---
name: "Eric Idle"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/eric-idle"
fi1m_id: "eric-idle"
imdb_id: "nm0001385"
tmdb_id: 10713
wikidata_id: "Q210741"
roles: ["Actor","Writer"]
born: "29 March 1943"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 10
average_fi1m_score: 66
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 9
updated: "2026-10-22T01:55:30.352330+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Eric Idle

## Identity

Eric Idle

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/eric-idle
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** eric-idle
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001385
- **TMDB ID:** 10713
- **Wikidata ID:** Q210741
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Idle, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q210741, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001385/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/10713

Actor and writer. Born 29 March 1943 in South Shields, County Durham, England, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Writer
- **Born:** 29 March 1943, South Shields, County Durham, England, UK
- **Active:** 1969–2015
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 10: 9 acting, 1 crew
- **Frequently works with:** [Graham Chapman](https://film.one/person/graham-chapman.md), [John Cleese](https://film.one/person/john-cleese.md), [Michael Palin](https://film.one/person/michael-palin.md), [Terry Gilliam](https://film.one/person/terry-gilliam.md), [Terry Jones](https://film.one/person/terry-jones.md), [John Goldstone](https://film.one/person/john-goldstone.md), [Michael White](https://film.one/person/michael-white-154404.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 66, as actor, over 9 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1960s 83 (1), 1970s 88 (2), 1980s 58 (2), 1990s 67 (2), 2000s 50 (1), 2010s 49 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 67 to 63 across 7 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 1 at 60–79, 4 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 7 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 9, Adventure 3, Animation 2, Fantasy 2, Crime 1, Family 1
- **Screen time:** 12 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,027m across 8 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Idle, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q210741, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001385/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/10713

## Streaming the US now

- **Peacock:** [*Life of Brian*](https://film.one/film/life-of-brian.md) (88), [*Monty Python and the Holy Grail*](https://film.one/film/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail.md) (87), [*Monty Python's Flying Circus*](https://film.one/tv/monty-pythons-flying-circus.md) (83), [*Shrek the Third*](https://film.one/film/shrek-the-third.md) (50)
- **The Roku Channel:** [*National Lampoon's European Vacation*](https://film.one/film/national-lampoons-european-vacation.md) (40)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Biography

Eric Idle is an English actor, comedian, writer and songwriter. He was born on 29 March 1943 in South Shields, County Durham. He studied English at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he was president of the Footlights, and began writing for television shows including The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set before co-creating and appearing in Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Idle performed and wrote for the series Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969–1974) and the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian (1979) and The Meaning of Life (1983). He created the parody band the Rutles and wrote the book and lyrics for the musical Spamalot (2005), which won a Tony Award for Best Musical. He has also appeared in voice roles including in The Simpsons and Shrek the Third.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, screenonline.org.uk, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (10)

### Performed in (9) — the average rests on these

- *Absolutely Anything* (2015), Fi1m 34, as Salubrious Gat (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/absolutely-anything.md)
- *Shrek the Third* (2007), Fi1m 50, as Merlin (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-the-third.md)
- *South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut* (1999), Fi1m 80, as Dr. Vosknocker (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/south-park-bigger-longer-and-uncut.md)
- *Nuns on the Run* (1990), Fi1m 54, as Brian Hope — [page](https://film.one/film/nuns-on-the-run.md)
- *National Lampoon's European Vacation* (1985), Fi1m 40, as The Bike Rider — [page](https://film.one/film/national-lampoons-european-vacation.md)
- *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* (1983), Fi1m 76, as Various Roles — [page](https://film.one/film/monty-pythons-the-meaning-of-life.md)
- *Life of Brian* (1979), Fi1m 88, as Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee — [page](https://film.one/film/life-of-brian.md)
- *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975), Fi1m 87, as Dead Collector / Peasant 1 / Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir Launcelot / First Swamp Castle Guard / Concorde / Roger the Shrubber / Brother Maynard — [page](https://film.one/film/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail.md)
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus* (1969), Fi1m 83, as Various — [page](https://film.one/tv/monty-pythons-flying-circus.md)

### Crew (1)

- *The Boxtrolls* (2014), Fi1m 64, Songs — [page](https://film.one/film/the-boxtrolls.md)

