Monty Python star Terry Jones dies, four years after being diagnosed with dementia

Terry Jones, famous for directing and starring in the Monty Python films, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, has died at the age of 77, four years after being diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia.

The disease which is a variant of frontotemporal dementia had affected his ability to communicate, with the neurological condition causing a progressive loss of language.

A year ago, fellow Monty Python Terry Gilliam revealed that Terry Jones was no longer able to speak.

Mr Jones’ family paid tribute to him in a statement, saying: "We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones.

"Terry passed away on the evening of 21 January 2020 at the age of 77 with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after a long, extremely brave but always good humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.

"Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in north London.

"We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades.

"His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programmes, poems and other work will live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath."

The family also praised the healthcare professionals and care workers who looked after Terry Jones, adding: "We, his wife Anna, children Bill, Sally, Siri and extended family would like to thank Terry's wonderful medical professionals and carers for making the past few years not only bearable but often joyful."

'We hope that this disease will one day be eradicated entirely.'

Mr Jones co-directed Monty Python and the Holy Grail with Terry Gilliam and played Brian’s mother in the Life of Brian. He was joined in these films by fellow Monty Python members - Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman and Michael Palin.

The Welsh-born star announced his dementia diagnosis four years ago at the Bafta Cymru awards where he received a special award for his outstanding contribution to film and television.

Mr Palin paid tribute to his good friend saying: “Terry was one of my closest, most valued friends. 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."

Fellow Monty Python John Cleese said: “"It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away..."

'Greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of Life of Brian'

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

Ian Wilson, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, praised him for raising awareness of dementia and helping raise money for research into the disease, saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Terry Jones’ passing. Not only did Terry inspire and entertain generations through his comedy, he did so much to raise awareness of dementia following his diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Terry and his wife Anna bravely shared their story to support our Seasonal Appeal with the Financial Times in 2017, helping to raise over £600,000 for vital dementia research.

“Terry’s passing will be felt by many, but his legacy will live on through the pioneering research he helped fund and the much-needed awareness he’s helped raise. Everyone at Alzheimer’s Research UK would like to send their condolences to Terry’s family, friends and many fans around the world.”

He added: “FTD is a rare and tragic form of dementia. To date, Alzheimer's Research UK has invested over £27 million into pioneering research to better understand the disease, diagnose it more accurately and develop new life-changing treatments. We believe that through research into FTD and other forms of dementia, we will keep people connected to their families, their worlds and themselves for longer.”

Terry Jones had a daughter with wife Anna Soderstrom, as well as two older children with his ex-wife Alison Telfer.