Michael Palin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Michael Palin KCMG CBE FRGS FRSGS FRSL
Palin in 2018 at the National Churches Trust carol concert
Born	Michael Edward Palin (1943-05-05) 5 May 1943 (age 82) Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Education	Shrewsbury School, Shropshire
Alma mater	Brasenose College, University of Oxford (BA)
Occupation	Actor comedian writer television presenter
Years active	1965–present
Known for	Monty Python Travel documentary
Spouse(s)	Helen Gibbins ​ ​ (m. 1966; died 2023)​
Children	3

Sir Michael Palin is a famous English actor, comedian, writer, and TV presenter. He was a key member of the hilarious comedy group called Monty Python. Michael Palin has received many awards for his work. He was even made a "Sir" (knighted) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.

Palin started his TV career working on shows like The Frost Report. He became well-known when he joined Monty Python's Flying Circus in 1969. He worked alongside other talented comedians like John Cleese and Eric Idle. He starred in many famous Python sketches, including "Argument Clinic" and "Dead Parrot sketch".

After Monty Python, Palin continued to act in films. He also became very famous for his travel documentaries. These shows took him all over the world, from the North Pole to the Sahara desert. He has written books about his amazing journeys.

Early Life and Education

Michael Palin was born in Sheffield, England, on May 5, 1943. His father was an engineer. Michael showed an interest in acting from a young age. When he was five, he acted in a school play of A Christmas Carol.

He went to Shrewsbury School and later studied Modern History at Brasenose College, Oxford. At Oxford, he started writing comedy with his friend Terry Jones. This was the beginning of a long and successful partnership.

Comedy Career

Starting in Television

After university in 1965, Michael Palin began working in television. He and Terry Jones wrote comedy for various BBC shows. They were part of the writing team for The Frost Report. This show was important because it brought together many future members of Monty Python.

Palin and Jones also worked on children's comedy shows like Do Not Adjust Your Set. This show featured animations by Terry Gilliam, who would also become a Monty Python member.

Joining Monty Python

Palin performing in "The Spanish Inquisition" sketch at a 2014 reunion show.

The success of their earlier work led to the creation of Monty Python's Flying Circus in 1969. Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam joined John Cleese and Graham Chapman to form the legendary comedy group.

In Monty Python, Palin played many different types of characters. He could be very enthusiastic, like the lumberjack in "The Lumberjack Song". He also played calm characters, like the person selling a "dead parrot". He often played characters who were a bit shy or awkward. He was also known for playing the "It's" man at the start of most episodes.

Palin often wrote sketches with Terry Jones. They created famous ones like the "Spanish Inquisition sketch", known for its catchphrase "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!". They also wrote songs together, including "The Lumberjack Song" and "Spam".

Films and Other Roles

After the Monty Python TV series ended in 1974, Palin continued to work with Terry Jones. They created Ripping Yarns, a comedy series that ran from 1976.

Palin also starred in many films. He co-wrote and acted in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian (1979), and The Meaning of Life (1983). For his role in A Fish Called Wanda (1988), he won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Other notable films include Time Bandits (1981) and Brazil (1985).

In recent years, Palin has also taken on serious acting roles. He appeared in the 2017 film The Death of Stalin. He also narrated the English audiobook of Esio Trot by Roald Dahl.

Travel Documentaries

Palin at Cadogan Hall in 2022.

Since 1980, Michael Palin has become a very well-known travel writer and presenter. He has made many popular TV shows for the BBC and Channel 5. These journeys have taken him to incredible places around the world.

His first major travel series was Around the World in 80 Days with Michael Palin (1989). In this show, he tried to follow the path from the famous Jules Verne story without using airplanes.

Other famous travel series include:

• Pole to Pole with Michael Palin (1992): Traveling from the North Pole to the South Pole.
• Full Circle with Michael Palin (1997): Traveling around the Pacific Ocean.
• Sahara with Michael Palin (2002): Exploring the world's largest desert.
• Himalaya with Michael Palin (2004): Journeying through the Himalaya mountains.
• Brazil with Michael Palin (2012): Discovering the country of Brazil.
• Michael Palin in North Korea (2018): Visiting the isolated country of North Korea.
• Michael Palin: Into Iraq (2022): Traveling through Iraq.
• Michael Palin in Nigeria (2024): Exploring Nigeria.

After each trip, Palin writes a book about his adventures. These books often include more details and photos from his journeys. His travel shows have even led to a "Palin effect," where places he visits become popular tourist spots. For example, tourism to Peru increased after he visited Machu Picchu.

Art and History Documentaries

Besides travel, Michael Palin has also made documentaries about artists and history. He has explored the work of painters like Anne Redpath and Henri Matisse.

In 2008, he presented Last Day of World War One. This documentary looked at the final moments of World War One on November 11, 1918.

Personal Life

Michael Palin married Helen Gibbins in 1966. They met when they were teenagers. Their marriage lasted for 57 years until Helen's passing in 2023.

They have three children: Thomas, William, and Rachel. Rachel is a TV director, and William works in conservation. Michael Palin lives in Gospel Oak, London. He is a supporter of the Sheffield Wednesday football club.

Helping Others

Palin is involved in many good causes. He has supported campaigns for better public transport in the UK. He also speaks out for a strong BBC.

He is a Vice President of the National Churches Trust. This group helps to preserve churches.

Michael Palin is also a co-founder of The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering. This center helps children who stammer (stutter). Palin's father stammered, which made him want to help others. He has provided support to young people and families dealing with stammering.

Awards and Recognition

Class 153, no. 153335 Michael Palin at Cambridge.

In 1993, an asteroid was named after him: Asteroid 9621 Michaelpalin. He also has two British trains named Michael Palin in honor of his love for travel, especially by rail.

Sheffield Legends plaque in Palin's home city of Sheffield, England.

In 2009, he became the President of the Royal Geographical Society, a group that promotes geography. Many people call him "Britain's Nicest Man" because of his friendly personality. In 2018, he was voted the greatest Yorkshireman ever.

He has received honorary degrees from universities, including the University of St Andrews. In 2019, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) for his contributions to travel, culture, and geography. He is the only member of Monty Python to receive a knighthood.

His personal writings and work files are kept in the British Library, which is a great honor.

BAFTA Awards

• Won BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for A Fish Called Wanda (1989)
• Won BAFTA Special Award (2005)
• Won BAFTA Special Award as part of the Monty Python team (2009)
• Won BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award (2013)

Other Awards

• Awarded the Aardman Slapstick Visual Comedy Legend award (2011)
• National Television Awards Special Recognition Award (2020)
• Association for International Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award (2024)

Film and TV Appearances

Film Roles

Television Roles

See also

In Spanish: Michael Palin para niños