Terry Jones death: John Cleese and Michael Palin lead tributes to Monty Python co-star

'He was far more than one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation,' Palin said

Monty Python stars Michael Palin and John Cleese have led the tributes to their co-star Terry Jones, who has died at the age of 77.

Jones was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2016 and his family announced he died on the evening of 21 January, 2020 in a statement.

Following the news, many figures associated with the world of comedy – including his Monty Python collaborators – posted touching messages praising the actor, writer and director of Monty Python films, including Life of Brian (1979).

“Just heard about Terry J,” Cleese wrote. “It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away.

“Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of Life of Brian. Perfection.

His good friend and co-writer Palin said Jones was "one of my closest, most valued friends", telling 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," he added.

Stephen Fry wrote: “Farewell, Terry Jones. The 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.”

Author Neil Gaiman wrote: “36 years ago I met Terry Jones. I was meant to interview him. I asked for tea, so he opened a bottle of Chablis & got me drunk. He was funny, brilliant and honest. He was irrepressible... Rest in Peace, Terry. You were an inspiration.”

Black Mirror co-creator Charlie Brooker called him an “actual genius”, and posted a video of his favourite sketch taken from 1983 film The Meaning of Life.

Other famous figures to pay tribute include Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright.