Site Revisions Underway Some Features May Not Work
Photo of Michael Palin

Michael Palin

Acting 82 years old Broomhill, Sheffield, England, UK ★ 1.9
Born: May 5, 1943

Biography

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".

Palin continued to work with Jones after Python, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.

After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer and travel documentarian. His journeys have taken him across the world, including the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and, most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin was honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.

Filmography

Acting Credits (219)

The Magic Faraway Tree
The Magic Faraway Tree 2026
Joke
Joke 2026
Michael Palin in Venezuela
Michael Palin in Venezuela Self - Host 2025
The Secret Life of Trees
The Secret Life of Trees Self - Narrator 2025
When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain
When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain Self 2025
Innes Lloyd: The Producer
Innes Lloyd: The Producer Self 2025
The Academy of Armando
The Academy of Armando Self 2025
Dame Maggie Smith - A Celebration
Dame Maggie Smith - A Celebration Self 2024
Michael Palin in Nigeria
Michael Palin in Nigeria Self 2024
How To Make It In Comedy
How To Make It In Comedy 2024
Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs
Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs Self 2023
Michael Palin: Into Iraq
Michael Palin: Into Iraq 2022
The Fringe, Fame and Me
The Fringe, Fame and Me Self 2022
Remembers…
Remembers… 2022
Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated
Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated Self (archive footage)(uncredited) 2021
Jeepers Creepers
Jeepers Creepers Newscaster (voice) 2020
Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime
Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime Self - Host 2020
Sir David Attenborough and Sir Michael Palin in Conversation
Sir David Attenborough and Sir Michael Palin in Conversation Self 2020
Staged
Staged Michael 2020
Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy
Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy Self 2020
Worzel Gummidge
Worzel Gummidge The Green Man 2019
Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails
Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails Self (archive footage) 2019
An Accidental Studio
An Accidental Studio Self 2019
Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes
Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes Self 2019
Michael Palin in North Korea
Michael Palin in North Korea Self - Host 2018
Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair William Makepeace Thackeray 2018
Michael Palin: A Life on Screen
Michael Palin: A Life on Screen 2018
The Death of Stalin
The Death of Stalin Vyacheslav Molotov 2017
Generation '66
Generation '66 2016
Attenborough at 90
Attenborough at 90 Self 2016
Michael Palin's Quest for Artemisia
Michael Palin's Quest for Artemisia Self 2015
Artsnight
Artsnight Self 2015
Absolutely Anything
Absolutely Anything Kindly Alien (voice) 2015
A Life on Screen
A Life on Screen Self 2014
Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule
Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule Self 2014
Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace
Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace Self 2014
Remember Me
Remember Me Tom Parfitt 2014
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live Self 2014
Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)
Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) Self (archive footage) 2014
Monty Python Live (Mostly)
Monty Python Live (Mostly) Self, others 2014
Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar
Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar Self 2014
50 Years of BBC Two Comedy
50 Years of BBC Two Comedy Self 2014
The New Incomplete And Utter History Of Everything
The New Incomplete And Utter History Of Everything 2014
Alexander Armstrong's Real Ripping Yarns
Alexander Armstrong's Real Ripping Yarns Self 2014
New Tales from Around the World in 80 Days
New Tales from Around the World in 80 Days Self 2014
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World Self 2013
The Meaning of Monty Python
The Meaning of Monty Python Self 2013
The Wipers Times
The Wipers Times General Mitford 2013
Frost on Sketch Shows
Frost on Sketch Shows Self 2013
Anatomy of a Liar
Anatomy of a Liar Self 2012
Brazil with Michael Palin
Brazil with Michael Palin Self (Presenter) 2012
Produced by George Martin
Produced by George Martin Self 2012
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 Various (voice) 2012
The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball Self 2012
Arthur Christmas
Arthur Christmas Ernie Clicker (voice) 2011
Making Qi
Making Qi Self 2011
The Jonathan Ross Show
The Jonathan Ross Show Self 2011
Perspectives
Perspectives Self 2011
The Phoenix: A Century of Cinema
The Phoenix: A Century of Cinema Self 2011
ZULU Comedy Galla
ZULU Comedy Galla Michael Palin 2010
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall 2010
Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)
Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) Mrs. Betty Palin / Julius Caesar / Bevis 2010
Monty Python: Almost the Truth  (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release Self 2010
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) Self 2009
Monty Python in Aberystwyth
Monty Python in Aberystwyth Self 2009
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened Self 2009
