Welsh comedian and actor Terry Jones, best known for being a member of absurdist comedy troupe Monty Python, died late Tuesday after a battle with dementia, his family announced.
He was 77.
"Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in north London," his family said in a statement to the BBC. "We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humor has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades."
Jones, who met future costar Michael Palin at Oxford University, created the Monty Python troupe while he, Palin, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Graham Chapman were working on the satirical TV show "The Frost Report" together before launching their own show, "Monty Python's Flying Circus," which ran from 1969 to 1974.
Over the years, the group put out some of Britain's most memorable comedies, including "The Holy Grail," on which Jones served as co-director with Terry Gilliam, "The Meaning of Life" and "Life of Brian."
"It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away," Cleese tweeted Wednesday morning. "Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of 'Life of Brian.' Perfection."
Jones also directed away from Monty Python and wrote 20 fictional children's books, as well as the script for Jim Henson's "Labyrinth," starring David Bowie.
"His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programs, poems and other work will live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath," his family said.
In 2014, Monty Python reunited in London for what was supposed to be a one night "Monty Python Live (Mostly)" before the show was extended for nine more dates.
Two years later, Jones was honored with a 2016 BAFTA award for outstanding contribution to television and film, barely a month after announcing his dementia diagnosis.
"It's a great honor for Dad," his son, Bill, said while accepting the award on his father's behalf. "We're so proud of him ... with the struggles we're having at the moment, it's been hard."
Palin celebrated his longtime collaborator at the ceremony as "relentlessly prolific while being a wonderful friend."
Jones is survived by his wife, Anna, and children, Bill, Sally and Siri.
"Farewell, Terry Jones," comedian and actor Stephen Fry tweeted. "The great foot has come down to stamp on you. My god what pleasure you gave, what untrammelled joy and delight. What a wonderful talent, heart and mind."
"36 years ago I met Terry Jones," English author Neil Gaiman tweeted. "I was meant to interview him. I asked for tea, so he opened a bottle of Chablis & got me drunk. He was funny, brilliant and honest. He was irrepressible and is seen here repressing the very young me. Rest in Peace, Terry. You were an inspiration."
Comedian Rufus Hound also paid tribute on Twitter, writing, "You may not have the kind of affection for The Pythons that comedy fans of my vintage have, but know that if you've ever enjoyed any flavor of surreal, silly anti-comedy, you owe them. And Terry Jones was the beating heart of it all. What a man."
