Palin, Michael Edward (1943- )

English actor and writer. First acclaimed as a member of the satirical television series Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-74), he achieved solo success in a variety of television ventures, including the comedy series Ripping Yarns (1976-80) and the travel series Around the World in 80 Days (1989), Pole to Pole (1992), Hemingway Adventure (1999), Sahara (2002), and Himalaya (2004). He also appeared in films such as A Private Function (1984) and A Fish Called Wanda (1988).

As a member of the Python team, he appeared in the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) and Monty Python's Life of Brian (1977-79). Other film appearances include American Friends (1991) and Fierce Creatures (1996), and a rare dramatic role in the television series G.B.H. (1991). He has also written a number of children's novels, including Small Harry and the Toothache Pills (1981) and The Cyril Stories (1986).

Palin was born in Sheffield and educated at Oxford. He began his career as a television scriptwriter, contributing to shows such as The Frost Report (1966-67), Do Not Adjust Your Set (1967-69), and Marty (1968-69). He published a memoir, Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years, in 2006.