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Michael Palin

Michael Palin

Acting·1943·152 films

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".…

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As Actor

Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)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!
Life of Brian
Life of Brian (1979)Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
Brazil
Brazil (1985)Jack Lint
A Fish Called Wanda
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)Ken Pile
The Death of Stalin
The Death of Stalin (2017)Vyacheslav Molotov
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)Various Roles
Arthur Christmas
Arthur Christmas (2011)Ernie Clicker (voice)
Absolutely Anything
Absolutely Anything (2015)Kindly Alien (voice)
The Witches
The Witches (1990)Witch at Meeting (uncredited)
Time Bandits
Time Bandits (1981)Vincent
And Now for Something Completely Different
And Now for Something Completely Different (1971)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
Fierce Creatures
Fierce Creatures (1997)Adrian "Bugsy" Malone
Jabberwocky
Jabberwocky (1977)Dennis Cooper
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)Various Roles
The Crimson Permanent Assurance
The Crimson Permanent Assurance (1983)Workman
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978)Eric Manchester
Monty Python Live (Mostly)
Monty Python Live (Mostly) (2014)Self, others
A Private Function
A Private Function (1984)Gilbert Chilvers
Concert for George
Concert for George (2003)Self
The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows (1996)The Sun
The Missionary
The Missionary (1982)The Reverend Charles Fortescue
A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman
A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman (2012)Various (voice)
The Magic Faraway Tree
The Magic Faraway Tree (2026)Know All
How to Irritate People
How to Irritate People (1969)Various
The Secret Life of Brian
The Secret Life of Brian (2007)Self
The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows (1995)Rat
Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)
Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) (2010)Mrs. Betty Palin / Julius Caesar / Bevis
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live (2014)Self
The Wipers Times
The Wipers Times (2013)General Mitford
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989)Self / Various Characters
What Is Brazil?
What Is Brazil? (2008)Self
Three Men in a Boat
Three Men in a Boat (1975)Harris
The Willows in Winter
The Willows in Winter (1996)Rat
Monty Python: Live at Aspen
Monty Python: Live at Aspen (1998)Self
Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule
Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule (2014)Self
American Friends
American Friends (1991)Rev. Francis Ashby
The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979
The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979 (1979)Self
An Accidental Studio
An Accidental Studio (2019)Self
Produced by George Martin
Produced by George Martin (2012)Self
The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball (2012)Self
Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World
Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World (1966)Jazz Band Undertaker (uncredited)
The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979)Various Roles
Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind
Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind (2007)Gariiiiiii (voice)
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball (1982)Self - Various Roles
The Meaning of Monty Python
The Meaning of Monty Python (2013)Self
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus (2008)Self
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened (2009)Self
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation (2008)Self
Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and 'Dr. Strangelove'
Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and 'Dr. Strangelove' (2004)Self
The Grand Knockout Tournament
The Grand Knockout Tournament (1987)Self
Life of Python
Life of Python (1990)Self / Various Roles
The Unknown Peter Sellers
The Unknown Peter Sellers (2000)Self
The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations
The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations (2001)Self
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World (2013)Self
50 Films to See Before You Die
50 Films to See Before You Die (2006)Self
David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth
David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth (2026)Self
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball? (2004)Self
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball (1989)Self
Pleasure at Her Majesty's
Pleasure at Her Majesty's (1976)Self
When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain
When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain (2025)Self
Life on Air: David Attenborough's 50 Years in Television
Life on Air: David Attenborough's 50 Years in Television (2002)Self - Presenter
Around the World in 20 Years
Around the World in 20 Years (2008)Self
Michael Palin: A Life on Screen
Michael Palin: A Life on Screen (2018)
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Jones' Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Jones' Personal Best (2006)Various Characters
Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute (1988)Self
Monty Python Conquers America
Monty Python Conquers America (2008)Self
The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life'
The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life' (2003)Self
50 Years of BBC Two Comedy
50 Years of BBC Two Comedy (2014)Self
Golden Gordon
Golden Gordon (1979)Gordon Ottershaw
Anatomy of a Liar
Anatomy of a Liar (2012)Self
Whinfrey's Last Case
Whinfrey's Last Case (1979)Gerald Whinfrey
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B (1977)Major Errol Phipps
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite (1977)Eric Olthwaite / Bank Manager
Dame Maggie Smith - A Celebration
Dame Maggie Smith - A Celebration (2024)Self
Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy
Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy (2020)Self
Murder at Moorstones Manor
Murder at Moorstones Manor (1977)Charles Chiddingford
The Dress
The Dress (1984)Howard
Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar
Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar (2014)Self
Frost on Sketch Shows
Frost on Sketch Shows (2013)Self
Roger of the Raj
Roger of the Raj (1979)Roger
Joke
Joke (2026)
Hitler: The Comedy Years
Hitler: The Comedy Years (2007)Heinrich Himmler (archive footage) (uncredited)
Attenborough at 90
Attenborough at 90 (2016)Self
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report (1974)Self
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1 (2004)Self (archive footage)
John Peel's Record Box
John Peel's Record Box (2005)Self
The Academy of Armando
The Academy of Armando (2025)Self
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best (2006)Various Characters
Jeepers Creepers
Jeepers Creepers (2020)Newscaster (voice)
Spike Milligan I told you I was ill... A live tribute
Spike Milligan I told you I was ill... A live tribute (2002)Self
Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails
Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails (2019)Self (archive footage)
Monty Python In The Netherlands
Monty Python In The Netherlands (1973)
The Box
The Box (1981)(voice)
Tracey Ullman: A Class Act
Tracey Ullman: A Class Act (1993)Various
Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs
Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs (2023)Self
Euroshow '71: May Day Special
Euroshow '71: May Day Special (1971)Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)
Generation '66
Generation '66 (2016)
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best (2006)Various Characters
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2 (2004)Self (archive footage)
Monty Python: Who's There?
Monty Python: Who's There? (1970)Ken
Innes Lloyd: The Producer
Innes Lloyd: The Producer (2025)Self
Michael Palin's Quest for Artemisia
Michael Palin's Quest for Artemisia (2015)Self
Tomkinson's Schooldays
Tomkinson's Schooldays (1976)Tomkinson / Headmaster / TV Introducer / Mr Craffitt
Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi
Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi (2005)Host
Comic Roots: Michael Palin
Comic Roots: Michael Palin (1983)
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best (2006)Various Characters
Is This a Record?
Is This a Record? (1973)Various
Making Qi
Making Qi (2011)Self
The Fringe, Fame and Me
The Fringe, Fame and Me (2022)Self
Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm
Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm (1999)Self
Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated
Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated (2021)Self (archive footage)(uncredited)
The Roots of Monty Python
The Roots of Monty Python (2005)Self (archive footage)
The Movie Life of George
The Movie Life of George (1989)Self
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release (2010)Self
Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best (2006)Various Characters
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3 (2004)Self (archive footage)
Comedians Do It On Stage
Comedians Do It On Stage (1986)Self
The Seventh Python
The Seventh Python (2008)Self
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall (2010)
What the Pythons Did Next...
What the Pythons Did Next... (2007)Self (archive footage)
Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches
Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches (1999)Self
The Curse of the Claw
The Curse of the Claw (1977)Kevin Orr / Uncle Jack
The Broken Bottle
The Broken Bottle (1977)
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 (1971)
Inside Shabby Road: The Music of 'The Rutles'
Inside Shabby Road: The Music of 'The Rutles' (2008)Self
Palin on Redpath
Palin on Redpath (1997)Self - Presenter
Monty Python in Aberystwyth
Monty Python in Aberystwyth (2009)Self
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best (2006)Various Characters
New Tales from Around the World in 80 Days
New Tales from Around the World in 80 Days (2014)Self
Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace
Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace (2014)Self
The New Incomplete And Utter History Of Everything
The New Incomplete And Utter History Of Everything (2014)
Henry Cleans Up
Henry Cleans Up (1974)Henry
Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes
Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes (2019)Self
The Monty Python Story
The Monty Python Story (1999)Self
Alexander Armstrong's Real Ripping Yarns
Alexander Armstrong's Real Ripping Yarns (2014)Self
Viz: The Documentary
Viz: The Documentary (1990)Self
Timewatch: The Last Day of World War One‎
Timewatch: The Last Day of World War One‎ (2008)Presenter
Rabbit Ears - Jack and the Beanstalk
Rabbit Ears - Jack and the Beanstalk (1991)Narrator (voice)
Get Up and Go: The Making of 'The Rutles'
Get Up and Go: The Making of 'The Rutles' (2008)Self
Ending It All
Ending It All (1970)
Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch
Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunchsalesman
The Art Of Travel With Michael Palin
The Art Of Travel With Michael Palin (1989)Self
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Best (2006)
Across the Andes by Frog
Across the Andes by Frog (1977)Captain Walter Snetterton
Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse
Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse (2003)Narrator
Monty Python: Pythonland
Monty Python: Pythonland (1999)

