Eric Idle

Eric Idle Profile Photo

Characters played by Eric Idle

Merlin — Shrek the Third (2007)

A senile but powerful wizard who helps Shrek and Artie on their quest.

The Pied Piper / Robert Browning — Faerie Tale Theatre (1982)

Portrays the titular character in the episode adapted from the poem about the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Wreck-Gar — The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

Leader of the native inhabitants of the Planet of Junk who initially attacks the Autobots, is befriended by Hot Rod, helps rebuild the fallen Autobot leader, and joins the fight.

Dibs — Casper (1995)

Carrigan's greedy lawyer who aids her quest for the Lazarus machine.

Dead Collector / Peasant 1 / Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir Launcelot / First Swamp Castle Guard / Concorde / Roger the Shrubber / Brother Maynard — Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Cowardly knight and eccentric companion providing comic relief

Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee — Life of Brian (1979)

Bureaucratic and religious figure navigating Roman law and satire

Devon — Quest for Camelot (1998)

Devon is one half of a quarrelsome two-headed dragon encountered by Kayley and Garrett in the Forbidden Forest. He and Cornwall initially cannot fly or breathe fire because they argue, but cooperation lets them rescue allies and help defeat Ruber.

Desmond / Berthold — The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)

Baron's associate, described as the world's fastest runner. Found by the Baron on the Moon during his balloon expedition.

The Bike Rider — National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)

Cyclist involved in European traffic chaos.

Brian Hope — Nuns on the Run (1990)

London gangster who wants to leave crime behind. Falls in love with Faith, betrays his crew during a Triad robbery, and disguises as Sister Inviolata to hide in a convent. Ultimately risks his freedom to reunite with Faith and escapes to Brazil.

Alan Smithee — An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn (1998)

Alan Smithee is an acclaimed English editor hired to direct the blockbuster film Trio. He becomes deeply invested in the project but withdraws after interference from James Edmunds and the stars. He steals and burns the master, then becomes a public hero before planning a new film.

Parenthesis (voice) (archive sound) — Hercules: Zero to Hero (1999)

Archival voice of a minor mythological figure or narrator.

Career Overview

Eric Idle has 177 screen credits in a career dating back to 1966. Their work spans 11 cinematic universes — most prominently Monty Python Series with 3 titles. Signature works include Monty Python's Flying Circus, Shrek the Third, 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
177
Birth Date
1943-03-29
Birth Place
South Shields, County Durham, England, UK

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 11 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q210741), public domain (CC0).