Terry Jones Of 'Monty Python' Diagnosed With Dementia At 74

Jones' representative released a statement after the actor was named a recipient for a notable BAFTA award.
Suzanne Plunkett / Reuters

Terry Jones, a writer, director and actor most famous for his role in Monty Python’s comedy troupe, has been diagnosed with a form of dementia, according to his spokesperson.

“Terry has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a variant of Frontotemporal Dementia,” a rep for the 74-year-old said. “This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews.”

The representative issued the statement to explain why Jones couldn’t accept his recently awarded British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television in person.

“Terry is proud and honored to be recognized in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations,” read the statement.

According to the Mayo Clinic, primary progressive aphasia is a syndrome that affects the nervous system and eventually causes sufferers to lose the ability to speak, write and understand written or spoken language.

Jones has enjoyed a long and storied career in entertainment, with over 50 writing credits and 17 director credits to his name. He recently appeared in 2014’s “Monty Python Live (Mostly)” and voiced characters in 2015’s “Absolutely Anything,” which he also directed, and was the narrator in the show “The Legend of Dick and Dom.”

The Huffington Post has reached out to reps for the actor and will update this post accordingly.

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