TJ

Terry Jones has died.  Not exactly a shock as he'd been ailing for years.  But still, when a member of Monty Python dies, it's like a Beatle dying.  The troupe was a shining light in the world of comedy, and left behind much great work that still inspires today.

Even before Python, Jones did major work as a writer and performer, working on shows such as Complete And Utter History Of Britain and Do Not Adjust Your Set.  But no one could have known how the Python troupe would change comedy history.

When they created their TV show, the two poles were rational John Cleese versus emotional Terry Jones (to hear Cleese tell it).  Jones would argue his case till he was blue in the face.  He also represented the more visual side of the team, while Cleese was more about words.  Perhaps that's why Jones took on the task of directing the Python films.

He often portrayed meek characters, and was also considered their best woman, but, like all Python members, could play anything.  There are so many fine roles he played I wouldn't know where to start: upstanding member of society in Nudge Nudge, nude organist, Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson, funniest man in the world, performer on the mouse xylophone, newlywed buying a mattress, first man to jump the Channel, crunchy frog confectioner, man who teaches how to get hit on the head, Ewan McTeagle...I'm going to stop here or the list would never end.

Then, of course, there are all the great roles he played in the Python films: Sir Bedevere, Prince Herbert, Brian's mother Mandy and perhaps his most famous role of all, Mr. Creosote.

He will not be forgotten.