Eric Idle

Biography

Eric Idle (born March 29, 1943) is an English comedian, actor, author, singer, writer, and comedic composer who wrote and performed as a member of the popular British comedy group Monty Python.

Career Overview

Eric Idle has 173 screen credits in a career dating back to 1966. Their work spans 10 cinematic universes — most prominently Monty Python Series with 3 titles. Signature works include Shrek the Third, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Casper. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For: Acting
Gender: male
Known Credits: 173
Birth Date: 1943-03-29 00:00:00
Birth Place: South Shields, County Durham, England, UK

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 10 universes

Monty Python Series (3 titles)
The Rutles Collection (2 titles)
Shrek (1 titles)
101 Dalmatians (Live-Action) Collection (1 titles)
Hercules (Disney) Collection (1 titles)
The Secret of NIMH Collection (1 titles)
Casper Films (1 titles)
National Lampoon Vacation (1 titles)

Frequent Collaborators

Terry Gilliam (4 collaborations)
John Cleese (3 collaborations)
Graham Chapman (3 collaborations)
Terry Jones (3 collaborations)
Michael Palin (3 collaborations)
Carol Cleveland (2 collaborations)
Neil Innes (2 collaborations)
John Young (2 collaborations)
Charles Knode (2 collaborations)
Charles McKeown (2 collaborations)

Credits

actors (142 credits)
- The Philosophers' Football Match
  Sokrates
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2026
- Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2026
- Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated
  Self (archive footage)(uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2021
- A Virtual Princess Bride Reunion
  The Impressive Clergyman
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2020
- Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2019
- An Accidental Studio
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2019
- The Masked Singer
  
  - Epic Finale, Pt 1 (2022) ... Hedgehog (archive footage) actor actors
  
  - A Royal Season Premiere (2022) ... Hedgehog actor actors
  
  2019
- The Admiral: Pub, Drums and Food
  Dirk McQuickley (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2018
- Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2018
- The Rolling Stones: From the Vault - Sticky Fingers Live at the Fonda Theatre 2015
  Self - Audience Member
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2017
- Terry Pratchett: Back in Black
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2017
- The Entire Universe
  Self - Presenter
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2016
- Absolutely Anything
  Salubrious Gat (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2015
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
  
  - Jake Tapper, Eric Idle, Lauv, Julia Michaels (2018) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  2015
- Monty Python: The Meaning of Live
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2014
- Monty Python Live (Mostly)
  Self, others
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2014
- Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2014
- 50 Years of BBC Two Comedy
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2014
- The Comedy Vaults: BBC2's Hidden Treasure
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2014
- The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles
  Self / Nigel Spasm
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2014
- Late Night with Seth Meyers
  
  - Riley Keough, Eric Idle (2024) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  2014
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
  
  - Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Eric Idle, Rick Ross & Meek Mill (2023) ... Self actor actors
  
  2014
- The Meaning of Monty Python
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2013
- What About Dick?
  The Piano
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2012
- Mr. Blue Sky: The Story of Jeff Lynne & ELO
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2012
- London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony: A Symphony of British Music
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2012
- The Secret Policeman's Ball
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2012
- George Harrison: Living in the Material World
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  - Part 2 (2011) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Part 1 (2011) ... Self actor actors
  
  2011
- Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2010
- Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)
  Baritonish / Stan / Loretta / Bob Dylan / Ben
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2010
- Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2010
- Conan
  
  - John Cleese, Eric Idle, Issa Rae, Full Spectrum (2016) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  2010
- Delgo
  Spig (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2008
- We Are Most Amused
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2008
- Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2008
- The Seventh Python
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2008
- The Madness and Misadventures of Munchausen
  Self - 'Berthold'
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2008
- Life Of Brian Screenplay
  Mr. Cheeky, Stan aka Loretta, Harry the Haggler
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2008
- Monty Python Conquers America
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2008
- Shrek the Third
  Merlin (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2007
- Hitler: The Comedy Years
  Mr. Johnson (archive footage) (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2007
- What the Pythons Did Next...
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2007
- The Secret Life of Brian
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2007
- The Graham Norton Show
  
  - Jamie Lee Curtis, Lydia West, David Tennant, Eric Idle and Robbie Williams (2022) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Episode 89 (2010) ... Self actor actors
  
  2007
- Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best
  Various Characters
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2006
- Monty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Best
  Various Characters
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2006
- Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best
  Various Characters
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2006
- Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Jones' Personal Best
  Various Characters
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2006
- Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
  Various Characters
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2006
- Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best
  Various Characters
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2006
- Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
  Various Characters
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2006
- The One Show
  
  - July 12, 2010 (2010) ... Self actor actors
  
  2006
- The Roots of Monty Python
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2005
- Earth to America
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2005
- The Aristocrats
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2005
- Live from New York: The First 5 Years of Saturday Night Live
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2005
- The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
  
  - Eric Idle / David Tennant / Parmalee (2014) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Eric Idle / Sarah Paulson (2012) ... Self actor actors
  
