---
name: "Michael Palin"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/michael-palin"
fi1m_id: "michael-palin"
imdb_id: "nm0001589"
tmdb_id: 383
wikidata_id: "Q223985"
roles: ["Actor","Writer"]
born: "5 May 1943"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 18
average_fi1m_score: 77
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 16
updated: "2026-10-13T21:55:13.370188+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."
---

# Michael Palin

## Identity

Michael Palin

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/michael-palin
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** michael-palin
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001589
- **TMDB ID:** 383
- **Wikidata ID:** Q223985
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Palin, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q223985, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001589/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/383

Actor and writer. Born 5 May 1943 in Broomhill, Sheffield, England, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Writer
- **Born:** 5 May 1943, Broomhill, Sheffield, England, UK
- **Active:** 1969–present
- **Also known as:** مایکل پیلین
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 18: 16 acting, 1 writing, 1 other
- **Frequently works with:** [John Cleese](https://film.one/person/john-cleese.md), [Terry Gilliam](https://film.one/person/terry-gilliam.md), [Eric Idle](https://film.one/person/eric-idle.md), [Graham Chapman](https://film.one/person/graham-chapman.md), [Terry Jones](https://film.one/person/terry-jones.md), [John Goldstone](https://film.one/person/john-goldstone.md)
- **BAFTA Film Awards:** 2 BAFTAs (2 won · 1 nominated)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 77, as actor, over 16 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1960s 83 (1), 1970s 88 (2), 1980s 76 (5), 1990s 84 (2), 2010s 71 (5), 2020s 70 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 76 to 73 across 10 titles
- **Score spread:** 11 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 3 of 13 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 13, Drama 5, Adventure 3, Family 3, Fantasy 3, Science Fiction 3
- **Screen time:** 21 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $532m across 11 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Palin, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q223985, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001589/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/383

## 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)
- **Apple TV:** [*A Fish Called Wanda*](https://film.one/film/a-fish-called-wanda.md) (83), [*Time Bandits*](https://film.one/film/time-bandits.md) (80)
- **AMC+:** [*The Death of Stalin*](https://film.one/film/the-death-of-stalin.md) (83)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The Wipers Times*](https://film.one/film/the-wipers-times.md) (74)

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

## Fi1m on Michael Palin

> Michael Palin lets sadness show through a comic part without asking for a pause in the laughter. We value that restraint: in *Small Prophets*, he is touching without making a fuss about it.

In *Small Prophets* (2026), Michael Palin lets Brian Sleep be sad without making everyone stop for a serious moment. The humour carries on, and nothing in the performance suggests that we have failed to pay attention if we still laugh. We were moved by his willingness to let the sadness sit inside the comedy, rather than announcing a change of mood. It is a generous way to play a supporting part. In a series that can become a little too fond of its own eccentrics, that restraint matters.

The habit belongs to a performer whose work has often made room for the hapless man and the physical joke. *Monty Python’s Flying Circus* (1969) established him as both writer and performer, with Terry Jones a writing and performing partner. The feature films brought several roles apiece, including Sir Galahad in *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975) and Pontius Pilate in *Life of Brian* (1979). That history matters when we watch the quieter Palin. He has spent enough time in absurdist comedy to know that understatement is not the only option.

His work with director Terry Gilliam includes Jack Lint in *Brazil* (1985), while *A Fish Called Wanda* (1988), alongside John Cleese, gives us Ken Pile. The latter is a useful reference for the combination of comic vulnerability and warmth that still suits him. After the 1990s, substantial acting parts became less frequent as travel work took precedence. The later acting work needs to be judged on more than the pleasure of seeing a familiar face.

Mackenzie Crook’s writing and direction suit this quieter Palin, though *Small Prophets* sometimes becomes too comfortable with everyone’s peculiarities. Pearce Quigley and Lauren Patel supply much of its warmth, and Palin does not pull the series away from them to make a separate occasion of his performance. His restraint is useful precisely because such kindly material can become precious. We want a character’s sadness to count without being instructed to admire the sensitivity of the actor playing it. Watch this for Palin working at that modest scale, with the jokes left in.

## Biography

Michael Palin is an English actor, comedian, writer and television presenter. He was a member of the Monty Python comedy group and appeared in their films including *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975) and *Life of Brian* (1979).

