In the world of broadcasting, Michael Palin has pretty much done it all. In his 20s he began writing comedy sketches with his Oxford contemporary Terry Jones. They later joined forces with John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam and the first series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus was broadcast in 1969.
Palin has also starred in award-winning TV dramas (Alan Bleasdale’s GBH), a Hollywood feature film (A Fish Called Wanda) and presented a host of critically acclaimed travel documentaries (Around the World in 80 days, Pole to Pole, Himalaya). In 2013 he was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship for his contributions to British culture.
His diaries have been published in three volumes. The Python Years covers the 1970s. Halfway to Hollywood deals with the 80s, including the final Monty Python performance in 1983. The most recent volume, Travelling to Work, documents his forays into travel writing and broadcasting including popular BBC documentary series Around the World in 80 Days.
He joined Guardian Members at a live event in Kings Place, London, on 2 November 2015 to look back over his career.
Click here to go to the Guardian Podcast website to listen to the podcast.