  - Eric Idle / Dr. Lisa Masterson (2009) ... Self actor actors
  
  2005
- The Nutcracker and the Mouseking
  Drosselmeier (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2004
- Ella Enchanted
  Narrator
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2004
- The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2004
- The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2004
- The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3
  Self (archive footage)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2004
- The Soup
  
  - December 18, 2015 (2015) ... Self actor actors
  
  2004
- The Tony Danza Show
  
  - Episode 118 (2005) ... Self actor actors
  
  2004
- Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure
  English Victim
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2003
- David Bowie - Sound and Vision
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2003
- The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life'
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2003
- Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles
  Melvin/Dirk McQuickly/Lady Beth Mouse-Peddler
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2003
- Hollywood Homicide
  Celebrity
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2003
- Real Time with Bill Maher
  
  - Episode 484 (2019) ... Self actor actors
  
  - November 16, 2012 (2012) ... Self actor actors
  
  - February 28, 2003 (2003) ... Self actor actors
  
  2003
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show
  
  - Brittany Murphy, Eric Idle (2005) ... Self actor actors
  
  2003
- The Scream Team
  Coffin Ed
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2002
- Peter Cook: At a Slight Angle to the Universe
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2002
- Brightness
  Mr. Bix
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2001
- Disney's House of Mouse
  
  - Pluto vs. Figaro (2003) ... Pluto Angel (voice) actor actors
  
  - Pluto Saves the Day (2001) ... Pluto Angel (voice) actor actors
  
  2001
- I Don't Believe It!: The One Foot in the Grave Story
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- The Beatles Revolution
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- The Life of Python
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- 102 Dalmatians
  Waddlesworth (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  2000
- Buzz Lightyear of Star Command
  
  - War and Peace and War (2000) ... Guzelian (voice) actor actors
  
  2000
- Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- The Monty Python Story
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- Dudley Do-Right
  Prospector
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- Hercules: Zero to Hero
  Parenthesis (voice) (archive sound)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
  Dr. Vosknocker (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue
  Evil Martin (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1999
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie
  Slyly (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Quest for Camelot
  Devon (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Monty Python: Live at Aspen
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn
  Alan Smithee
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1998
- Hercules
  
  - Hercules and the Drama Festival (1998) ... Parenthesis (voice) actor actors
  
  - Hercules and the Prometheus Affair (1998) ... Parenthesis (voice) actor actors
  
  - Hercules and the Parent's Weekend (1998) ... Parenthesis (voice) actor actors
  
  - Hercules and the Hostage Crisis (1998) ... Parenthesis (voice) actor actors
  
  - Hercules and the Comedy of Arrows (1998) ... Parenthesis (voice) actor actors
  
  1998
- State of Fear
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1997
- Bobcat Goldthwait Comedy Central "Pulp Comics"
  Man in Bed
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- The Wind in the Willows
  Rat
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1996
- The Daily Show
  
  - October 10, 2024 - Eric Idle (2024) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  - Eric Idle (2005) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  - Eric Idle (2003) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  - Eric Idle (2000) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  1996
- Casper
  Dibs
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1995
- Pinky and the Brain
  
  - The Family That Poits Together, Narfs Together (1998) ... Mom & Dad (voice) actor actors
  
  1995
- Splitting Heirs
  Tommy Butterfly Rainbow Peace Patel
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1993
- Late Show with David Letterman
  
  - Tom Brokaw, Eric Idle (2000) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  1993
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien
  
  - Jon Stewart, Eric Idle, Fran Lebowitz (2000) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  - Isabella Rossellini, Eric Idle, Tom Shillue (1999) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  - Eric Idle, Peter Gallagher, Los Lobos (1996) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  1993
- Frasier
  
  - High Crane Drifter (1996) ... Chuck (voice) actor actors
  
  1993
- Mom and Dad Save the World
  King Raff
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1992
- Missing Pieces
  Wendel
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1992
- One Foot in the Grave: The Man In The Long Black Coat
  Mervyn Whale
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1991
- Too Much Sun
  Sonny
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1991
- Life of Python
  Self / Various Roles
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- Nuns on the Run
  Brian Hope
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1990
- Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
  Self / Various Characters
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1989
- How to Get Ahead in Advertising
  Male Love Bird (voice) (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1989
- The Movie Life of George
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1989
- The Simpsons
  
  - The Spy Who Learned Me (2012) ... Declan Desmond (voice) actor actors
  
  - Springfield Up (2007) ... Declan Desmond (voice) actor actors
  
  - Fat Man and Little Boy (2004) ... Declan Desmond (voice) actor actors
  
  - 'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky (2003) ... Declan Desmond (voice) actor actors
  