His film roles include Jack Lint in *Brazil* (1985), Ken Pile in *A Fish Called Wanda* (1988), for which he received a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and Vyacheslav Molotov in *The Death of Stalin* (2017). He has also provided voice work for *The Simpsons* and *Arthur Christmas* (2011).

In 2026 he played Brian Sleep in the BBC series *Small Prophets*. Palin is also known for his travel documentaries and was appointed CBE in 2000.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, bbc.co.uk, themichaelpalin.com, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (18)

### Performed in (16) — the average rests on these

- *Small Prophets* (2026), Fi1m 84, as Brian Sleep — [page](https://film.one/tv/small-prophets.md)
- *The Magic Faraway Tree* (2026), Fi1m 64, as Know All — [page](https://film.one/film/the-magic-faraway-tree.md)
- *Worzel Gummidge* (2019), Fi1m 84, as The Green Man — [page](https://film.one/tv/worzel-gummidge.md)
- *The Death of Stalin* (2017), Fi1m 83, as Vyacheslav Molotov — [page](https://film.one/film/the-death-of-stalin.md)
- *Absolutely Anything* (2015), Fi1m 34, as Kindly Alien (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/absolutely-anything.md)
- *The Wipers Times* (2013), Fi1m 74, as General Mitford — [page](https://film.one/film/the-wipers-times.md)
- *Arthur Christmas* (2011), Fi1m 82, as Ernie Clicker (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/arthur-christmas.md)
- *G.B.H.* (1991), Fi1m 85, as Jim Nelson — [page](https://film.one/tv/g-b-h.md)
- *A Fish Called Wanda* (1988), Fi1m 83, as Ken Pile — [page](https://film.one/film/a-fish-called-wanda.md)
- *Brazil* (1985), Fi1m 83, as Jack Lint — [page](https://film.one/film/brazil.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)
- *The Missionary* (1982), Fi1m 57, as The Reverend Charles Fortescue — [page](https://film.one/film/the-missionary.md)
- *Time Bandits* (1981), Fi1m 80, as Vincent — [page](https://film.one/film/time-bandits.md)
- *Life of Brian* (1979), Fi1m 88, as Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus — [page](https://film.one/film/life-of-brian.md)
- *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975), Fi1m 87, as First Swallow-Savvy Guard / Dennis / Peasant 2 / Right Head / Sir Galahad the Pure / Narrator / King of Swamp Castle / Brother Maynard's Brother / Leader of The Knights Who Say NI! — [page](https://film.one/film/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail.md)
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus* (1969), Fi1m 83, as Various / "It's" man — [page](https://film.one/tv/monty-pythons-flying-circus.md)

### Wrote (1)

- *Time Bandits* (2024), Fi1m 62, Characters — [page](https://film.one/tv/time-bandits-2024.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *The Witches* (1990), Fi1m 82, as Witch at Meeting (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-witches.md)

