Eric Idle's Motivation to Continue Working at 80: Financial Necessity Drives Monty Python Star

According to Monty Python actor Eric Idle, he is still working at the age of 80 due to financial reasons. He revealed that he sold his home last year and emphasized that people shouldn't assume that the Monty Python group is wealthy. He expressed his surprise at the decline in their income streams at this stage of their lives and suggested that management issues may be responsible for their financial situation. When asked about the possibility of a Netflix documentary, he dismissed the idea, swearing at documentaries and the streaming platform. Nevertheless, he stated that he doesn't mind not being wealthy and would rather focus on being funny. Idle co-founded the comedy troupe Monty Python in 1969 along with Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. They gained popularity through their sketch comedy television series and went on to create several films. Idle also created the musical Spamalot in 2004, which received critical acclaim and won a Tony award. However, he noted that the show made significant profits many years ago. In 2013, a producer of the Monty Python And The Holy Grail film won a royalty battle with the comedy troupe in court. Idle thanked his fans for their support and revealed that he is engaged and focused on writing a new show. He shared his experience of surviving pancreatic cancer and his recent appearance on the celebrity singing show The Masked Singer. Other Monty Python members, like John Cleese, are also continuing to work. Cleese recently announced the development of a new stage show based on the sitcom Fawlty Towers, set to premiere in May.