Terry Jones, founding member of Monty Python, dead at 77 - Page Six

Terry Jones, one of the founding members of the Monty Python comedy troupe, has died at 77.

His death after a years-long battle with dementia was confirmed by his agent, the Associated Press reports.

His family released the following statement Wednesday: “We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones. Terry passed away on the evening of 21 January 2020 at the age of 77 with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after a long, extremely brave but always good humored battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.”

The statement revealed that Jones last days were spent surrounded by “his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in North London. We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humor has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades.”

Famed for his portrayals of middle-aged housewives with high-pitched voices, it was Jones who screamed, “He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy!” in the 1979 comedy “Monty Python’s Life of Brian,” which he also directed. That iconic line was twice voted the funniest in film history in UK polls, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Jones in 1979’s “Monty Python’s Life of Brian.”Getty Images

In a 2016 statement to Britain’s film academy, it was announced that Jones suffered from primary progressive aphasia, which erodes the ability to use language, leaving him unable to give interviews.

Jones’ loved ones said they were announcing his death out of a “hope that this disease will one day be eradicated entirely. We ask that our privacy be respected at this sensitive time and give thanks that we lived in the presence of an extraordinarily talented, playful and happy man living a truly authentic life, in his words “Lovingly frosted with glucose.’ ”

The veteran comic, actor and author is survived survived by his wife of seven years, Anna, their daughter Siri, and his children Bill and Sally from a previous marriage to Alison Telfer.

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2020-01-22 13:13:00Z
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Terry Jones: Monty Python star dies aged 77 - BBC News

Monty Python star Terry Jones has died at the age of 77, after having lived with dementia, his agent has said.

A statement from his family said: "We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man."

Fellow Python Sir Michael Palin described Jones as "one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation".

The Welsh comic actor, writer and director died on Monday, four years after contracting a rare form of dementia known as FTD.

Palin added: "Terry was one of my closest, most valued friends. He was kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full.

"He was far more than one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation, he was the complete Renaissance comedian - writer, director, presenter, historian, brilliant children's author, and the warmest, most wonderful company you could wish to have."

• Terry Jones obituary: Master of the absurd

Other comedy figures paid tribute on social media.

Skip Twitter post by @stephenfry

Farewell, Terry Jones. The great foot has come down to stamp on you. My god what pleasure you gave, what untrammelled joy and delight. What a wonderful talent, heart and mind

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 22, 2020

End of Twitter post by @stephenfry

Screenwriter Charlie Brooker posted: "RIP the actual genius Terry Jones. Far too many brilliant moments to choose from."

David Walliams thanked his comedy hero "for a lifetime of laughter".

Jones was born in Cowlyn Bay and went on to study at Oxford University, where he met his future Python pal Palin in the Oxford revue - a comedy group for students.

He appeared in the TV series Monty Python's Flying Circus and the comedy collective's films as a range of characters including Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson, Cardinal Biggles of the Spanish Inquisition and Mr Creosote.

He directed their The Holy Grail in 1975 with fellow Python Terry Gilliam, and took sole charge of 1979's Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life in 1983.

His family's statement added: "Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in north London.

"His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programmes, poems and other work will live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath."

The family thanked Jones' "wonderful medical professionals and carers for making the past few years not only bearable but often joyful".

They said: "We hope that this disease will one day be eradicated entirely. We ask that our privacy be respected at this sensitive time and give thanks that we lived in the presence of an extraordinarily talented, playful and happy man living a truly authentic life, in his words 'Lovingly frosted with glucose.'"

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2020-01-22 12:54:32Z
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Terry Jones: Monty Python star dies aged 77 - BBC News

Monty Python star Terry Jones has died at the age of 77, his agent has said.

The Welsh comic actor, writer and director died on Monday after having lived with dementia since 2016.

A statement from his family said: "We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones."

He died with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after "a long, extremely brave but always good humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD."

The statement added: "Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in north London.

"We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades.

"His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programmes, poems and other work will live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath."

• Remembering Terry Jones: Master of the absurd

The family thanked Jones' "wonderful medical professionals and carers for making the past few years not only bearable but often joyful".

They said: "We hope that this disease will one day be eradicated entirely. We ask that our privacy be respected at this sensitive time and give thanks that we lived in the presence of an extraordinarily talented, playful and happy man living a truly authentic life, in his words 'Lovingly frosted with glucose.'"

Jones appeared in the TV series Monty Python's Flying Circus and films as a range of characters including "Two Sheds" Jackson, Cardinal Biggles of the Spanish Inquisition and Mr Creosote.

He directed the comedy collective's movie The Holy Grail in 1975 with fellow Python Terry Gilliam, as well as The Meaning Of Life in 1983.

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2020-01-22 12:45:22Z
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How Does Queen Elizabeth Feel About Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Stepping Away From Royal Life? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry made the major decision to step down as senior royals. The announcement came as quite a surprise, and it seems that there are mixed feelings about what is going on.

