Eric Idle Cancels Tour Due to Health Concerns
The Monty Python star, who previously battled pancreatic cancer, has withdrawn from upcoming shows in Australia and New Zealand.
Monty Python star Eric Idle has canceled his upcoming "An Evening of Idle Conversation" tour in Australia and New Zealand due to ill health, on the advice of his doctors. The 83-year-old comedian, based in California, had recently promoted his latest book, "Idle in Provence: A Brief History Of Thyme," and completed a tour of Britain.
"This isn't a decision I take lightly, but when the doctors talk, I must listen," Idle said in a statement.
The cancellation comes four years after Idle revealed he had successfully battled pancreatic cancer, a disease he described as one of the most lethal forms. He attributed his survival to an early diagnosis, prompted by a friend who urged him to undergo tests as part of a study into preventative medicine. Within ten days of his diagnosis, Idle was in surgery, and the cancer was removed intact after a five-hour operation.
Idle kept his diagnosis secret for three years, undergoing bi-annual tests before receiving the all-clear. He told The Guardian that he did not feel emotional upon receiving the news, stating, "I didn't cry till I knew I was going to live. I just got on with it. I'm British! You try not to show emotions in the face of danger."
He informed his wife of 45 years, Tania, and their two children, Carey and Lily, but withheld the information from friends until he was in the clear to avoid causing them worry.
Recently, Idle has been publicly critical of his Monty Python co-star John Cleese, calling him a "grumpy old man." This appears to stem from a falling out over the management of the group's finances. Idle has expressed frustration that he is still working at his age, attributing it to alleged mismanagement by the Pythons' manager, Holly Gilliam, daughter of the late Terry Gilliam. Cleese, 87, had previously spoken out against what he termed "bullying" by Idle concerning Gilliam.
Idle has stated he will not participate in a planned tour with his former colleagues, citing a decade of not seeing them and a business "inflection point." He also voiced concerns about the financial state of the Python brand, particularly the free airing of sketches on YouTube, which he described as "stealing" that benefits tech billionaires while he continues to work.