  1989
- The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
  Desmond / Berthold
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1988
- The English National Opera Rehearse The Mikado
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1987
- The Mikado
  Ko-Ko
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1987
- The Transformers: The Movie
  Wreck-Gar (voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1986
- National Lampoon's European Vacation
  The Bike Rider
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1985
- The Pied Piper of Hamelin
  The Pied Piper / Robert Browning
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1985
- Yellowbeard
  Commander Clement
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1983
- Group Madness
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1983
- Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
  Various Roles
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1983
- The Crimson Permanent Assurance
  Gunther (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1983
- The Tale of the Frog Prince
  Narrator
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1982
- Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
  Various Roles
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1982
- Late Night with David Letterman
  
  - Show #1782 (1993) ... Self - Guest actor actors
  
  1982
- Faerie Tale Theatre
  
  - The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1985) ... The Pied Piper / Robert Browning actor actors
  
  - The Tale of the Frog Prince (1982) ... Narrator (voice) actor actors
  
  1982
- Steve Martin's Best Show Ever
  Reporter
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1981
- Life of Brian
  Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1979
- The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1979
- The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
  Dirk McQuickly/The Narrator/S.J. Krammerhead
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1978
- Yellow Submarine Sandwich
  Dirk McQuickly (dialogue voice)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1978
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail
  Dead Collector / Peasant 1 / Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir Launcelot / First Swamp Castle Guard / Concorde / Roger the Shrubber / Brother Maynard
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1975
- Saturday Night Live
  
  - Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, & Martin Short/Randy Newman (1986) ... Terry Halsey (uncredited) actor actors
  
  - Eric Idle/Bob Dylan (1979) ... Self - Host actor actors
  
  - Eric Idle/Kate Bush (1978) ... Self - Host actor actors
  
  - Eric Idle/Neil Innes (1977) ... Self - Host actor actors
  
  - Paul Simon/Paul Simon, George Harrison (1976) ... Self (uncredited) actor actors
  
  1975
- Les Rendez-vous du dimanche
  
  - Episode 13 (1980) ... Self actor actors
  
  1975
- Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report
  Self
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1974
- Monty Python In The Netherlands
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1973
- The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1971
- And Now for Something Completely Different
  Prosecutor / Marriage Counselor / Arthur Nudge / Self-defence student #4 (interested in pointed sticks) / 'Hell's Grannies' analyst / Arthur Wilson / Arthur Wilson Two / Nightclub Emcee / Lin
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1971
- Euroshow '71: May Day Special
  Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1971
- Monty Python's Flying Circus
  Various
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  - Party Political Broadcast (1974) ... Various actor actors
  
  - Mr. Neutron (1974) ... Various actor actors
  
  - Hamlet (1974) ... Various actor actors
  
  - The Light Entertainment War (1974) ... Various actor actors
  
  - Michael Ellis (1974) ... Various actor actors
  
  1969
- Alice in Wonderland
  Young Man (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1966
- Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World
  Jazz Band Chauffeur (uncredited)
  
  actor
  
  actors
  
  1966
writing (20 credits)
- The Entire Universe
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  2016
- Put the Minister in the Socket
  
  original story
  
  writing
  
  2015
- Monty Python Live (Mostly)
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  2014
- What About Dick?
  
  musical
  
  writing
  
  2012
- Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  2010
- Life Of Brian Screenplay
  
  screenplay
  
  writing
  
  2008
- Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  2003
- Unplug the Minister in the Socket
  
  original story
  
  writing
  
  2001
- Splitting Heirs
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  1993
- Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  1989
- Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
  
  screenplay
  
  writing
  
  1983
- The Tale of the Frog Prince
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  1982
- Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  1982
- Faerie Tale Theatre
  
  - The Tale of the Frog Prince (1982) ... teleplay writing
  
  1982
- Life of Brian
  
  screenplay
  
  writing
  
  1979
- The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  1978
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  1975
- The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
  
  writer
  
  writing
  
  1971
- And Now for Something Completely Different
  
  screenplay
  
  writing
  
  1971
- Monty Python's Flying Circus
  
  - Party Political Broadcast (1974) ... writer writing
  
  - Mr. Neutron (1974) ... writer writing
  
  - Hamlet (1974) ... writer writing
  
  - The Light Entertainment War (1974) ... writer writing
  
  - Michael Ellis (1974) ... writer writing
  
  1969
sound (1 credits)
- The Boxtrolls
  
  songs
  
  sound
  
  2014
directing (8 credits)
- Monty Python Live (Mostly)
  
  director
  
  directing
  
  2014
- What About Dick?
  
  director
  
  directing
  
  2012
- Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles
  
  director
  
  directing
  
  2003
- The Tale of the Frog Prince
  
  director
  
  directing
  
  1982
- Faerie Tale Theatre
  
  - The Tale of the Frog Prince (1982) ... director directing
  
  1982
- Steve Martin's Best Show Ever
  
  director
  
  directing
  
  1981
- The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
  
  director
  
  directing
  
  1978
- Saturday Night Live
  
  - Paul Simon/Paul Simon, George Harrison (1976) ... director directing
  
  - Eric Idle/Joe Cocker and Stuff (1976) ... director directing
  
  1975
production (2 credits)
- Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles
  
  producer
  
  production
  
  2003
- Splitting Heirs
  
  executive producer
  
  production
  
  1993