Michael Palin
Date of birth: 1943-05-05
Place of birth: Broomhill, Sheffield, England, UK
Known for: Acting
Also known as: مایکل پیلین
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.
Movie Credits
Brazil
1985-02-20
Low-level bureaucrat Sam Lowry escapes the monotony of his day-to-day life through a recurring daydr
Life of Brian
1979-08-17
Brian Cohen is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a re
A Fish Called Wanda
1988-07-15
While a diamond advocate attempts to steal a collection of diamonds, troubles arise when he realises
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
1975-04-03
King Arthur, accompanied by his squire, recruits his Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Bedev
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
1983-03-31
Life's questions are 'answered' in a series of outrageous vignettes, beginning with a staid London i
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report
1974-12-19
An documentarian from the BBC visits the set of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975). This documen
Jabberwocky
1977-03-28
After the death of his father, young Dennis Cooper goes to town where he has to pass several adventu
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
1982-06-25
Monty Python perform many of their greatest sketches at the Hollywood Bowl, including several from p
Fierce Creatures
1997-01-23
Ex-policeman Rollo Lee is sent to run Marwood Zoo, the newly acquired business of a New Zealand tyco
And Now for Something Completely Different
1971-09-28
A collection of Monty Python's Flying Circus skits from the first two seasons of their British TV se
Life Of Brian Screenplay
2008-01-29
An original illustrated 110 minute recording by The Pythons of their early screenplay in progress.
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
2006-02-22
Monty Python's Personal Best is a miniseries of six one-hour specials, each showcasing the contribut
Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule
2014-12-20
Comedian Rik Mayall died suddenly on 9 June 2014. Mayall's blend of rocket-fuelled physical comedy,
Time Bandits
1981-07-13
Young history buff Kevin can scarcely believe it when six dwarfs emerge from his closet one night. F
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
2004-12-09
The Secret Policeman benefit shows for Amnesty International brought together comedy grand masters -
50 Films to See Before You Die
2006-07-22
Celebrating the relaunch of Film4 as a free-to-air TV channel, Channel4 counts down their list of th
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
1978-03-22
The story of the rise and fall of the Pre-Fab Four.
Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)
2010-03-25
Not The Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) is a comic oratorio based on Monty Python's Life of Brian,
The Wind in the Willows
1996-10-16
Jailed for his reckless driving, rambunctious Mr. Toad has to escape from prison when his beloved To
Inside Shabby Road: The Music of 'The Rutles'
2008-11-01
Short documentary on the music of the 'prefab four', The Rutles. Shabby Road is where the band reco
Hitler: The Comedy Years
2007-05-10
A documentary about the portrayal of Adolf Hitler in popular culture.
Get Up and Go: The Making of 'The Rutles'
2008-11-01
Short documentary about the making of the film 'The Rutles: All You Need is Cash'.
How to Irritate People
1969-01-21
A pre-Monty Python mockumentary, written by and presented by John Cleese, that provides tips on lear
Arthur Christmas
2011-11-10
For hundreds of years, the Claus family has delegated the title "Santa" to a chosen few of its membe
Around the World in 20 Years
2008-12-30
To mark the twentieth anniversary of "Around the World in 80 Days" we went back to Dubai and India t
Is This a Record?
1973-06-01
John Cleese, Michael Palin and Terry Jones celebrate the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Missionary
1982-11-02
In 1905, after 10 years of missionary work in Africa, the Rev. Charles Fortesque is recalled to Engl
American Friends
1991-03-22
Francis Ashby, a senior Oxford don on holiday alone in the Alps, meets holidaying American Caroline
A Private Function
1984-11-09
In the summer of 1947, Britain prepares to commemorate the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince
The Secret Policeman's Ball
1979-12-22
A series of benefit concerts to raise money for Amnesty International. Performances include comedy s
Pleasure at Her Majesty's
1976-12-29
The first of the Amnesty International comedy benefit galas. The title is a play on the phrase at He
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
1982-03-01
Following the success of the 1979 show and the financial benefits accruing to Amnesty from the spin-
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
1989-01-01
After the criticisms of the 1987 show’s disproportionate focus on music - and the financial disaster
Three Men in a Boat
1975-12-31
One hot June day, three friends decide there is nothing they would like to do more than to get away
Absolutely Anything
2015-02-13
Eccentric aliens give a man the power to do anything he wants to determine if Earth is worth saving.
