Eric Idle is not “loaded” from Monty Python royalties: “I have to work for my living”
The renowned Monty Python star Eric Idle recently revealed that he still has to work for a living at the age of 80. Despite his illustrious career, Idle explained that he can no longer depend on Monty Python royalties.
Best known as the musical member of the comedy troupe, Idle’s candid admission shed light on the financial realities of the entertainment industry. In a series of posts on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Idle shared that he was forced to sell his home last year.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster,” he said. “Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
Idle continued: “We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously.”
He continued, suggesting that historical management issues could be to blame for the lack of royalties. When asked if a new Netflix documentary could help alleviate the money woes, Idle wryly refused: “Fuck documentaries”.
“I don’t mind not being wealthy. I prefer being funny,” Idle added.
“I’m fine. I’m engaged and writing. It’s the thing I do and like the most. Creating a new show. Something that feels so completely normal. Been doing it since 1963. I have learned a lot. But then I had some great mentors.”
Previously, in September 2022, Idle disclosed that he had successfully overcome pancreatic cancer thanks to a rare early diagnosis.
Watch one of Eric Idle’s iconic moments below.
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