Terry Jones
While inevitably being known as an original member of Monty Python first and foremost, Terry Jones's polymath credentials have always expanded beyond a single defintion. Actor, director, screenwriter, activist, historian and poet, Jones's output is as likely to be informed by the Crusades as a custard pie, as angry about war as about ratings, and as passionate about Chaucer's knights as the Holy Grail. This summer will see the release of Absolutely Anything; his first directorial effort in almost twenty years, with Pythons, Simon Pegg and Robin Williams along for the ride, reminding us that Jones remains a true renaisssance man.
What was your biggest career break?
Well there wasn't one. We were working on Do Not Adjust Your Set with Eric Idle, and Frost Reports, and then came the Pythons...
Have you had a notable mentor – and if so what was it about them that was so inspiring?
Mr Don Martin. He used to read out to the class all my essays.
What one piece of advice would you give to the 20-year-old you?
I'd advise them to take delight in everything you do.
Who do you admire and why?
Not the politicians. I admire Roald Dahl: he is such a great story-teller.
What does the future of your industry look like?
It looks very rosy.
If you weren't in the role you are in today, what would you have been?
I can't imagine being in any other profession.
What is your biggest extravagance?
The mortgage.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party and why?
I'd invite: Hilmar Hilmarsson he's such good fun. And he loves me.
Sanjeev Bhaskar. He's fun too!
And Sara Sugarman (she's a film director).
What do you do to relax away from work?
I don't. I sleep.
If you could change one thing about Britain today, what would it be?
I'd change the way people's minds work.
What would your last meal be?
Duck rillettes, lamb and potato pie, and Tiramisu.
