A spokesperson for the popular veteran star says today:
“Terry has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a variant of frontotemporal dementia.
“This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews.”
The news of his condition comes as Bafta Cymru prepare to present the actor, writer and director with a special award for outstanding contribution to film and television.
His spokesperson adds of the award:
“Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations.”
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The Pythons - Michael Palin, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam - were reunited last year for a series of reunion gigs in London, and then again at the Tribeca Film Festival (above)
Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images
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.
Tap the first picture below to open our slideshow:
Monty Python Reunion
John Oliver and the English K-nig-hts.(01 of12)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones attend the 'Monty Python' press conference. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
Eric Idle getting sexy.(07 of12)
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Actor Eric Idle posing for pictures. (credit:John Lamparski via Getty Images)
Maybe hiding from any vicious rabbits in the area.(08 of12)
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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)
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Michael Palin and moderator John Oliver speak at the panel discussion. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
Terry Jones riding a horse.(10 of12)
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Actor Terry Jones holding some coconuts. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)
Eric Idle probably saying "Ni!"(11 of12)
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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)
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Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Eric Idle, John Oliver and Terry Jones pose for a photo backstage. (credit:Stephen Lovekin via Getty Images)