## Complete filmography (94)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *A Virtual Princess Bride Reunion* (2020), as The Impressive Clergyman
- *The Admiral: Pub, Drums and Food* (2018), as Dirk McQuickley (archive footage)
- *The Entire Universe* (2016), Writer
- *Absolutely Anything* (2015), as Salubrious Gat (voice) — Fi1m 34, [page](https://film.one/film/absolutely-anything.md)
- *Put the Minister in the Socket* (2015), Original Story
- *The Boxtrolls* (2014), as Songs — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/the-boxtrolls.md)
- *Monty Python Live (Mostly)* (2014), Director, Writer
- *What About Dick?* (2012), as The Piano · Director, Writer, Musical
- *Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall* (2010), Actor
- *Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)* (2010), as Baritonish / Stan / Loretta / Bob Dylan / Ben · Writer
- *Delgo* (2008), as Spig (voice)
- *Life Of Brian Screenplay* (2008), as Mr. Cheeky, Stan aka Loretta, Harry the Haggler · Screenplay
- *Shrek the Third* (2007), as Merlin (voice) — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-the-third.md)
- *Hitler: The Comedy Years* (2007), as Mr. Johnson (archive footage) (uncredited)
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Characters
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Characters
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus — Michael Palin's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Roles (archive footage)
- *Monty Python's Personal Best* (2006), series, Creator
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Characters
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Characters
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Characters
- *The Nutcracker and the Mouseking* (2004), as Drosselmeier (voice)
- *Ella Enchanted* (2004), as Narrator
- *Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure* (2003), as English Victim
- *Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles* (2003), as Melvin/Dirk McQuickly/Lady Beth Mouse-Peddler · Director, Writer, Producer
- *Hollywood Homicide* (2003), as Celebrity
- *The Scream Team* (2002), as Coffin Ed
- *Unplug the Minister in the Socket* (2001), Original Story
- *Brightness* (2001), as Mr. Bix
- *Disney's House of Mouse* (2001), series, as Pluto Angel (voice)
- *102 Dalmatians* (2000), as Waddlesworth (voice)
- *Buzz Lightyear of Star Command* (2000), series, as Guzelian (voice)
- *Dudley Do-Right* (1999), as Prospector
- *Hercules: Zero to Hero* (1999), as Parenthesis (voice) (archive sound)
- *South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut* (1999), as Dr. Vosknocker (voice) — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/south-park-bigger-longer-and-uncut.md)
- *The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue* (1999), as Evil Martin (voice)
- *Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie* (1998), as Slyly (voice)
- *Hercules* (1998), series, as Parenthesis (voice)
- *Quest for Camelot* (1998), as Devon (voice)
- *An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn* (1998), as Alan Smithee
- *Pirates 4-D* (1997), as Pierre · Screenplay
- *State of Fear* (1997), Actor
- *Bobcat Goldthwait Comedy Central "Pulp Comics"* (1996), as Man in Bed
- *The Wind in the Willows* (1996), as Rat
- *Suddenly Susan* (1996), series, as Ian Maxtone-Graham
- *MADtv* (1995), series, as Zookeeper
- *Pinky and the Brain* (1995), series, as Mom & Dad (voice)
- *Casper* (1995), as Dibs
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Chuck (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *Splitting Heirs* (1993), as Tommy Butterfly Rainbow Peace Patel · Executive Producer, Writer
- *Mom and Dad Save the World* (1992), as King Raff
- *Missing Pieces* (1992), as Wendel
- *One Foot in the Grave: The Man In The Long Black Coat* (1991), as Mervyn Whale
- *Too Much Sun* (1991), as Sonny
- *Nuns on the Run* (1990), as Brian Hope — Fi1m 54, [page](https://film.one/film/nuns-on-the-run.md)
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Declan Desmond (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python* (1989), Writer
- *How to Get Ahead in Advertising* (1989), as Male Love Bird (voice) (uncredited)
- *Around the World in 80 Days* (1989), series, as Jean Passepartout
- *Nearly Departed* (1989), series, as Grant Pritchard
- *The Adventures of Baron Munchausen* (1988), as Desmond / Berthold
- *The Mikado* (1987), as Ko-Ko
- *The Transformers: The Movie* (1986), as Wreck-Gar (voice)
- *National Lampoon's European Vacation* (1985), as The Bike Rider — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/national-lampoons-european-vacation.md)
- *The Pied Piper of Hamelin* (1985), as The Pied Piper / Robert Browning
- *Yellowbeard* (1983), as Commander Clement
- *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* (1983), as Various Roles · Screenplay — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/monty-pythons-the-meaning-of-life.md)
- *The Crimson Permanent Assurance* (1983), as Gunther (uncredited)
- *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, as Narrator (voice), The Pied Piper / Robert Browning · Director, Teleplay
- *The Tale of the Frog Prince* (1982), Narrator, Director, Writer
- *Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl* (1982), as Various Roles · Writer
- *Steve Martin's Best Show Ever* (1981), as Reporter · Director
- *Life of Brian* (1979), Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee, Screenplay — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/life-of-brian.md)
- *The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash* (1978), Dirk McQuickly/The Narrator/S.J. Krammerhead, Director, Writer
- *Yellow Submarine Sandwich* (1978), as Dirk McQuickly (dialogue voice)
- *Laverne & Shirley* (1976), series, as Derek DeWoods
- *Rutland Weekend Television* (1975), series, Various Characters, Writer, Creator
- *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975), as Dead Collector / Peasant 1 / Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir Launcelot / First Swamp Castle Guard / Concorde / Roger the Shrubber / Brother Maynard · Writer — Fi1m 87, [page](https://film.one/film/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail.md)
- *Monty Python In The Netherlands* (1973), as Pie Face 1
- *The Philosophers' Football Match* (1972), as Sokrates
- *Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus* (1972), series, as Various Characters
- *The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971* (1971), Writer
- *And Now for Something Completely Different* (1971), Prosecutor / Marriage Counselor / Arthur Nudge / Self-defence student #4 (interested in pointed sticks) / 'Hell's Grannies' analyst / Arthur Wilson / Arthur Wilson Two / Nightclub Emcee / Linkman / First General / Restaurant Manager / Lingerie Shop Owner / Accountant #1 (falling past the window) / F
- *Euroshow '71: May Day Special* (1971), as Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)
- *The Two Ronnies* (1971), series, Writer
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus* (1969), series, as Various · Writer — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/monty-pythons-flying-circus.md)
- *We Have Ways Of Making You Laugh* (1968), series, as Various
- *Do Not Adjust Your Set* (1967), series, Various Characters, Writer
- *At Last the 1948 Show* (1967), series, Actor
- *Alice in Wonderland* (1966), as Young Man (uncredited)
- *Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World* (1966), as Jazz Band Chauffeur (uncredited)
- *Monty Python: Live at Aspen*, series, Creator
- *No – That's Me Over Here!*, series, Creator
- *Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch*, Actor

