I am Eric Idle. I am not lazy. I am not dead. My Dick is available today. AMA.

In Secondary School, my class did a version of "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life". We even swore, in front of all the teachers. We lost to a terrible rendition of "Two Little Boys".

My question is: Were we robbed?

Shit yes

[deleted]

My kids

No, I am not asking you anything.

And I am certainly not answering

Proof: https://twitter.com/EricIdle/status/268424034167955456

So he's clearly not a false Idle.

That's Billy Idol

Hey Eric. The "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" tribute at Graham Chapman's funeral always puts a tear to my eye. What inspired using that funeral as a celebration of his life?

It was his favourite song. Very hard to do without breaking up.

After watching all of the Monty Python movies as a child, I can safely say that you've made childhood a hell of a lot better. I really loved your performance at the Olympics (even more so of the fact that you got away with saying 'shit' to millions of people), and I really appreciate your work. My question is, now that you've been through every possible achievement in movies and entertainment, what are you looking to do in the future?

Drink

How was the Pythons' relationship with each other? Was it just business or were you good friends or still are?

We are Brothers. Sibling rivalry. But close.

Just wanted to say thank you.

My dad died in 1994 when I was 14 and one of my enduring memories was sitting with him, when I was probably too young, watching Monty Python with him and him educating me in comedy.

Thanks again

That is very sweet. I'm sorry. It's a tough thing to lose your Dad then, but nice to have shared happy times with him. I'm sure he'd be very proud of you.

I just want you to know that I grew up in Ireland, and the Life of Brian was banned there. I got into a lot of trouble with my teachers and my parents for watching it, and the parents of other kids I showed it to.

Worth it.

Edited for clarity.

Ask yourself why they banned it.

I really have no idea what to ask you. You are amazing, so I thank you for everything you've done. Everything.

Also, is your wife for sale?

No, I'm afraid only for rent.

What did you think of the Holy Flying Circus mockumentary on BBC 4? Were you offended when they called you a money grabbing bastard, or did you find it quite funny?

No. I was flattered. I am a Money Grabbing Bastard.

You are my Python crush. Will you adopt me?

A very flexible, natural redhead. xo

I'll check with my wife. If she has no objections I suppose I shall submit.

If you had to eat one historical figure, what flavouring would you use?

Napoleon. With Brandy.

[deleted]

Where have you been. Ask Santa

Who do you see as the 'missing python' - which comedian do you think would have been part of Monty Python?

Graham. Not missing, just late.

Do you get Terry Gilliam's animations? I sure as hell don't.

He's American

What's something you enjoy doing that isn't particularly well known? A hobby or such?

Guitar. Reading

Do you miss doing projects with the rest of the Monty Python gang? Will there ever be a reunion??

Yes and No

How close were you and George Harrison? I've always enjoyed his pirate sketch on your show. :)

A lovely wonderful friend. Ten years dead this Thanksgiving. Alas and alack

You're the only surviving Python not to be featuring in Chapman's memoir film A Liar's Autobiography. Why?

Because I'm not dead yet

Mr. Idle, are you the voice that says "Time to goooo!" in Pink Floyd's Bring the Boys Back Home (from The Wall)? If not, you have an audio doppelganger out there somewhere.

Also, just wanted to say hi and thank you for everything, especially Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

It's possible. I was hanging out with them at the time of The Wall, and actually was in a small Porvencal village watching Roger recod the vocal for Only A Brick in the Wall. Weird huh?

Is there anything you miss about living in England?

The beer

What is your greatest achievement?

Staying married.

What is your favorite movie?

The Producers

How much fun was being shot out of a cannon?

It was a stunt man

Do people ever call you Bruce?

I call my wife that

Hey Mister Idle! You're one of my heroes, and therefore you must answer me these questions three:

• How is Dick Day faring you so far?

• Do you still communicate a lot with the other Pythons these days?

• What is your favourite colour?...

My favourite colour is Michael Palin

Did you ever hook up with Carol Cleveland on the set of Monty Python?

Are you asking did I screw her? Answer no. I won't speak for others...

What's the Next Big Thing?

Dick

Do you now know what the capital of Assyria is?

A swallow?

