)
TV - Released: 10/11/1975
Les Rendez-vous du dimanche
Les Rendez-vous du dimanche
as Self
TV - Released: 1/12/1975

1974

Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/19/1974
Henry Cleans Up
Henry Cleans Up
as Henry
Movie - Released: 1/2/1974

1973

Is This a Record?
Is This a Record?
as Various
Movie - Released: 6/1/1973
Monty Python In The Netherlands
Monty Python In The Netherlands
Movie - Released: 1/18/1973

1972

Pebble Mill at One
Pebble Mill at One
TV - Released: 10/9/1972
Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus
Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus
as Various Characters
TV - Released: 1/3/1972

1971

And Now for Something Completely Different
And Now for Something Completely Different
as Gumby / Man with tape recorder / Phrasebook Author / Arthur Pewtey / Second self - defence student / Second Tenant / Lost His Wallet / Shrill Petrol Announcer / Milkman / Ernest Scribbler / Pet shop employee / Lumberjack / Headwaiter Gilberto / Herbert Anchovy / Blackmail Presenter / Gervais Brookhamster / Town Guild Lady
Movie - Released: 9/28/1971
Euroshow '71: May Day Special
Euroshow '71: May Day Special
as Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)
Movie - Released: 5/1/1971
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
Movie - Released: 12/31/1971

1970

Ending It All
Ending It All
Movie - Released: 1/1/1970
Monty Python: Who's There?
Monty Python: Who's There?
as Ken
Movie - Released: 4/15/1970

1969

How to Irritate People
How to Irritate People
as Various
Movie - Released: 1/21/1969
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Monty Python's Flying Circus
as Various / "It's" man
TV - Released: 10/5/1969
Clangers
Clangers
as Narrator (voice)
TV - Released: 11/16/1969

1968

TV
Frost on Sunday
TV - Released: 9/8/1968

1967

Do Not Adjust Your Set
Do Not Adjust Your Set
as Various Characters
TV - Released: 12/26/1967
TV
Twice a Fortnight
TV - Released: 10/21/1967
TV
A Series Of Bird's
TV - Released: 10/3/1967

1966

Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World
Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World
as Jazz Band Undertaker (uncredited)
Movie - Released: 1/2/1966

Unknown

Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch
Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch
as salesman
Movie
Across the Andes by Frog
Across the Andes by Frog
as Captain Walter Snetterton
Movie