Monty Python’s Terry Jones has dementia

The Welsh actor, writer and director released a statement saying he had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia.He’s one of the comedy geniuses behind the Monty Python comedy troupe, writing, acting and directing many of their most famous films and sketches, including, undoubtedly his most famous line, “He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy!”However, a statement released today has said that Terry Jones, 74, has been diagnosed with dementia.A representative for Jones said:‘Terry has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a variant of frontotemporal dementia.‘This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews. Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations.’The statement was released because Jones had been recognised by BAFTA Cymru with a lifetime achievement award. It’s hoped he will still be able to attend the event next Sunday, but he won’t be giving interviews or speaking.Hannah Raybould, Director of BAFTA Cymru, said:‘We are very much looking forward to celebrating the work of Terry Jones during the ceremony with a look back at his work from 1969 to the present day.’Jones and the other Pythons got together in 1969 and wrote and performed Monty Python’s Flying Circus until 1974.Jones co-directed Monty Python and the Holy Grail with Terry Gilliam and then directed Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.Jones was previously married to Alison Telfer for 42 years, and had two children. He is now married to Anna Soderstrom and has a daughter, Siri, who was born five years ago.Source: telegraph.co.uk