Hi Eric. I know that you were one of two pythons who generally worked alone so when you did collaborate with another python who was it usually with?

Occasionally with Cleese

What was it like working on and performing in the Olympic Closing Ceremony?

EDIT: Video.

Exhilarating

Would you rather fight one Killer Rabbit or 100 European swallows?

Do I have to punch them on the nose?

Fondest memory with the Pythons?

Who are they again?

What inspired you to use humor as dry as you did? And did you feel that you needed to keep using that humor to keep the audience happy, or did you keep that style because you enjoyed it so much?

I hate wet humour. You need towels. Remember Python's Battle of Pearl Harbour, real pigshit and freezing....

Who inspired you the most in life and why?

George Harrison. because he befriended me when I needed a pal, and encouraged me, and discussed the very basic questions with me.

One of my absolute favorite films through grade school, into college, and now in adulthood is the Adventures of Barron Munchausen. Thank you for your outstanding role in such an important movie in my life. I have two questions about it.

• From what I’ve read the movie didn't fair too well financially, yet critics seemed to love it, as does just about anyone I’ve ever talked to. Why do you think there’s a disparity between the critical reception and the box office? And, despite the numbers, did you/the cast/Gilliam feel good about the final film?
• I would love if you could share an anecdote or story from the set... but understand if you … can’t remember.

Munchausen the worst experience of my life. I'd rather go back to Boarding School....

Which other comedian could have been a member of the MP troupe (then and now?)

Dan Aykroyd

[deleted]

Palin was always the funniest ad libber. Cleese always the funniest sketch writer.

Have you ever had voice lesson? or are you just naturally talented?

Yes I have had voice lessons. For The Mikado and for Not The Messiah

So, the Olympics. How much did you want to ACTUALLY be the human cannonball?

I wanted to ACTUALL BE the Spice Girls.

How do you feel about today's Australian table wines?

Amazing that I was so snobbish as to write amusingly about such great wines...

It's not really a question, and I suppose all of you hear this a lot, but you've always been my favorite Python. I love the quick pace and clever dialogue, as well as the out-and-out weirdness of your sketches. I realize that in British English it can be pejorative, but you are the very picture of "cleverness" to me.

Wait, I do have a question: were you getting laid the most (of the Pythons) when Flying Circus was on the air? You looked the coolest of the bunch.

I had way more ass than any of them...

Loved your interview on The Nerdist Podcast, the whole group was amazing.

What was it like working with that amazing cast on What about Dick?

They were the loveliest and finest and cheapest I have ever worked with

How hard was it to memorize the "Man who speaks only in anagrams" sketch?

Revy chum so?

No Thard

After reading your responses, you seem to be a man of few word. How many words precisely?

Two

Where has been your most unlikely place to find an Eric Idle fan?

Under my bed.

Hi, Eric! I have this stubborn soy sauce stain on my favorite t-shirt. Any tips on how to get it out? Or should I just buy a new one?

Pour the rest of the bottle of soy sauce over it, and have a brown tee shirt.

My 10th grade World History teacher had the class watch The Holy Grail as part of an assignment, and I can say that without question, those were my 3 favorite days of class ever. He opened my eyes to the world of Python, and I haven't looked back since.

I was reading earlier today about a Python project with Benedict Cummerbatch, but it said that you would not be a part of it. Can you tell us why?

Because it is NOT a Python film, it is a Terry Jones film and they are trying to raise money for it by using our name. So what do I do? Ah, I know: punch them on the nose.

What are your thoughts on beards?

I think if gay men want to go out in States where it is illegal beards are essential.

Out of all the Monty Python gang, you are by far my favorite. The Universe / Galaxy song is my favorite, how long did it take you to learn that song off by heart and do you happen to sing it quite a bit even now a days?

New version for Professor Brian Cox coming out soon on the BBC, or Jim'll Nix It, as it will now be called.

If you could define yourself in one sentence, what would it be?

Kind regards from Belgium.

Non Belgian.

You've been in lots of crazy stuff-- which scene did you have the most fun acting in?

Yellowbeard.

Eric, thanks for many, many laughs. You've written a lot of great funny songs, some also quite touching ("Always Look on the Bright Side", "Galaxy Song"); I wonder what are some of your favorite comedy songs written by others?

