Eric Idle Has A 'Poor' Relationship With Fellow Monty Python Member John Cleese

By Andrew Sanford | Celebrity | September 10, 2024 |

By Andrew Sanford | Celebrity | September 10, 2024 |

Keeping friends can be difficult. First, like any relationship, both people must be committed to making things work. Then, there’s life. Life happens all the f***ing time. One minute, you think everything is fine. Next, you have to move for a new job because you got fired from your old one, and also your dog died and/or is house training. There’s stuff and it can get in the way constantly. The best friendships hold strong during delays, hardships, or vet visits, while others sour over time.

There is no rhyme or reason why some friendships work out, and some don’t. The reasons vary. Sometimes, it’s good to go back and look at why a friendship started. Sometimes, you have work friends. They’re nice people who help make an intolerable place more tolerable. There are college friends; folks you meet during a formative time. Some people become friends because they went into business together! Forging friendships over business or other intense circumstances can be the hardest.

When you’re thrown into an acute situation, finding other people to hang on to can work as well as a life raft out at sea. The bonds are concentrated because they have to be made quickly and vigorously. Unfortunately, these can be the hardest to maintain. Yes, you get to know these people well and quickly, but you may come to find that you don’t know them at all. Then, the years go by, and differences you weren’t aware of force you further apart. Things deteriorate quicker if you are no longer in the situation during which you met. Add several years without seeing each other face to face and you find yourself in a similar position to Eric Idle.

Idle and five other gentlemen created the comedy Troupe known as Monty Python. Ever heard of ‘em?? If you haven’t, I will once again direct you to Jen’s write-up of the Minecraft trailer. Everyone else knows that the group has been an influence on several generations of comedians. There is a good chance they are your favorite comedian’s favorite comedians. Their work spanned decades, touched millions, and now the remaining members are barely speaking to each other.

During a recent sitdown with the New Yorker, Idle revealed that the group’s finances have been mishandled by the daughter of fellow founding member Terry Gilliam. “I don’t think it’s appropriate that somebody’s daughter is managing the company,” Idle explained. “You can’t be neutral in a situation where your dad is on the board. I think it’s not right, and it leads to dangerous feelings and difficulties.” He had made social media posts in February, claiming financial hardship. When asked about that, he doubled down, explaining that he has to keep touring despite being in his 80s. “Would I like to sit around reading a book? Of course, I would. Sometimes you can’t get what you want.”

Regarding fellow remaining members (two have passed), Idle made it clear that he and John Cleese’s relationship is “poor.” He said things “started to go a bit south during lockdown, and I got worried. I haven’t seen him for eight years. I think when you lose touch with people face to face, all sorts of things can happen. It’s a pity.” If you haven’t kept up with John Cleese, you wouldn’t know that he is one of many comedians without new ideas who rail against wokeness. Idle does not take the same approach.

Friends come and go, even when you’ve made (fun of) history together. People change. What may have once felt like an everlasting bond can dissolve into a distant memory. Sometimes, that’s for the best. Regardless, the more you think about it, the more it f***ing hurts.