The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979
1979-06-20
Ten years ago exactly, more or less, give or take a day or two, six young men sat down, or maybe sto
The Wind in the Willows
1995-12-24
Jailed for his reckless driving, rambunctious Mr. Toad has to escape from prison when his beloved To
The Willows in Winter
1996-12-26
Hailed as the "rightful heir" to "The Wind in the Willows", William Horwood's critically acclaimed s
Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch
One of the least-known Monty Python rarities is “The Close-up Toothpaste Relaunch,” a short advertis
Ending It All
1970-01-01
Michael Palin guides us on suicide in this humorous public information film on motorway safety.
A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman
2012-09-08
John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam pay tribute to their late Monty Python col
Palin on Redpath
1997-12-15
Michael Palin travels to France in search of the Mediterranean view on his wall, captured by his fav
Frost on Sketch Shows
2013-03-13
Sir David Frost traces the development of the sketch show over the last fifty years, from variety th
Anatomy of a Liar
2012-10-26
A documentary about A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman.
The Wipers Times
2013-09-11
When Captain Fred Roberts discovered a printing press in the ruins of Ypres, Belgium in 1916, he dec
The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations
2001-10-23
A documentary with Terry Jones and Michael Palin travelling to the locations of "Monty Python and Ho
The Seventh Python
2008-06-26
Sean Connors Films, Ltd. Presents a Frozen Pictures production of The Seventh Python, a nonfiction m
Life of Python
1990-03-16
This BBC documentary tells the history of the Python group, allowing a few glimpses at the works of
The Box
1981-03-29
Several individuals have been packed in a box; they disagree regarding what should be done.
The Secret Policeman's Ball
2012-03-04
A live stand-up comedy and music gig to celebrate Amnesty International's 50th Anniversary.
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
1989-11-18
Steve Martin presents selected sketches from "Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969)". It's the well kn
The Movie Life of George
1989-02-10
When EMI refused to produce Monty Python's Life of Brian, George Harrison founded Handmade Pictures
Monty Python Live (Mostly)
2014-07-20
Celebrate the last night of the Pythons on the big screen! With John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gillia
The Crimson Permanent Assurance
1983-03-31
A group of down-and-out accountants mutiny against their bosses and sail their office building onto
The Fringe, Fame and Me
2022-08-08
The Fringe, Fame and Me is the story of how a small Scottish arts festival that began 75 years ago t
50 Years of BBC Two Comedy
2014-05-24
Documentary charting and celebrating five decades of often groundbreaking, boundary-pushing comedy f
Euroshow '71: May Day Special
1971-05-01
German made-for-TV musical extravaganza starring Monty Python.
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened
2009-05-10
30 years after Fawlty Towers (1975) ended, Stephen Fry narrates a documentary about the making of th
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live
2014-11-13
With unprecedented access, this program reveals the humour, chaos and passion that went into bringin
Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs
2023-05-06
A celebration of John Cleese and Connie Booth's acclaimed sitcom following the misadventures of Torq
Attenborough at 90
2016-05-08
In celebration of his ninetieth birthday, Sir David Attenborough shares extraordinary highlights of
The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life'
2003-09-02
The behind-the-scenes production documentary of Monty Python's 'Meaning Of Life.' This documentary
Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace
2014-12-10
A very personal portrait of the truly unique comedy genius of Spike Milligan, as told in his own wor
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation
2008-03-31
A documentary about the legendary and influential comedian, actor and writer, who went out from the
Generation '66
2016-07-31
Documentary exploring the key events of 1966, a period when British pop music, fashion and sport was
Spike Milligan I told you I was ill... A live tribute
2002-10-05
One of many tributes following the death of Spike Milligan. Comedians, actors and musicians join for
Tracey Ullman: A Class Act
1993-01-09
A short series of 15 minute programmes, really expanded sketches, in which Tracey Ullman and Michael
Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi
2005-07-14
In 2005, Michael Palin set out to unlock the mysteries and find out about the background and life of
The Grand Knockout Tournament
1987-06-19
The Grand Knockout Tournament (colloquially also known as It's a Royal Knockout) was a one-off chari
The Magic Faraway Tree
2026-03-26
Soon after the Thompson family’s arrival in the countryside, the three children – Joe, Beth, and Fra
Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse
2003-04-14
Michael Palin visits the Baltimore apartment gallery of Etta and Claribel Cone, wealthy American sis
The Death of Stalin
2017-10-20
When dictator Joseph Stalin dies, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to be
Timewatch: The Last Day of World War One
2008-11-01
Telling the stories of the last soldiers to die in the Great War.