Thanks!

Mad Dogs and Englishmen Noel Coward Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage

If I were to order an Eric Idle at a bar, what would I get?

An old meatless bubbly drink.

Hey there, Eric! I have a couple questions:

Of all the songs you sang during your years with Monty Python, (Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Not the Noel Coward Song, etc.) which was your favorite?

And were those really Graham Chapman's ashes at the Aspen reunion?

Yes they were. Biggest laugh he ever had.

My dad and I get each other Monty Python and the Holy Grail gifts every year- I love it, and all the others! I'm also going to see Spamalot Saturday, finally!

Question- Are you ever in London, and do you ever do any autograph sessions? I guess that ended up being 2 questions

I'll be in soon to support Spamalot.

How often are you mistaken for Gene Wilder? Love you both in deep, physical way.

Only in Willy Wonka. And oddly in France. He married the very lovely and wonderful Gilda.

Which of the Flying Circus sketches do you think was the most fun or challenging to film? Love your work by the way.

Also, how many times a day do people come up to you and quote Python?

I have dogs to keep them away. Trouble is they start asking me Python questions.

You're the reason I got into comedy, thank you so much - you're brilliant :)

When did you first realize you could make a living from making people laugh? How did it feel? Does it still feel the same after so many years?

Cheers!

I like making people laugh. Except my wife. She always laughs at me in bed...

Do think there is a supreme being/universe-creator or is it all just happenstance?

I think the existence of Life in the Universe is the most interesting question, which I have been pursuing with Professor Brian Cox. I don't believe at all in the Conjurer theory. The fact that we literally are made out of long dead stars is far more mind boggling.

Just wanted to start by saying that Monty Python changed the way I look at comedy, and now I have become a cynical, fickle bastard who doesn't laugh at anything.

Funding always seemed to be an issue when making a Monty Python movie, and I know you guys had a lot of people supporting you along the way (Harrison). Who was the person (people) you least expected to support the movies?

The point of comedy is to turn us all in snickering, cynical, fickle bastards.

How much do you love Michael Palin??

Just enough to not embarrass my trousers

How did you go about doing the Imagination Ride at Epcot?

They kep asking me for more.

What is your favorite tree?

Larch. No Spruce, shit

So, you went to Cambridge in 1965. Why didn't you become a doctor?

Because I studied English. However I can help with basic gynecological questions.

Do you still support Wolves? If so, I'm sorry.

No. Not since 1961

I bow before thee, sire.

I have a 19 month old son. He laughs in his sleep. Any parenting advice?

Try and teach him to do that after you fart.

What are you reading at the moment?

The new book by Ian McEwan

What are your thoughts and feelings on Spamalot? Also, do you still maintain a friendly relationship with the other Python's?

I love Spamalot. I try and maintain friendly relationships with the others despite the effing Daily Mail's attempts to sabotage them

Congrats on "What about Dick" I was honored to be there at the show. Going to Download it now! Question.... When is the sequel?

You mean what about Twat?

What was your favourite alternate title for Python?

Terry Jones' had one which was simply "You Can't Call A Show Corn Flakes". This made me laugh for a few days.

Me too

[deleted]

We play(ed) guitars, drink, laugh and sing

If you could give me one piece of advice for surviving the rest of my life, what would it be?

Remember how fortunate you are to be you. Do a bit of Cosmic research into the Galaxy and the Universe. It's so awesome that you soon learn to put yourself in perpective.

Why FINLAND?!

Its the country where I quite want to be.

It's Palin to blame. That's right. Mr Nice guy...

You have done great work throughout your career, but are most widely recognized (by a large margin) for work from a long time ago (Python). What's it like to have your present greatness living the shadow of your own past greatness?

I am happier and kinder than I have ever been. There are no shadows. Tomorrow I return to the obscurity of being a husband. Just below the dogs.

Always loved the Rutles and you were absolutely hysterical as Dirk McQuickly. Any truth to the rumour that McCartney didn't take too kindly to the film?

No he was kind of generous. Linda loved it.

I watched the new Graham bio last month in 3D. Did it do justice to him and the other Pythons?

Very much so