Sir Michael Palin, most famously known for being part of Monty Python, and once voted the ‘Greatest Yorkshireman’, recently opened up about his mortality after the death of his wife Helen Gibbins. Born in Sheffield, the 81-year-old opened up about his feelings on the subject saying it is ‘going to happen sometime soon anyway’ – so he may as well enjoy it.
As well as his comedy stylings with Monty Python Palin is famous for his numerous travel shows and books. His Wife sadly passed away in May of last year. The pair tied the knot in their 20s and had three children together and four grandchildren.
Michael opened up about his life whilst speaking to The Times about his new book There and Back saying: “I can’t cook very well. Just basics. Bacon, eggs and sausages, scrambled eggs and all that. But I don’t expect anyone else to look after me. I shared my life with someone for so long that I find it impossible to think of sharing it in the same way with anyone else again. So in a way, I’m sort of freer.”
“I’m in my eighties and lots of people don’t make it there. So I don’t have any great worries about death. I mean, it’s going to happen sometime soon. I hear people say Euston station works are going to be finished in 2033 and think, ‘Oh, I won’t be around then.’ But I’ve got so many interests – either books I’m researching or future travel series – which make me forget about mortality.”
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.
Read More: 16 Of The Greatest Yorkshire Films Of All Time
Feature Image Credit: Photo © National Churches Trust (cc-by-sa/2.0)