Monty Python in Aberystwyth
2009-05-12
In a strange turn of events, Sue Jones-Davies became the mayor of a Welsh town where Monty Python's
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall
2010-06-08
Half-hour behind the scenes of Eric Idle's Not The Messiah oratorio. Featuring Eric Idle, Terry Jone
The New Incomplete And Utter History Of Everything
2014-04-07
Terry Jones and Michael Palin revisit their "pre-Python" sketch show from 1969 which has sadly been
Tomkinson's Schooldays
1976-01-07
New boarder Tomkinson is thoroughly miserable at Graybridge public school where he has to fight the
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
1977-09-22
Eric Olthwaite is so boring that his family all leave home to escape him. Then one day he is acciden
Comic Roots: Michael Palin
1983-08-12
Short biographical documentary about comedian Michael Palin and his early interest in acting and com
Making Qi
2011-09-10
Behind the scenes documentary on British panel show Qi.
Murder at Moorstones Manor
1977-10-11
Sir Clive Chiddingfield invites his family to his birthday party at lonely Moorstones Manor but in t
Across the Andes by Frog
1977-10-18
Explorer Walter Snetterton and his party travel to the Andes to prove his theory that frogs are able
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B
1977-10-04
During World War I Major Errol Phipps is determined to escape from Stalag Luft 112B but his attempts
The Curse of the Claw
1977-10-25
Sir Kevin Orr is anxious to return the Sacred Claw of the Naga hills given him as a child by his unc
Whinfrey's Last Case
1979-10-10
In 1913 the British government, hearing that the Germans are planning World War I, ask top agent Whi
Roger of the Raj
1979-10-24
On the eve of the Great War Roger Bartlesham's aristocratic parents are firm believers in the Empire
Golden Gordon
1979-10-17
Barnestoneworth United is the worst football team of 1935, who lose every match. Gordon Ottershaw is
Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World
1966-01-02
The outrageous life of the American dancer of the 1920s, Isadora Duncan, whom Ken Russell described
The Art Of Travel With Michael Palin
1989-11-07
6 part series where Michael Palin discusses the different railways across Britain and their respecti
Alexander Armstrong's Real Ripping Yarns
2014-04-03
Alexander Armstrong explores the literature that inspired Michael Palin and Terry Jones's classic TV
The Broken Bottle
1977-03-31
Short sketch written by and starring Michael Palin and Terry Jones, of Monty Python.
Comedians Do It On Stage
1986-02-01
A Group of Britain's top comedy and music performers gather at a London Theater, to give their suppo
The Roots of Monty Python
2005-11-26
A look back at the origins of the ground breaking BBC comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus.
Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind
2007-12-25
Robbie and Donner's wedding is interrupted when Donner is kidnapped by aliens. Robbie saves the day
Monty Python In The Netherlands
1973-01-18
Monty Python sketch created for Dutch television in 1973.
Michael Palin's Quest for Artemisia
2015-12-28
Michael Palin discovers the story of 17th-century Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi. He unearths
What the Pythons Did Next...
2007-01-01
A look at the careers of John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terr
Henry Cleans Up
1974-01-02
An educational comedy film from Guinness instructing how to clean out your pipes in the pub.
Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and 'Dr. Strangelove'
2004-10-28
Documentary about actor Peter Sellers and one of his most memorable film roles.
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2
2004-01-01
All the best sketches from the second series of the ground-breaking comedy. Memorable moments includ
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1
2004-01-01
Compilation of the best Sketches of the first series of Monty Python's Flying Circus, which ran from
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3
2004-01-01
All the best sketches from the third and fourth series of the ground-breaking comedy. Memorable mome
The Meaning of Monty Python
2013-10-08
A discussion between John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones about thei
Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches
1999-10-08
The Sketches produced by the surviving Pythons for the BBC's celebration of the 30th Anniversary of
Monty Python: Pythonland
1999-10-08
Michael Palin presents a documentary discovering some of the places that were used as locations for
The Monty Python Story
1999-10-08
The story behind how the comedy sketch group Monty Python formed in 1969, and lead to four very seri
Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm
1999-10-08
Meatloaf introduces a look back at Python's use of music. Included interviews with the team, André J
Michael Palin: A Life on Screen
2018-01-07
This special one-hour documentary reflects on Michael Palin's fascinating career as a BAFTA-winning
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus
2008-07-01
Discover how six seemingly ordinary but supremely talented men became Monty Python, sketch comedy's
What Is Brazil?
2008-04-16
Rob Hedden's witty on-set documentary captures the revolutionary air that had begun to swirl around
Monty Python Conquers America
2008-01-01
This documentary follows the evolution of the British sketch comedy troupe that redefined humor and
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World
2013-12-29
Michael Palin heads for rural Pennsylvania and Maine to explore the extraordinary life and work of o
Life on Air: David Attenborough's 50 Years in Television
2002-11-20
Life on Air: David Attenborough's 50 Years in Television is a BBC documentary film that recounts Dav
Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar
2014-06-29
Alan Yentob meets the five surviving members of Monty Python - John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jon
The Unknown Peter Sellers
2000-04-25
Documentary about the life and career of a comic genius, Peter Sellers.
