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.

Personal Facts

Known For

Acting

Gender

male

Known Credits

172

Birth Date

1943-03-29 00:00:00

Birth Place

South Shields, County Durham, England, UK

Known For

• 

  Monty Python's Flying Circus
• 

  Monty Python and the Holy Grail
• 

  Shrek the Third
• 

  Casper
• 

  The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
• 

  An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn

Credits

• actors (141 credits)

  • Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch

    actor

    actors
    2026
  • The Philosophers' Football Match

    Sokrates

    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
  • 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
    1998
  • 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