Monty Python star Terry Jones reveals dementia diagnosis
The 74-year-old said he is suffering from primary progressive aphasia affecting his ability to communicate
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Your support makes all the difference.Monty Python star Terry Jones has revealed he has been diagnosed with dementia.
The 74-year-old, who directed Life Of Brian and Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life, has said he is suffering from primary progressive aphasia, which affects his ability to communicate meaning he will no longer able to give interviews.
The news of Jones’s health came as Bafta Cymru announced he has been given a special award for outstanding contribution to film and television.
A spokesman for the comedian said: “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. Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations.”
The Welsh comedian and screenwriter was a member of the Monty Python comedy troupe along with John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Graham Chapman.
The group made waves on the British comedy scene with their innovative stream-of-conscious style.
Jones went on to co-direct Monty Python and the Holy Grail with Terry Gilliam, and was sole director on two further Monty Python movies: Life of Brian and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.
He has also authored books on medieval history and the history of numeral systems.
Jones’ award was announced at the Bafta Cymru nominees party, as well as that of make-up artist Sian Grigg. The pair will be celebrated at the British Academy Cymru Awards on 2 October.
Hannah Raybould, director of Bafta Cymru, said: “We are … very much looking forward to celebrating the work of Terry Jones during the ceremony with a look back at his work from 1969 to the present day.”
Additional reporting by Press Association
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