## Complete filmography (125)

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

- *Michael Palin in the Philippines* (2026), series, Actor
- *Secrets of the Bayeux Tapestry: Inside the Museum* (2026), as Narrator
- *The Magic Faraway Tree* (2026), as Know All — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/the-magic-faraway-tree.md)
- *Small Prophets* (2026), series, as Brian Sleep — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/small-prophets.md)
- *Joke* (2026), Actor
- *Time Bandits* (2024), series, Characters — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/tv/time-bandits-2024.md)
- *Jeepers Creepers* (2020), as Newscaster (voice)
- *Sir David Attenborough and Sir Michael Palin in Conversation* (2020), Thanks
- *Staged* (2020), series, as Michael
- *Worzel Gummidge* (2019), series, as The Green Man — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/worzel-gummidge.md)
- *Vanity Fair* (2018), series, as William Makepeace Thackeray
- *Michael Palin: A Life on Screen* (2018), Actor
- *The Death of Stalin* (2017), as Vyacheslav Molotov — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/the-death-of-stalin.md)
- *Generation '66* (2016), Actor
- *Clangers* (2015), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Absolutely Anything* (2015), as Kindly Alien (voice) — Fi1m 34, [page](https://film.one/film/absolutely-anything.md)
- *Remember Me* (2014), series, as Tom Parfitt
- *Monty Python Live (Mostly)* (2014), Writer
- *The New Incomplete And Utter History Of Everything* (2014), Actor
- *Michael Palin In Wyeth's World* (2013), Writer
- *The Wipers Times* (2013), as General Mitford — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/the-wipers-times.md)
- *A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman* (2012), as Various (voice)
- *Brazil with Michael Palin* (2012), series, Writer
- *Python Legs!* (2012), Writer
- *Arthur Christmas* (2011), as Ernie Clicker (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/arthur-christmas.md)
- *ZULU Comedy Galla* (2010), series, as Michael Palin
- *Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall* (2010), Actor
- *Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)* (2010), as Mrs. Betty Palin / Julius Caesar / Bevis
- *Around the World in 20 Years* (2008), Writer
- *Timewatch: The Last Day of World War One‎* (2008), as Presenter
- *Life Of Brian Screenplay* (2008), as Wise Man #3, Mr. Big Nose, Francis, Mrs. A, Ex-Leper · Screenplay
- *Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind* (2007), as Gariiiiiii (voice)
- *Michael Palin's New Europe* (2007), series, Writer
- *Hitler: The Comedy Years* (2007), as Heinrich Himmler (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 Fish-Slapping Guide / Various Roles (archive footage) · Writer
- *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
- *Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi* (2005), as Host
- *Himalaya with Michael Palin* (2004), series, Writer
- *Sahara with Michael Palin* (2002), series, Writer
- *Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure* (1999), series, Actor
- *Monty Python: Pythonland* (1999), Actor
- *Palin on Redpath* (1997), Writer
- *Full Circle with Michael Palin* (1997), series, Writer
- *Fierce Creatures* (1997), as Adrian "Bugsy" Malone
- *The Willows in Winter* (1996), as Rat
- *The Wind in the Willows* (1996), as The Sun
- *TFI Friday* (1996), series, Actor
- *The Wind in the Willows* (1995), as Rat (voice)
- *Tracey Ullman: A Class Act* (1993), as Various
- *Pole to Pole* (1992), series, Writer
- *Rabbit Ears - Jack and the Beanstalk* (1991), as Narrator (voice)
- *G.B.H.* (1991), series, as Jim Nelson — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/tv/g-b-h.md)
- *American Friends* (1991), as Rev. Francis Ashby · Writer
- *The Witches* (1990), as Witch at Meeting (uncredited) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/the-witches.md)
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Springfield History Museum curator (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python* (1989), Writer
- *Michael Palin: The Art of Travel* (1989), series, Actor
- *Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days* (1989), series, Writer
- *Number 27* (1988), Writer
- *A Fish Called Wanda* (1988), as Ken Pile — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/a-fish-called-wanda.md)
- *Consuming Passions* (1988), Theatre Play
- *Daytime Live* (1987), series, Actor
- *East of Ipswich* (1987), Writer
- *Omnibus Presents Comic Relief* (1986), series, Actor
- *Brazil* (1985), as Jack Lint — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/brazil.md)
- *Screen Two* (1985), series, Writer
- *Friday People* (1985), series, Actor
- *A Private Function* (1984), as Gilbert Chilvers
- *The Dress* (1984), as Howard
- *Comic Roots: Michael Palin* (1983), Writer
- *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 Workman
- *The Missionary* (1982), as The Reverend Charles Fortescue · Writer, Producer — Fi1m 57, [page](https://film.one/film/the-missionary.md)
- *Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl* (1982), as Various Roles · Writer
- *Time Bandits* (1981), as Vincent · Writer — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/time-bandits.md)
- *The Box* (1981), as (voice) · Screenplay
- *Great Railway Journeys* (1980), series, Writer
- *The Secret Policeman's Ball* (1979), as Various Roles
- *Roger of the Raj* (1979), as Roger · Writer
- *Golden Gordon* (1979), as Gordon Ottershaw · Writer
- *Whinfrey's Last Case* (1979), as Gerald Whinfrey · Writer
- *Life of Brian* (1979), as Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus · Screenplay — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/life-of-brian.md)
- *The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash* (1978), as Eric Manchester
- *Michael Palin’s Super 8mm - “Life of Brian”* (1978), as Commentator / Self · Director
- *The Curse of the Claw* (1977), as Kevin Orr / Uncle Jack · Writer
- *Across the Andes by Frog* (1977), as Captain Walter Snetterton · Writer
- *Murder at Moorstones Manor* (1977), as Charles Chiddingford · Writer
- *Escape from Stalag Luft 112B* (1977), as Major Errol Phipps · Writer
- *The Testing of Eric Olthwaite* (1977), Eric Olthwaite / Bank Manager, Writer
- *The Broken Bottle* (1977), Actor
- *Jabberwocky* (1977), as Dennis Cooper
- *Ripping Yarns* (1976), series, as Gerald Whinfrey, Kevin Orr / Uncle Jack, Roger · Writer, Creator
- *Tomkinson's Schooldays* (1976), as Tomkinson / Headmaster / TV Introducer / Mr Craffitt · Writer
- *Three Men in a Boat* (1975), as Harris
- *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975), First Swallow-Savvy Guard / Dennis / Peasant 2 / Right Head / Sir Galahad the Pure / Narrator / King of Swamp Castle / Brother Maynard's Brother / Leader of The Knights Who Say NI!, Writer — Fi1m 87, [page](https://film.one/film/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail.md)
- *Henry Cleans Up* (1974), as Henry · Writer
- *Secrets* (1973), Writer
- *Black and Blue* (1973), series, Writer
- *Is This a Record?* (1973), as Various, Additional Writing
- *Monty Python In The Netherlands* (1973), as Pie Face 3
- *Full House* (1972), series, as Various
- *Pebble Mill at One* (1972), series, Actor
- *The Philosophers' Football Match* (1972), as Nietzsche
- *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), Gumby / Man with tape recorder / Phrasebook Author / Arthur Pewtey / Second self - defence student / Second Tenant / Lost His Wallet / Shrill Petrol Announcer / Milkman / Ernest Scribbler / Pet shop employee / Lumberjack / Headwaiter Gilberto / Herbert Anchovy / Blackmail Presenter / Gervais Brookha
- *Euroshow '71: May Day Special* (1971), as Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)
- *The Two Ronnies* (1971), series, Writer
- *Monty Python: Who's There?* (1970), as Ken
- *Ending It All* (1970), Actor
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus* (1969), series, as Various / "It's" man · Writer — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/monty-pythons-flying-circus.md)
- *How to Irritate People* (1969), as Various
- *The Complete and Utter History of Britain* (1969), series, Writer, Creator
- *Do Not Adjust Your Set* (1967), series, Various Characters, Writer
- *Twice a Fortnight* (1967), series, Actor
- *A Series of Bird's* (1967), series, as Additional Writing
- *Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World* (1966), as Jazz Band Undertaker (uncredited)
- *Monty Python: Live at Aspen*, series, Creator
- *Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python*, Writer
- *Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch*, as salesman

