Terry Jones of Monty Python Fame Reveals He Has PPA

The family of Terry Jones issued a statement on September 29, 2016, revealing that the Welsh comedian has primary progressive aphasia, a form of FTD. Jones, 74, is best known as a founding member of the legendary British comedy troupe Monty Python; he helped write and direct many of the group’s films, including Monty Python and The Holy Grail and The Meaning of Life.

Three days after his family’s statement, Jones received a lifetime achievement award for Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television at an award ceremony held by the Welsh branch of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Fellow Monty Python member Michael Palin, who presented the award to Jones, said that he had known about his friend’s diagnosis for some time.

"Terry doesn’t say very much but he smiles, laughs, recognizes, and responds,” Palin said, adding, “I am always pleased to see him. Long may that last.”