Michael Palin: The Greatest Ever Yorkshireman

There’s not many folk who don’t know Sir Michael Palin. The affable Yorkshireman who was born in Ranmoor in Sheffield is one of Yorkshire’s biggest exports, known for his comedy stylings with Monty Python as well as his numerous travel shows and books. The Yorkshire legend Michael Palin was named Greatest Yorkshireman by a poll of 2,000 Brits done by npower back in 2018. Second was Sean Bean followed by Sir Patrick Stewart

Palin rose to prominence as part of the iconic comedy group Monty Python acting in some of the most famous Python sketches such as ‘Arguement Clinic, ‘Dead Parrot Sketch’, ‘The Spanish Inquisition’ and many more.

Palin also co-wrote and starred in subsequent groups films which included Monty Python and the Holy Grail , Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.

Before joining Python Palin had established himself as a writer working for shows such as Billy Cotton Bandshow, The Illustrated Weekly Hudd, Ken Dodd Show, which he did with fellow Python Terry Jones. He also wrote for The Frost Report and was in the team of writers which won the Golden Rose of Montreux for BBC.

As well as being a funnyman, Palin made many travel documentaries and became a noted writer and presenter in his own right. Programmes broadcasted on the BBC saw the Monty Python member travel across the world to places such as the North and South Poles, the Sahara, the Himalayas, Eastern Europe and more. He also visited North Korea in a Channel 5 series.

Palin is both a master acting and presenting, and has said that he “loves them both equally”. He was knighted by the Queen in 2019 and received the BAFTA Fellowship, BAFTA’s highest honour, in 2013.

Commercial director at npower and proud Yorkshireman Andy Wiggans said: “We wanted to give the nation the chance to think about the region and how much it has given the country – and the rest of the world.

“After all, where would we be without Monty Python’s dead parrot sketch – inspired by Michael Palin’s disastrous trip to a mechanic, who refused to accept there was something wrong with his car?”