Graham truly is a wonderful story. From one of the first celebrities to come out on TV to curing his own alcoholism, Graham is definitely quite the character. Now if only he'd quit wasting time in heaven and have the decency to visit us every once in a while!
Graham looked so good in this interview despite the years of alcoholism. Love that jacket he's wearing. Seemed to be a nod at homosexuality with the rainbow jacket. It was very brave to be open at that time.
When I first started watching Python, I decided I wanted to meet Graham. Then I look online to find that he had kicked the bucket, so they say. Now, if only he had the decency to send me a postcard for denying me the chance of meeting him...
This will sound pathetic, but I always considered myself a Python fan, having watched the show and films as a kid and teenager. Today, I stumbled across a John Cleese interview, and feeling nostalgic, started watching other Python interviews. I was just wondering what Graham Chapman is up to, when I just now learned that he had died. Is it strange that I should feel upset, 32 years after the fact?
You just love GC for his honesty and vulnerability - such a good and troubled soul. The normally classy Michael Parkinson probing and prodding Graham on one of the most humiliating and painful episodes of his life - surprising but GC stayed a gentlemen. God rest his soul.
"I'd like to answer this question if I may in two ways. Firstly in my normal voice and then in a kind of silly high-pitched whine." That's my favorite Monty Python line.
It's very hard to know what to write here really. It's such a terrible, terrible shame. But how does one mourn for someone one never knew but simply admires for their shining talent and beauty? I suppose you just have to accept the whole person, including the private demons (which are no business of us, the public, anyway), be very grateful for what's left of them on film and video like this, and then move on.
He was definitely his own man. Fucking tragic we couldn't see him grow old. Not many people can talk about their insecurities, talk about getting delirium tremens and hallucinations, and not sound self-pitying or pretentious. A very sincere guy, as the best comedians usually are.
Terry J. was the heart of Python...Graham was the soul of Python. Of course not discounting the contributions of all the others, Graham & Terry J. were just the two that most embodied what I love about Monty Python. Godspeed to the both of them.
I had no idea he was openly gay, it makes me love him even more for being himself and standing up for LGBTQ+ rights in a time where it was looked down on more than now, so I can be openly gay in a more acceptable society thanks to people like him. An Amazing actor and intelligent chap all around.
I will never get used to the way acceptable terminology changes from year to year. Referring to a gay person as "queer" when I was a kid would start a fight, but now it's a go-to term.
A beautiful tortured soul. Wonderfully creative and yet torn inside. It was nice to know from the others that they accepted him regardless of his orientation, but I guess in those days it was hard to show it. RIP Graham your wonderful legacy lives on in celluloid and DVD for all to enjoy
He has a gentle spirit, and doesn’t seem like a “gotcha” interviewer, trying to get a scoop for ratings. It helps the guests to relax and open up a bit more.
Chapman may have been the greatest genius among the brilliant Python gang - sad that his life didn't run more smoothly. This brief interview reveals much.
The other guest was Michael Bentine (1922-1996), a British comedian, comic actor, and founding member of the Goons, a British radio comedy programme, originally produced and broadcast by the BBC Home Service from 1951 to 1960. This episode of Parkinson (S10:E08) aired October 15, 1980.
I wanted to scream for poor Graham..."I'm gay!"...but even as brave as he was...and how little he really cared at this point, he still couldn't. It doesn't say anything against Graham...it was a serious social disgrace...I just feel so sorry for him. God bless you, Graham!
www.DrumsTheWord.com idk but I think the public already knew it at that time, though it's mentioned in the book many times which is promoted in the beginning.
He was the most 'Python' of the Pythons and the best actor (hence his playing both Arthur and Brian). And sadly he did least well post Python, and of course died so young. I still miss him.
The "It was beginning to affect my work" seems like a line to get a laugh (because it's so obvious) but it wasn't, he realizes it once he's said it, it was a reference to a specific marker that made him stop but it just sounds like "Well, yeah, obviously..."
@@michaelloparco3817 if you said that as an insult; I think Chapman would have been delighted (or atleast not offended) by that joke. Just watch Cleese's Eulogy for him. Nothing to get angry about ^^
People talking about his jacket, then about he is being brave to be openly gay... this guy suffered so much because of that - maybe one of the reasons he became an alcoholic. People should realise that no matter if you are good looking, gay, straight, rich, educated, you can still struggle with alcoholism. Not only the man you see on streets can struggle, many people struggle... He was much more than a gay brave man.