Around the World in 20 Years
Around the World in 20 Years Self 2008
Inside Shabby Road: The Music of 'The Rutles'
Inside Shabby Road: The Music of 'The Rutles' Self 2008
Get Up and Go: The Making of 'The Rutles'
Get Up and Go: The Making of 'The Rutles' Self 2008
Timewatch: The Last Day of World War One‎
Timewatch: The Last Day of World War One‎ Presenter 2008
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus Self 2008
The Seventh Python
The Seventh Python Self 2008
What Is Brazil?
What Is Brazil? Self 2008
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation Self 2008
Life Of Brian Screenplay
Life Of Brian Screenplay Wise Man #3, Mr. Big Nose, Francis, Mrs. A, Ex-Leper 2008
Monty Python Conquers America
Monty Python Conquers America Self 2008
Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind
Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind Gariiiiiii (voice) 2007
Michael Palin's New Europe
Michael Palin's New Europe Self 2007
Movie Connections
Movie Connections Self 2007
The Alan Titchmarsh Show
The Alan Titchmarsh Show Self 2007
Hitler: The Comedy Years
Hitler: The Comedy Years Heinrich Himmler (archive footage) (uncredited) 2007
The Graham Norton Show
The Graham Norton Show Self 2007
What the Pythons Did Next...
What the Pythons Did Next... Self (archive footage) 2007
The Secret Life of Brian
The Secret Life of Brian Self 2007
Legends
Legends Self 2006
The One Show
The One Show Self - Guest 2006
50 Films to See Before You Die
50 Films to See Before You Die Self 2006
Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best Various Characters 2006
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Best 2006
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best Various Characters 2006
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Jones' Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Jones' Personal Best Various Characters 2006
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best Various Characters 2006
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best Various Characters 2006
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best Various Characters 2006
Monty Python's Personal Best
Monty Python's Personal Best Self / Various Characters 2006
The Roots of Monty Python
The Roots of Monty Python Self (archive footage) 2005
John Peel's Record Box
John Peel's Record Box Self 2005
Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi
Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi Host 2005
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball? Self 2004
Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and 'Dr. Strangelove'
Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and 'Dr. Strangelove' Self 2004
Himalaya with Michael Palin
Himalaya with Michael Palin Self - Presenter 2004
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2 Self (archive footage) 2004
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1 Self (archive footage) 2004
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3 Self (archive footage) 2004
Concert for George
Concert for George Self 2003
The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life'
The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life' Self 2003
Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse
Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse Narrator 2003
Life on Air: David Attenborough's 50 Years in Television
Life on Air: David Attenborough's 50 Years in Television Self - Presenter 2002
Sahara with Michael Palin
Sahara with Michael Palin Self - Presenter 2002
Spike Milligan I told you I was ill... A live tribute
Spike Milligan I told you I was ill... A live tribute Self 2002
The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations
The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations Self 2001
The Unknown Peter Sellers
The Unknown Peter Sellers Self 2000
Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure
Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure 1999
Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm
Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm Self 1999
The Monty Python Story
The Monty Python Story Self 1999
Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches
Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches Self 1999
Monty Python: Pythonland
Monty Python: Pythonland 1999
Fantasy World Cup
Fantasy World Cup Self 1998
Monty Python: Live at Aspen
Monty Python: Live at Aspen Self 1998
Parkinson
Parkinson Self 1998
Palin on Redpath
Palin on Redpath Self - Presenter 1997
Full Circle with Michael Palin
Full Circle with Michael Palin Self 1997
Fierce Creatures
Fierce Creatures Adrian 'Bugsy' Malone 1997
The Willows in Winter
The Willows in Winter Rat 1996
The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows The Sun 1996
Clive Anderson All Talk
Clive Anderson All Talk Self 1996
The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows Rat 1995
The Frank Skinner Show
The Frank Skinner Show Self 1995
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Late Night with Conan O'Brien Self - Guest 1993
Tracey Ullman: A Class Act
Tracey Ullman: A Class Act Various 1993
Meridian: The First Ten Minutes
Meridian: The First Ten Minutes Self 1993
The First Night of Meridian
The First Night of Meridian Self - Host 1993
Pole to Pole
Pole to Pole Self 1992
Rabbit Ears - Jack and the Beanstalk
Rabbit Ears - Jack and the Beanstalk Narrator (voice) 1991
G.B.H.
G.B.H. Jim Nelson 1991
American Friends
American Friends Rev. Francis Ashby 1991
The Witches
The Witches Witch at Meeting (uncredited) 1990
Viz: The Documentary
Viz: The Documentary Self 1990
