There is nothing better than playing a scene with John Cleese or Maggie Smith. It's electric. But I don't think I'm the sort of person who needs to have an outer ego in order to produce something. I realised that through the travel programmes. Michael Palin cleeseegoelectric share on social
I have been unusually blessed in that I've been allowed to pursue two strands of a career that both delight me and seem to please the public. Michael Palin allowblesscareer Change image and share on social
Something about John Cleese was always very unsettled, I felt. There was always something else he wanted to do. He seemed constantly driven by this sense that there was a nirvana somewhere; some unique place where mind, body and soul would be utterly satisfied. Michael Palin bodycleeseconstantly share on social
People say the most stupid things on the spur of the moment that they then have to retract. Michael Palin momentpeopleretract Change image and share on social
I'd got over playing a character. People accepted who I was, and if I was incompetent and useless, they felt quite endeared to me. Michael Palin acceptcharacterendear Change image and share on social
I am not a great cook, I am not a great artist, but I love art, and I love food, so I am the perfect traveller. Michael Palin artartistcook Change image and share on social
The human race should just slow down and think about what it is doing. Michael Palin humanraceslow Change image and share on social
I think some of the best modern writing comes now from travellers. Michael Palin moderntravellerwrite Change image and share on social
I am certainly more interested in interviewing than being interviewed. Sometimes you find yourself attacked from the start. Michael Palin attackfindinterest Change image and share on social