**Eric Idle** (born 1943) is a British actor, writer, and comedian, best known as a member of the legendary comedy troupe Monty Python.

His film career is inextricably linked to the group's films, where he often played key roles. Among the most important are *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975), *Life of Brian* (1979), and *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* (1983).

Idle was known for his intelligent humor, often meta-narrative and self-referential, and for his sarcastic, pompous, or saccharine characters. He was also the creative force behind many of the most memorable songs, including "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from *Life of Brian*. Outside of Python, he had roles in films such as *The Adventures of Baron Munchausen* (1988) and *Nuns on the Run* (1990), but his most significant contribution remains within the Monty Python canon.