Life of Python
Life of Python Self / Various Roles 1990
The Simpsons
The Simpsons Springfield History Museum curator (voice) 1989
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python Self / Various Characters 1989
The Art Of Travel With Michael Palin
The Art Of Travel With Michael Palin Self 1989
Michael Palin: The Art of Travel
Michael Palin: The Art of Travel 1989
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days Self 1989
The Movie Life of George
The Movie Life of George Self 1989
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball Self 1989
A Fish Called Wanda
A Fish Called Wanda Ken Pile 1988
John Cleese's First Farewell Performance
John Cleese's First Farewell Performance Self 1988
Daytime Live
Daytime Live 1987
Going Live!
Going Live! Self 1987
The Grand Knockout Tournament
The Grand Knockout Tournament Self 1987
Omnibus Presents Comic Relief
Omnibus Presents Comic Relief 1986
Comedians Do It On Stage
Comedians Do It On Stage Self 1986
Brazil
Brazil Jack Lint 1985
Friday People
Friday People 1985
A Private Function
A Private Function Gilbert Chilvers 1984
The Dress
The Dress Howard 1984
Comic Roots: Michael Palin
Comic Roots: Michael Palin 1983
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life Various Roles 1983
The Crimson Permanent Assurance
The Crimson Permanent Assurance Workman 1983
The Missionary
The Missionary The Reverend Charles Fortescue 1982
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl Various Roles 1982
Wogan
Wogan Self 1982
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball Self - Various Roles 1982
Time Bandits
Time Bandits Vincent 1981
The Box
The Box (voice) 1981
Travels with Palin
Travels with Palin Self 1980
Great Railway Journeys
Great Railway Journeys Self - Presenter 1980
The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball Various Roles 1979
Roger of the Raj
Roger of the Raj Roger 1979
Golden Gordon
Golden Gordon Gordon Ottershaw 1979
Whinfrey's Last Case
Whinfrey's Last Case Gerald Whinfrey 1979
Life of Brian
Life of Brian Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus 1979
The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979
The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979 Self 1979
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash Eric Manchester 1978
The Curse of the Claw
The Curse of the Claw Kevin Orr / Uncle Jack 1977
Across the Andes by Frog
Across the Andes by Frog Captain Walter Snetterton 1977
Murder at Moorstones Manor
Murder at Moorstones Manor Charles Chiddingford 1977
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B Major Errol Phipps 1977
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite Eric Olthwaite / Bank Manager 1977
The Broken Bottle
The Broken Bottle 1977
Jabberwocky
Jabberwocky Dennis Cooper 1977
Pleasure at Her Majesty's
Pleasure at Her Majesty's Self 1976
The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball Self 1976
Tomkinson's Schooldays
Tomkinson's Schooldays Tomkinson / Headmaster / TV Introducer / Mr Craffitt 1976
Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns 1976
Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns Gerald Whinfrey 1976
Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns Kevin Orr / Uncle Jack 1976
Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns Roger 1976
Three Men in a Boat
Three Men in a Boat Harris 1975
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live Self - Co-Host 1975
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live Self - Special Guest 1975
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live Dick Savage (uncredited) 1975
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live Self - Host 1975
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python and the Holy Grail 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! 1975
Les Rendez-vous du dimanche
Les Rendez-vous du dimanche Self 1975
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report Self 1974
Henry Cleans Up
Henry Cleans Up Henry 1974
Is This a Record?
Is This a Record? Various 1973
Monty Python In The Netherlands
Monty Python In The Netherlands 1973
Full House
Full House Various 1972
Pebble Mill at One
Pebble Mill at One 1972
Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus
Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus Various Characters 1972
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 1971
And Now for Something Completely Different
And Now for Something Completely Different 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 1971
Euroshow '71: May Day Special
Euroshow '71: May Day Special Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus) 1971
Monty Python: Who's There?
Monty Python: Who's There? Ken 1970
Ending It All
Ending It All 1970
Clangers
Clangers Narrator (voice) 1969
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Monty Python's Flying Circus Various / "It's" man 1969
How to Irritate People
How to Irritate People Various 1969
The Complete and Utter History of Britain
The Complete and Utter History of Britain 1969
Frost on Sunday
Frost on Sunday Self / Various Characters 1968
Do Not Adjust Your Set
Do Not Adjust Your Set Various Characters 1967
Twice a Fortnight
Twice a Fortnight 1967
A Series of Bird's
A Series of Bird's 1967
Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World
Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World Jazz Band Undertaker (uncredited) 1966
Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch
Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch salesman
The Philosophers' Football Match
The Philosophers' Football Match Nietzsche