As Writer

Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Life of Brian
Life of Brian (1979)
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)
Time Bandits
Time Bandits (1981)
And Now for Something Completely Different
And Now for Something Completely Different (1971)
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)
Monty Python Live (Mostly)
Monty Python Live (Mostly) (2014)
The Missionary
The Missionary (1982)
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989)
American Friends
American Friends (1991)
Secrets
Secrets (1973)
East of Ipswich
East of Ipswich (1987)
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World (2013)
Consuming Passions
Consuming Passions (1988)
Around the World in 20 Years
Around the World in 20 Years (2008)
Golden Gordon
Golden Gordon (1979)
Whinfrey's Last Case
Whinfrey's Last Case (1979)
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B (1977)
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite (1977)
Murder at Moorstones Manor
Murder at Moorstones Manor (1977)
Roger of the Raj
Roger of the Raj (1979)
Number 27
Number 27 (1988)
The Box
The Box (1981)
Tomkinson's Schooldays
Tomkinson's Schooldays (1976)
The Curse of the Claw
The Curse of the Claw (1977)
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 (1971)
Python Legs!
Python Legs! (2012)
Palin on Redpath
Palin on Redpath (1997)
Henry Cleans Up
Henry Cleans Up (1974)
Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python
Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python
Across the Andes by Frog
Across the Andes by Frog (1977)