## Gallery

- ![Eric Idle](https://film.one/media/person/60076/gallery-1f9bb67c9518.jpg) Eric Idle — Eduardo Unda-Sanzana, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Eric_Idle_2014.jpg/1280px-Eric_Idle_2014.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Publicity photo of all six members of Monty Python in Monastir, Tunisia, 1978 (left to right): John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Michael ](https://film.one/media/person/60076/gallery-3e9573d33a34.jpg) Publicity photo of all six members of Monty Python in Monastir, Tunisia, 1978 (left to right): John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Michael  — Distributed by Arista Records (Q664167), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/All_six_members_of_Monty_Python_in_1978.jpg/1280px-All_six_members_of_Monty_Python_in_1978.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/60076/gallery-a7b67299710d.jpg) Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (2012) — Nick Webb from London, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Always_Look_on_the_Bright_Side_of_Life_%287777905300%29.jpg/1280px-Always_Look_on_the_Bright_Side_of_Life_%287777905300%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![DSC_4927 (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/60076/gallery-93b6fc0d5b62.jpg) DSC_4927 (2012) — Nick Webb from London, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/DSC_4927_%287777894530%29.jpg/1280px-DSC_4927_%287777894530%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Eric Idle](https://film.one/media/person/60076/gallery-1b59ad33364a.jpg) Eric Idle — Image via TMDB
- ![DSC_4939 (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/60076/gallery-e5ce15d95f8b.jpg) DSC_4939 (2012) — Nick Webb from London, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/DSC_4939_%287777912190%29.jpg/1280px-DSC_4939_%287777912190%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![EIdleBarb221018-10 (2018)](https://film.one/media/person/60076/gallery-224a7afbf46a.jpg) EIdleBarb221018-10 (2018) — Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/EIdleBarb221018-10_%2845736886382%29.jpg/1280px-EIdleBarb221018-10_%2845736886382%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

## Awards

### Other awards — 1 won, 2 nominated

- Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical 2005: Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical (nominated), for *Spamalot*
- Tony Award for Best Original Score 2005: Tony Award for Best Original Score (nominated), for *Spamalot*
- European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award 2001: European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/eric-idle