Writing Credits (47)

Time Bandits
Time Bandits Characters 2024
Monty Python Live (Mostly)
Monty Python Live (Mostly) Writer 2014
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World Writer 2013
Python Legs!
Python Legs! Writer 2012
Around the World in 20 Years
Around the World in 20 Years Writer 2008
Life Of Brian Screenplay
Life Of Brian Screenplay Screenplay 2008
Michael Palin's New Europe
Michael Palin's New Europe Writer 2007
Himalaya with Michael Palin
Himalaya with Michael Palin Writer 2004
Sahara with Michael Palin
Sahara with Michael Palin Writer 2002
Palin on Redpath
Palin on Redpath Writer 1997
Full Circle with Michael Palin
Full Circle with Michael Palin Writer 1997
Pole to Pole
Pole to Pole Writer 1992
American Friends
American Friends Writer 1991
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python Writer 1989
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days Writer 1989
Number 27
Number 27 Writer 1988
Consuming Passions
Consuming Passions Theatre Play 1988
East of Ipswich
East of Ipswich Writer 1987
Screen Two
Screen Two Writer 1985
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life Screenplay 1983
The Missionary
The Missionary Writer 1982
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl Writer 1982
Time Bandits
Time Bandits Writer 1981
The Box
The Box Screenplay 1981
Great Railway Journeys
Great Railway Journeys Writer 1980
Roger of the Raj
Roger of the Raj Writer 1979
Golden Gordon
Golden Gordon Writer 1979
Whinfrey's Last Case
Whinfrey's Last Case Writer 1979
Life of Brian
Life of Brian Screenplay 1979
The Curse of the Claw
The Curse of the Claw Writer 1977
Across the Andes by Frog
Across the Andes by Frog Writer 1977
Murder at Moorstones Manor
Murder at Moorstones Manor Writer 1977
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B Writer 1977
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite Writer 1977
Tomkinson's Schooldays
Tomkinson's Schooldays Writer 1976
Ripping Yarns
Ripping Yarns Writer 1976
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python and the Holy Grail Writer 1975
Henry Cleans Up
Henry Cleans Up Writer 1974
Secrets
Secrets Writer 1973
Black and Blue
Black and Blue Writer 1973
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 Writer 1971
And Now for Something Completely Different
And Now for Something Completely Different Screenplay 1971
The Two Ronnies
The Two Ronnies Writer 1971
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Monty Python's Flying Circus Writer 1969
The Complete and Utter History of Britain
The Complete and Utter History of Britain Writer 1969
Do Not Adjust Your Set
Do Not Adjust Your Set Writer 1967
Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python
Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python Writer

Powered by

TMDB
× Person photo
Back to Person Search