MONTY PYTHON stars have led the tributes to their co-star Terry Jones following the actor's death at the age of 77.
John Cleese and Michael Palin, who worked with Jones in all of Monty Python's major works, were quick to praise the Welshman, who was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia four years ago.
A statement released by Jones' family said that he passed away on Tuesday evening with his wife by his side.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: (L-R) Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Eric Idle, John Oliver, and Terry Jones pose for a photo backstage at the "Monty Python And The Holy Grail" special screening during the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival at Beacon Theatre on April 24, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival)In a tweet, Cleese described Jones as "a man of so many talents" and "such endless enthusiasm," before declaring his work on Life Of Brian "perfection".
"Just heard about Terry J," wrote Cleese.
"It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded away so gently.
"Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of 'Life of Brian'. Perfection.
"Two down, four to go," he added, referencing the death of Python Graham Chapman in 1989.
Just heard about Terry J
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
Two down, four to go— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) January 22, 2020
Palin described Jones as "one of my closest, most valued friends", in a statement to PA news agency, before stressing that he was "far more than one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation."
"He was kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full," Palin added.
"He was far more than one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation, he was the complete Renaissance comedian - write, director, presenter, historian, brilliant children's author, and the warmest, most wonderful company you could wish to have.
"I feel very fortunate to have share so much of my life with him."
Stephen Fry, David Walliams and Simon Pegg were among other comedians who remembered him.
"Farewell, Terry Jones," Wrote Fry. "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."
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
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 22, 2020
Thank you Terry for a lifetime of laughter. pic.twitter.com/Z1dqfNklJ9
— David Walliams HQ (@davidwalliams) January 22, 2020
— Pegg News (@simonpegg) January 22, 2020
Comedian Eddie Izzard told BBC News: "It's a tragedy - the good go too early. Monty Python changed the face of world comedy. It will live forever. It's a terrible loss."
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 and is seen here repressing the very young me. Rest in Peace, Terry. You were an inspiration. pic.twitter.com/fNBJZwOFcX
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) January 22, 2020
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 write Charlie Brooker called Jones "the actual genius."
RIP the actual genius Terry Jones. Far too many brilliant moments to choose from. Here’s one random wafer-thin mint. https://t.co/qMrR9aOV9s
— Charlie Brooker (@charltonbrooker) January 22, 2020
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