While we all know that they have been under intense media scrutiny and also that the pressures of royal life were really beginning to take a toll on the notoriously private couple, it was still a move that almost no one saw coming. The entire world has questions at this point, regarding issues such as where they will live, and how they plan to be “financially independent.”

There is one thing that everyone wants to know. How does Queen Elizabeth feel about Meghan and Prince Harry stepping away from royal life?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle resigned as senior royals

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“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jan 8, 2020 at 10:33am PST

Most people envision life as a senior royal to be pretty spectacular. After all, who wouldn’t want to live in a castle, have access to one of the most coveted jewelry collections in the entire world and be driven around in luxury cars to fancy parties and engagements?

Well, that’s not exactly how things were for Meghan and Prince Harry. For months now, they have been relentlessly criticized in the news media for just about everything they have done. They have indicated in the past that they weren’t really happy with life in the spotlight, according to BBC News.

While Meghan and Prince Harry plan to continue to honor their duty to the queen, they also plan to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America — something that no royal couple has ever before done. Resigning as senior royals will allow them to concentrate on their own lives as well as raise Baby Archie in the quiet, private environment that they have always wanted.

What does this mean for the royal family?

It is not every day that royal family members resign from their positions, so what does Prince Harry and Meghan’s split — known as “Megxit” — mean for the royal family? It would appear as if there is a lot going on behind palace walls.

The queen, Prince Charles, and Prince William and Prince Harry discussed how to proceed going forward. After a series of talks, the queen announced she is “pleased” to have found a “constructive and supportive way forward” for Prince Harry and Meghan.

Buckingham Palace announced in a statement that Prince Harry and Meghan will no longer be working royals, will no longer use the titles His and Her Royal Highness, and will repay the millions they used to upgrade their new home: Frogmore Cottage.

According to BuzzFeed News, the split won’t cause a collapse of the British Monarchy, although the family has a lot to lose. Now that they are not going to be receiving funding from the Sovereign Grant, whichever way they choose to earn funds in order to support themselves could have an effect on the royals.

The family is dealing with more than their fair share of scandal at this time, and Meghan and Prince Harry’s abrupt split seems to be shaking things up just a bit.

How does Queen Elizabeth feel about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepping away from royal life?

Queen Elizabeth II | Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images

If there is any opinion that truly makes a difference regarding what is happening, it is that of Queen Elizabeth. So, how does she feel about the split?

Entertainment Tonight reports that she feels it is a “complicated” situation. While everything is still in the early stages, the queen would have preferred to keep Meghan and Prince Harry as working royals. That said, she is giving them her full support in what they have chosen to do.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family,” said Queen Elizabeth in a statement. “I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”

“I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family,” said the queen. “It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”

Based on the queen’s statement, she is firmly vocalizing support for her grandson and his family. She also made it a point to give Meghan a special shoutout, which suggests she doesn’t harbor resentment against the duchess. Lastly, she ended her statement with a genuine wish for the Sussexes.

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2020-01-22 09:44:12Z
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Former Grammys head Deborah Dugan sues recording academy, alleges sexual harassment - CNN

The lawsuit, filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), comes just days before the group's 62nd Grammy Awards is scheduled to air and days after Dugan was put on leave for what the academy called "misconduct."

Dugan says she was put on administrative leave three weeks after she sent an email to the academy's managing director of human resources outlining numerous bombshell allegations against the organization and its "historically male dominated leadership," according to the EEOC complaint.

"The decision to put Ms. Dugan on leave was clearly made in retaliation for her complaint, and came with thinly veiled threats of termination in the event that Ms. Dugan persisted in pursuing claims against the Academy," the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit claims Dugan was subjected to sexual harassment.

Dugan also alleges she was pushed out after raising concerns about various "irregularities and conflicts" with the academy's nomination and review process, and that she discovered numerous conflicts of interest made possible by the "boys' club mentality."

The complaint also includes claims of unlawful gender discrimination, unlawful retaliation, and unequal pay.

Allegations by and against her

The Recording Academy said in a statement to CNN that it's "curious" that Dugan didn't raise the allegations until legal claims were made against her by another employee who alleged she "created a 'toxic and intolerable' work environment and engaged in 'abusive and bullying conduct.'"

After raising concerns to HR, the academy said, Dugan had instructed them not to take action, but they said the academy launched independent investigations into the allegations she made as well as those against her.

"Ms. Dugan was placed on administrative leave only after offering to step down and demanding $22 million from the Academy, which is a not-for-profit organization," the statement said.

Attorneys for Dugan said the Academy's assertion about the timing of her allegations "is completely false."

"Ms. Dugan repeatedly raised concerns throughout her entire tenure at the Academy, and even gave large presentations focused on diversity and inclusion at Board meetings," Douglas H. Wigdor and Michael J. Willemin said in a statement to CNN.

The attorneys said others had raised the same concerns.

