Monty Python Terry Jones received a standing ovation from an appreciative crowd when he appeared to receive his BAFTA Cymru award at the weekend - in his first public appearance since revealing his dementia diagnosis.
Terry was presented with the award for outstanding contribution to television and film by his fellow Python and great friend Michael Palin, and greeted the raucous crowd by telling them to “quieten down”.
He then handed over to his son Bill, who tearfully told the audience in Cardiff:
“It’s a great honour for dad. We’re so proud of him... with the struggles we’re having at the moment, it’s been hard.”
Open Image Modal
Terry Jones received his award from longtime pal Michael Palin, before his son thanked the audience on his behalf
BBC
In presenting the award, Michael Palin spoke incredibly fondly of his friend and colleague. He said:
“Life seemed more exciting when Terry was around. The first sketch we performed was as a pair of police officers at the Edinburgh festival and for the next few years we were inseparable.
“His force of character and tireless workaholism kept us all up to the mark. He has been relentlessly prolific while being a wonderful friend.”
His spokesperson said then: “This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews.”
Open Image Modal
Terry's son Bill tearfully thanked the audience on his behalf
BBC
Terry is one of Wales’ favourite sons, following his big break with the Pythons in 1969, and his later success writing and directing his own films, as well as making documentaries and even extending his talents to opera.
He made a major contribution to the success of the Monty Python gang, which also included John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam. Having co-directed ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’, he took the helm for ‘The Meaning of Life’ and received a BAFTA nomination for his enduring song ‘The Meaning of Life’.
Following his solo success, he’s more recently turned his talents to writing, and has just completed his latest novel ‘The Tyrant and the Squire’, only a few months short of his 75th birthday.
Monty Python Reunion
John Oliver and the English K-nig-hts.(01 of12)
Open Image Modal
Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and moderator John Oliver speak at the panel discussion at the 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' special screening. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
Michael Palin perhaps crossing the Bridge of Death.(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
Michael Palin on the red carpet. (credit:John Lamparski via Getty Images)
How could a 5-ounce bird carry a 1-pound coconut?(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
Actor John Cleese attends the 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' special screening during the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
Everyone amazingly staying in his seat.(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, John Cleese and Michael Palin attend the 'Monty Python' press conference. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
'Tis but a chill.(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
Actors Michael Palin, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam on the red carpet. (credit:John Lamparski via Getty Images)
Terry Jones perhaps contemplating the meaning of life.(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones attend the 'Monty Python' press conference. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
Eric Idle getting sexy.(07 of12)
Open Image Modal
Actor Eric Idle posing for pictures. (credit:John Lamparski via Getty Images)
Maybe hiding from any vicious rabbits in the area.(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
John Cleese and Terry Gilliam goofing around on the red carpet. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
John Oliver having the best time.(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
Michael Palin and moderator John Oliver speak at the panel discussion. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
Terry Jones riding a horse.(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
Actor Terry Jones holding some coconuts. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
Eric Idle probably saying "Ni!"(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
Eric Idle speaking at the panel discussion. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
Here's hoping they return to taunt us a second time.(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Eric Idle, John Oliver and Terry Jones pose for a photo backstage. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)