Viz: The Documentary
1990-05-04
Tongue-in-cheek documentary about British adult humor magazine, Viz.
An Accidental Studio
2019-07-12
Charts the early years of HandMade Films seen through the eyes of the filmmakers, key personnel, and
Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes
2019-05-10
The legend of Hamish MacInnes began early. At 16 he climbed the Matterhorn. At 17 he built his first
John Cleese's First Farewell Performance
1988-07-13
A feature length documentary on the making of A Fish Called Wanda
Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails
2019-09-07
From ‘something completely different’ to icons of comedy and national treasures, this is a collectio
The Dress
1984-01-03
A BAFTA award winning drama about a mistake when buying a dress for his mistress leads Howard to loo
The Secret Life of Brian
2007-01-01
A documentary about the making of the controversial Life of Brian and the surrounding accusations of
Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy
2020-05-09
The comedy pioneer behind the Goon Show, Dr Strangelove and the Pink Panther series is explored in d
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Best
2006-02-27
Monty Python's Personal Best is a miniseries of six one-hour specials, each showcasing the contribut
Monty Python: Who's There?
1970-04-15
An instructional film about canvassing, for the Labour Party and starring the Python team, showing L
Produced by George Martin
2012-09-11
A profile of Sir George Martin, Britain's most celebrated record producer, from his early days at EM
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
1971-12-31
One of the least-known Monty Python rarities is “The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch of 1971,” a short
Sir David Attenborough and Sir Michael Palin in Conversation
2020-09-28
Sir David Attenborough and Sir Michael Palin reflect on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and what
John Peel's Record Box
2005-11-14
John Peel's Record Box is a documentary film made by Elaine Shepherd, released on 14 November 2005 o
Monty Python: Live at Aspen
1998-03-21
In March 1998 in Aspen, Colorado, the surviving members of the Monty Python team – John Cleese, Terr
Jeepers Creepers
2020-10-12
After twenty years as a struggling variety turn and then a prolific scriptwriter and television star
Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated
2021-06-05
Monty Python’s influence on comedy has been compared to the Beatles’ influence on music, a pivotal m
Concert for George
2003-10-03
As a memorial to George Harrison on the first anniversary of his passing, The Concert for George was
How To Make It In Comedy
2024-01-03
Told by the stars who first found fame at the Edinburgh Fringe, this the inside story of what it tak
Rabbit Ears - Jack and the Beanstalk
1991-09-01
When Jack sells his cow for some lousy looking beans, his mother goes into a rage and throws the bea
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release
2010-01-01
This is a theatrical / movie adaptation of the TV Miniseries. Its chapters do not align with the epi
The Phoenix: A Century of Cinema
2011-01-01
When the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, north London, celebrated its centenary year in 2010, On-Pa
The Academy of Armando
2025-03-03
Alan Yentob profiles the stellar career of one of the great satirists of our age, Armando Iannucci,
The Witches
1990-05-25
A young boy named Luke and his grandmother go on vacation only to discover their hotel is hosting an
When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain
2025-05-31
The film tells the story of how Springsteen and the E Street Band first arrived in the UK in Novembe
Dame Maggie Smith - A Celebration
2024-12-14
A tribute to the celebrated and enigmatic actress, with her life story told by those who knew her be
Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best
2006-03-01
Monty Python's Personal Best is a miniseries of six one-hour specials, each showcasing the contribut
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best
2006-02-22
Monty Python's Personal Best is a miniseries of six one-hour specials, each showcasing the contribut
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best
2006-02-27
Monty Python's Personal Best is a miniseries of six one-hour specials, each showcasing the contribut
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Jones' Personal Best
2006-02-27
Monty Python's Personal Best is a miniseries of six one-hour specials, each showcasing the contribut
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
2006-02-22
Monty Python's Personal Best is a miniseries of six one-hour specials, each showcasing the contribut
New Tales from Around the World in 80 Days
2014-03-11
Kate Garraway interviews Michael Palin CBE to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of his landmark and gro
Meridian: The First Ten Minutes
1993-01-01
"Meridian - The First 10 Minutes" was a special program that launched the ITV franchise Meridian Bro
The First Night of Meridian
1993-01-01
A special half-hour programme commemorating the launch of Meridian Television.
The Philosophers' Football Match
Innes Lloyd: The Producer
2025-03-24
A look at the life and work of television producer Innes Lloyd