Perhaps not in the popular consciousness as LGBTQ+ issues are today, but the rainbow or pride flag dates back to at least 1978, two years before this 1980 interview. I can imagine Graham had some awareness of it, and wore it as a nod to the community. Although use of vibrant color was also coming into vogue with the growth of Hip Hop and New Wave at this time. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag_(LGBT)
I was thinking the same. It’s one thing to get lost in a comedy bit with friends as part of an ensemble, and another to be “naked” on stage with just yourself.
Back then they spoke of quitting a full-blown addiction was as easy as "making the decision a sticking to it" followed through with "three days of unpleasantness." lol - Imagine if it was just that simple.
I suppose his performance in The Holy Grail would be my first exposure to "the gay" :-P such a perfect choice for King Arthur, we really got robbed of god knows how much entertaining from Graham, RIP.
When was this interview? The fashions suggest late 1980s - he was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1988 and died in October 1989. I just thought I'd ask because he really doesn't look very well at all in this clip. He looks very frail and gaunt at this point, his gums and teeth also don't look right.
15th October 1980. Possibly just that he hadn't been sober a huge amount of time by this stage and maybe also talking about Keith Moon was still raw for him as again, it hadn't been that long. Certainly well before the cancer.
I think you mean Michael Bentine. With Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan they did The Goon Show. A UK radio show that was hugely successful in the 50's (well before my time actually so maybe the 60's) that influenced all the Monty Python crowd.
![Graham Chapman (Monty Python)- Interview Aug. 1988 [Reelin' In The Years Archive]](/img/1.gif)
Graham truly is a wonderful story. From one of the first celebrities to come out on TV to curing his own alcoholism, Graham is definitely quite the character. Now if only he'd quit wasting time in heaven and have the decency to visit us every once in a while!
No kidding. Freeloading bastard.
Not sure he came out on tv.
04:16...the cameraman saying "hey folks, check out this lad's gear."
Surprising to see Graham Chapman doing free advertising Google Chrome.
+Fabio Araujo underated
lol fabio
He was way ahead of his time :D
hahaha that's true
hahahaha
I appreciate his courage to be honest and forthright.
Yeah. He told the entire truth there.
i wanna hug him.
You have to queue in the line like everybody else does.
Wasn’t he beautiful!? Such beautiful features. Gorgeous soul. Wish I could have known him.
Graham looked so good in this interview despite the years of alcoholism. Love that jacket he's wearing. Seemed to be a nod at homosexuality with the rainbow jacket. It was very brave to be open at that time.
Stubby1085 rainbow wasn’t hijacked by gays then
@@ronnysterling7694 That statement is both ignorant and nonsensical.
Ronny Sterling ah yes, one of the few things we have was “hijacked”
@@ronnysterling7694 it's been bloody hijacked by the nurses now. Just give it back to the fucking leprechauns.
There are more than four colors in the rainbow.
The best Python actor without a doubt. Beautiful man.
Well said!!! Gentle man it seems !!
My human crush.
So we're not allowed to even doubt?
I’m in Eric’s team
RIP Graham Chapman (1941-1989). Died before I was even alive, but will always be remembered !
A great, sincere, and (mostly) quite serious and illuminating interview with one of the great comic minds.
A comic genius, a wise old soul, a terrible mess, and a wonderful human being.
THAT JACKET! WOWEE, DID HE HAVE STYLE! Rip Graham Chapman, we love you.
When I first started watching Python, I decided I wanted to meet Graham. Then I look online to find that he had kicked the bucket, so they say. Now, if only he had the decency to send me a postcard for denying me the chance of meeting him...
This will sound pathetic, but I always considered myself a Python fan, having watched the show and films as a kid and teenager.
Today, I stumbled across a John Cleese interview, and feeling nostalgic, started watching other Python interviews.
I was just wondering what Graham Chapman is up to, when I just now learned that he had died.
Is it strange that I should feel upset, 32 years after the fact?
