Stars · Hollywood and beyond
Michael Palin
English actor, comedian, writer, and television presenter (born 1943)
Michael Palin biography
Michael Palin is an English actor, comedian, writer, and television presenter (born 1943), born on 5 May 1943 in Ranmoor.
Michael Palin's screen career began in 1966 with The Late Show.
Michael Palin has appeared in 25 films and 21 television or streaming titles.
The most recent films are The Magic Faraway Tree (2026), The Death of Stalin (2017), Absolutely Anything (2015).
Honours include Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Patron’s Medal and BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
- Born
- 5 May 1943 (age 83)
- Birthplace
- Ranmoor
- Work
- Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Diarist, Singer
- Film industries
- Hollywood and beyond
- Years active
- 1965 to present
- Awards
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Patron’s Medal
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- BAFTA Fellowship
- James Joyce Awards
- European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
Michael Palin filmography
25 films and 21 television or streaming titles, newest first.
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | The Magic Faraway Tree | Know-All | ||
| 2017 | The Death of Stalin | Vyacheslav Molotov | ||
| 2015 | Absolutely Anything | Kindly Alien | Voice only | |
| 2011 | Arthur Christmas | Ernie Clicker | Voice only | |
| 2010 | Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) | |||
| 2010 | Not the Messiah | Mrs Betty Palin/Pontius Pilate/Bevis | ||
| 2009 | Monty Python: Almost the Truth (Lawyers Cut) | English | ||
| 1997 | Fierce Creatures | Adrian 'Bugsy' Malone | ||
| 1995 | The Wind in the Willows | The Sun | ||
| 1991 | American Friends | Reverend Francis Ashby | Also writer | |
| 1988 | A Fish Called Wanda | Ken Pile | ||
| 1985 | Brazil | Jack Lint | ||
| 1984 | A Private Function | Gilbert Chilvers | ||
| 1983 | The Crimson Permanent Assurance | Workman | Short film | |
| 1983 | Monty Python's The Meaning of Life | English | ||
| 1982 | The Secret Policeman's Other Ball | English | ||
| 1982 | The Missionary | The Reverend Charles Fortescue | Also writer and producer | |
| 1982 | Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl | English | ||
| 1981 | Time Bandits | Vincent | Also writer | |
| 1979 | Monty Python's Life of Brian | Pontius Pilate/Various roles | Also writer | |
| 1978 | All You Need Is Cash | Eric Manchester/Lawyer | ||
| 1977 | Jabberwocky | Dennis Cooper | ||
| 1975 | Monty Python and the Holy Grail | Sir Galahad the Pure Leader of the Knights Who Say "Ni!" Various roles | Also writer | |
| 1971 | And Now for Something Completely Different | English | ||
| 1968 | How to Irritate People | English |
Television and streaming
| Year | Title | Role | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Small Prophets | Brian | ||
| 2025 | The Secret Life of Trees | Narrator | Three-part series | |
| 2020 | The Simpsons | Museum Curator (voice) | Episode: "I, Carumbus" | |
| 2019 | Worzel Gummidge | The Green Man | ||
| 2018 | Vanity Fair | William Makepeace Thackeray | ||
| 2016 | Michael Palin meets Jan Morris | |||
| 2015 | Clangers | Narrator | ||
| 2014 | Remember Me | Tom Parfitt | ||
| 2013 | The Wipers Times | General Mitford | TV movie | |
| 2008 | Around the World in 20 Years | |||
| 2007 | Robbie the Reindeer | Gariiiiiii/Gary (voice) | Episode: "Close Encounters of the Herd Kind" | |
| 1996 | The Willows in Winter | Rat (voice) | TV movie | |
| 1991 | G.B.H | Jim Nelson | ||
| 1989 | Around the World in 80 Days with Michael Palin | |||
| 1989 | Number 27 | TV movie, writer | ||
| 1987 | East of Ipswich | Writer | ||
| 1975 | Three Men in a Boat | Harris | TV movie | |
| 1970 | Communist Quiz sketch | |||
| 1967 | A Series of Bird's | Also writer | ||
| 1966 | The Late Show | Writer | ||
| 1966 | The Frost Report | Writer |