## Gallery

- ![Crop of Michael Palin from photo taken at An evening with Michael Palin (2015)](https://film.one/media/person/22336/gallery-1ac1200b7853.jpg) Crop of Michael Palin from photo taken at An evening with Michael Palin (2015) — The National Churches Trust, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/An_evening_with_Michael_Palin.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Michael Palin performing the "Four Yorkshiremen" sketch during the Monty Python Live (Mostly) show.](https://film.one/media/person/22336/gallery-9c9951683c08.jpg) Michael Palin performing the "Four Yorkshiremen" sketch during the Monty Python Live (Mostly) show. — Eduardo Unda-Sanzana, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Four_Yorkshiremen_O2_Arena.jpg/1280px-Four_Yorkshiremen_O2_Arena.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Michael Palin and Munzer Fahmy (2009)](https://film.one/media/person/22336/gallery-ed2dc6f3f05b.jpg) Michael Palin and Munzer Fahmy (2009) — PalFest, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/MichaelPalinMunzerFahmy.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Michael Palin](https://film.one/media/person/22336/gallery-31b3e56fd5e8.jpg) Michael Palin — Image via TMDB
- ![Michael Palin](https://film.one/media/person/22336/gallery-7a4fb36c3d48.jpg) Michael Palin — Image via TMDB
- ![Michael Palin](https://film.one/media/person/22336/gallery-6bdf5c87f382.jpg) Michael Palin — Image via TMDB
- ![Michael Palin](https://film.one/media/person/22336/gallery-efc3dca111d8.jpg) Michael Palin — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### BAFTA Film Awards — 2 won, 1 nominated

- 2013: BAFTA Fellowship (won)
- 1989: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (won), for *A Fish Called Wanda*
- 1984: Best Original Song (nominated), for *Every Sperm Is Sacred*

### BAFTA Television Awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- 1992: Best Actor (nominated), for *G.B.H.*

### Other awards — 4 won

- Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature 2020: Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (won)
- Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George 2019: Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (won)
- Patron’s Medal 2013: Patron’s Medal (won)
- 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/michael-palin