Michael Palin

Michael Palin Profile Photo

Characters played by Michael Palin

Know All — The Magic Faraway Tree (2026)

A minor character in the magical world; the available plot information does not provide further details.

First Swallow-Savvy Guard / Dennis / Peasant 2 / Right Head / Sir Galahad the Pure / Narrator / King of Swamp Castle / Brother Maynard's Brother / Leader of The Knights Who Say NI! — Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Pure knight and demanding noble figure with comedic entitlement

Witch at Meeting (uncredited) — The Witches (1990)

Witch at Meeting (uncredited) is one of the witches gathered at the Hotel Excelsior under the false identity of the RSPCC. The meeting is led by Miss Eva Ernst, who reveals the potion for transforming children into mice, but the summary gives this individual no separate action or characterization.

Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus — Life of Brian (1979)

Roman governor and bureaucratic figure in satirical trials

Ernie Clicker (voice) — Arthur Christmas (2011)

Voice of a North Pole elf involved in gift processing and delivery logistics.

Jack Lint — Brazil (1985)

Sam's former colleague who is reassigned to oversee Sam's torture after his arrest for treason. He represents the system's betrayal of personal relationships and is ultimately killed when the resistance storms the Ministry to rescue Sam.

Vyacheslav Molotov — The Death of Stalin (2017)

The Foreign Minister who leaves Stalin's gathering and is marked for a purge. Beria later removes him from the arrest list and releases his wife. Both Beria and Khrushchev actively vie for his political support during the post-Stalin power struggle.

Ken Pile — A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Ken Pile is Georges Thomason's stuttering right-hand man and an enthusiastic animal lover. He participates in the heist, is ordered to kill Mrs. Coady, and causes a series of accidental deaths involving her dogs before she dies of a heart attack. Otto tortures him over the diamonds, prompting Ken's final pursuit of Otto.

Adrian 'Bugsy' Malone — Fierce Creatures (1997)

A spider-handler and member of the zoo staff who opposes Rollo's harsh animal policy. He helps investigate the owner's plans, joins the effort to stop Vince, and accidentally shoots the owner while taking a pistol during the confrontation.

Rat — The Wind in the Willows (1995)

Mole's loyal river-dwelling friend who offers companionship, guidance, and emotional support.

Rat — The Willows in Winter (1996)

Charming water rat who loves boating and guides Mole to the riverbank lifestyle.

Gumby / Man with tape recorder / Phrasebook Author / Arthur Pewtey / Second self - defence student / Second Tenant / Lost His Wallet / Shrill Petrol Announcer / Milkman / Ernest Scribbler / Pet shop employee / Lumberjack / Headwaiter Gilberto / Herbert An — And Now for Something Completely Different (1971)

The lumberjack character in the film's recreated "The Lumberjack Song" sketch.

Career Overview

Michael Palin has 211 screen credits in a career dating back to 1966. Their work spans 7 cinematic universes — most prominently Monty Python Series with 3 titles. Signature works include Monty Python's Flying Circus, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Secrets of the Bayeux Tapestry: Inside the Museum. 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
211
Birth Date
1943-05-05
Birth Place
Broomhill, Sheffield, England, UK

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 7 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q223985), public domain (CC0).