Michael Palin
Michael Palin
Michael Edward Palin CBE FRGS is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter. He was one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and later made a number of travel documentaries...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionComedian
Date of Birth5 May 1943
CityBroomhill, England
amazed enthusiasm
We were amazed at the enthusiasm of American audiences.
dimension given happened people python quite
The American dimension to Python happened quite late. People said they weren't interested, and we'd practically given up hope.
bright side
Always look on the bright side of life. (Monty Python)
arranging bad involved sketch
I was very bad at projecting my voice. I used to do this Gumby Flower Arranging sketch which involved shouting, and I could never do it right, and at one point my voice went completely.
british-comedian country cultures drama genuinely incidents life moments teaches
I think you learn a lot about a country from its art. To me, it's part of the drama of life. It teaches you that there are places, moments and incidents in other cultures that genuinely have a life of their own.
assume decent expected famous four people yacht
Fame changes everything. When you're well-known, you're expected to be different. Some people assume you must have a yacht and four homes. Or that you're famous because you are 'A Decent Man'.
numbers track lucky
I've been lucky to have made a number of travel programmes with the BBC, the object being to see places off the beaten track. As a result, I've often had a guide who's been able to show me things that you wouldn't see with a tour group.
iran islands exotic
I would love to go to Iran. The island of Madagascar, everyone says is pretty exotic, or the wonderful Namibian desert.
travel journey trouble
The trouble with travelling back later on is that you can never repeat the same experience.
land volunteer world
There are many ways of seeing the world. You can hang upside down from a meteor, volunteer to be the fourth stage of a three-stage rocket, or simply get in a balloon and keep going. But if it's sheer, unadulterated discomfort you're looking for, just stay on land.
retiring dies
I will die, but not retire.
travel bugs wander
Once the travel bug bites, there is no known antidote.
finding-yourself sometimes
I am certainly more interested in interviewing than being interviewed. Sometimes you find yourself attacked from the start.
rubber suits chickens
You can't get a suit of armour and a rubber chicken just like that. You have to plan ahead.