"As alleged in the charge, artists, other board members and employees have all raised virtually all of the concerns raised by Ms. Dugan," they said. "As alleged, the Academy has lost its way and abandoned the recording industry, instead focusing on self-dealing and turning blind eye to the 'boys' club' environment, obvious improprieties and conflicts of interest."

The attorneys said the academy offered Dugan "millions of dollars to drop all of this and leave the Academy" and that when she refused to accept within the hour, she was put on leave.

First woman to head the academy

Dugan was employed by the academy for five months before being placed on leave.

The academy announced last week Dugan had been put on "administrative leave" effective immediately, following an allegation of misconduct.

"The board determined this action to be necessary in order to restore the confidence of the Recording Academy's membership, repair Recording Academy employee morale, and allow the Recording Academy to focus on its mission of serving all music creators," the academy said in a statement. "The Recording Academy Board of Trustees is committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace, music industry, and society."

It was announced in May 2019 that Dugan would become the first woman to head the academy when she assumed the position August 1 of that year.

"I'm honored, humbled, and ready," she said in a statement at that time. "The goal of the Recording Academy is to support, encourage, and advocate for those within the music community. I will listen to and champion all of those individuals, and lead this iconic organization into the future. I'm excited to get started."

Dugan came to the position after serving as chief executive officer of (RED), the AIDS nonprofit co-founded in 2006 by U2 front man and activist Bono and activist Bobby Shriver.

Board chair Harvey Mason Jr. is serving as the academy's interim president.

The Grammys will air live on January 26 on CBS.

CNN's Alexandra Meeks and Theresa Waldrop contributed to this report.

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2020-01-22 07:29:00Z
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Prince Harry Smiles as He Touches Down in Canada to be With Wife Meghan Markle and Son Archie - Entertainment Tonight

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2020-01-21 15:19:00Z
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Prince Harry rejoins Meghan and Archie in Canada, leaving royal life behind - CNN

Photos in UK media showed Harry walking off a plane early Tuesday on Vancouver Island, where the family spent time over Christmas.

The Duke of Sussex attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London on Monday, where he met with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, before flying across the Atlantic.

A royal spokesperson told CNN they would not comment on the family's private schedule.

Strong Canada connection

The Duke and Duchess spent the Christmas holidays in Canada with the Duchess' mother, Doria Ragland.

Meghan lived in the country for seven years and the couple say they have a "strong connection to Canada."

The Sussexes are set to embark on a proposed new life in the country, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that discussions are ongoing in over who will pay the costs of their security detail.

The prince's departure from the UK follows a turbulent period in which Harry and Meghan agreed to give up their royal titles and end their official duties.

The couple made the shock announcement that they were stepping back from senior royal duties on Instagram on January 8, and the Queen announced a transition period had been agreed Saturday.

Conversations with the pair had been going on for months, said the monarch in a statement.

"I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family," read the statement.

Under the terms of the deal, Harry and Meghan will no longer represent the Queen as working royals, splitting their time between the UK and North America as they work toward becoming financially independent.

Wrangling over titles

The pair will no longer use their royal titles -- His and Her Royal Highness -- beginning this spring, and Buckingham Palace announced Saturday they would instead be addressed as "Harry, Duke of Sussex" and "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex."

It's a move the Queen hadn't been expected to make and it's entirely unprecedented for a monarch to ask her own grandchild to drop their title, but given the prospect of the Sussexes signing commercial deals in the future, the need to separate their ventures from the royal household was pressing.

However, in one of the first hiccups in the process of decoupling Harry and Meghan from the royal family, the palace later said it would revise its guidance after reports Meghan's new title made it sound as though she were divorced.

The problem is that the same formatting was adopted by Sarah Ferguson -- now addressed as "Sarah, Duchess of York" -- after she divorced Prince Andrew in 1996. And Harry's mother was known as Diana, Princess of Wales after her divorce from Prince Charles.

One of the ways the couple hope to generate income is through their brand "Sussex Royal."

However an aide to the Queen warned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex against using that title, reported British newspaper The Times.

"I don't think its satisfactory. One cannot be two things at once. You either are [royal] or you're not," said Thomas Woodcock, Garter King of Arms, in the paper. Woodcock said he was speaking in a personal capacity.

"It is such unusual times that it is a matter of waiting and seeing how things develop," he added.

The Garter King of Arms, also known simply as Garter, is the principal adviser to the sovereign on ceremony and heraldry, and is a member of the royal household.

CNN has reached out to his office for comment.

Sadness from Harry

On Sunday, Harry expressed "great sadness" about the developments at a charity event in London.

"Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding," he said in a speech. "Unfortunately, that wasn't possible."

Harry emphasized that the decision "is not one I made lightly" during his speech.

"The UK is my home and a place that I love," Harry said. "That will never change."

"It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven't always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option."

CNN's Max Foster and Rob Picheta contributed to this report.

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2020-01-21 13:03:00Z
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