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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Terry Jones, founding member of Monty Python, has died after a battle with Aphasia, a rare form of dementia.
The 77-year old Welsh comedian, actor, director and author passed away at his home in North London on Sunday evening with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side.
"We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones," his family said in a statement. "Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry... We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humor has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades."
Jones' fellow Monty Python troupe-member John Cleese tweeted out his reaction to the passing of his longtime friend, joking "two down, four to go."
Jones was well known for his hysterical falsetto voices, especially his role in The Life Of Brian when he famously shrieks: "He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!" In UK polls, that line was twice voted the funniest in film history.
He first formed the Monty Python comedy team after graduating from Oxford University with his writing partner Michael Palin. The crew eventually grew to five, and they ran Monty Python's Flying Circus on the BBC between 1969-74. Jones was also known for writing several British comedy shows, including Do Not Adjust Your Set and The Frost Report.
Jones made his directorial debut in 1975 with Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which he followed by directing Life of Brian (1979) and The Meaning of Life (1983.)
Several celebrities and former colleagues have been paying tribute to Jones online.
The actor was also a writer and a historian. Jones wrote several books and presenting TV documentaries on ancient and medieval history throughout the 1980's.
He also wrote columns for a handful of British newspapers, including The Guardian, The Observer, and The Daily Telegraph, in which he condemned the War in Iraq. Several of Jones' poems appeared in Poetry Review, and he was a member of the Poetry Society for many decades.
In 2016, Jones was given a BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contribution to television and film.
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