RIP Graham Chapman 🙏💗💗🙏
Hes not resting...hes dead
You just love GC for his honesty and vulnerability - such a good and troubled soul. The normally classy Michael Parkinson probing and prodding Graham on one of the most humiliating and painful episodes of his life - surprising but GC stayed a gentlemen. God rest his soul.
In every interview I see, he's wearing some bloody awful jacket. This just makes him more endearing to me.
People like Chapman should live forever.
"Deep inside I feel that I didn't really deserve the success that I'd achieved." [Pause. Somebody laugh] "Who was laughing at that?"
Yes, yes. We heard him.
"it's your decision." "either you're going to live or not.". Truer words were never spoken. God bless you graham.
Graham was a good dude.
what a nice chap, man
RIP both Michael and Graham.
"I'd like to answer this question if I may in two ways. Firstly in my normal voice and then in a kind of silly high-pitched whine."
That's my favorite Monty Python line.
R.I.P Graham
A very genuine man 👍
Fun to learn that Chapman was good friends with Keith Moon. Oh to be a fly on the wall....
Keith Moon was also good friends with Vivian Stanshall; funny how such 'interesting' characters are drawn to each other!
Moon was friends with Oliver Reed, too. Great company.
Now originally, Graham Chapman wanted to do the interview in two ways: first in his own voice and then in a sort of silly, high-pitched whine.
He was a talented man not only a comedian actor, but a medical doctor. He died when I was 5 years old. Rest in peace Mr Graham Chapman.
I love him. He's so adorable the way he runs down the stairs at the beginning 🖤❤
I love Graham Chapman what a great guy
It's very hard to know what to write here really. It's such a terrible, terrible shame. But how does one mourn for someone one never knew but simply admires for their shining talent and beauty? I suppose you just have to accept the whole person, including the private demons (which are no business of us, the public, anyway), be very grateful for what's left of them on film and video like this, and then move on.
Sad that he died so young, too young!!! Seemed like a kind soul and unlimited talent!! RIP Sir, I adored your work and gift.
Thanks! I would love if you could keep these up as long as possible.
So so sad... tragic... that jacket..
Nice joke! :D
I think it looks good
My only criticism of the aforementioned jacket is that despite its honest attempt it fails to reflect the same colorfulness of the wearer.
Love you GC 💚💛❤️💙
Beautiful man inside and out 💓
He was definitely his own man. Fucking tragic we couldn't see him grow old.
Not many people can talk about their insecurities, talk about getting delirium tremens and hallucinations, and not sound self-pitying or pretentious. A very sincere guy, as the best comedians usually are.
I want that jacket. SO HARDCORE.
trashboat69 feel you..
Terry J. was the heart of Python...Graham was the soul of Python. Of course not discounting the contributions of all the others, Graham & Terry J. were just the two that most embodied what I love about Monty Python. Godspeed to the both of them.
I had no idea he was openly gay, it makes me love him even more for being himself and standing up for LGBTQ+ rights in a time where it was looked down on more than now, so I can be openly gay in a more acceptable society thanks to people like him. An Amazing actor and intelligent chap all around.
I will never get used to the way acceptable terminology changes from year to year. Referring to a gay person as "queer" when I was a kid would start a fight, but now it's a go-to term.
😂 yea im sure he’d be fighting for that corrupted nonce front of a group
John Cleese Book "So Anyway " pays great tribute to his dear friend :)
Me either. Just learned that today.
*yawn*
A beautiful tortured soul. Wonderfully creative and yet torn inside. It was nice to know from the others that they accepted him regardless of his orientation, but I guess in those days it was hard to show it. RIP Graham your wonderful legacy lives on in celluloid and DVD for all to enjoy
Far too early Graham. Far too early. Wish you were here
Steven McBrien he had to leave us just as our humor was going to the dark side. I wish he were still here to straighten it all up for us.😢😭😭
He left because it was all getting rather silly. 💛 GC.
One of a few on this planet who might have laughed me to death...one down.
Good riddance to him the freeloading bastard.
Never knew he was friends with Keith Moon. Wow.
The longer I live the more I see Michael Parkinson's talent. He really is a gifted interviewer.
He has a gentle spirit, and doesn’t seem like a “gotcha” interviewer, trying to get a scoop for ratings. It helps the guests to relax and open up a bit more.
what a beautiful person inside and out
He reminds me a bit of a young Hugh Laurie in this interview.
Chapman may have been the greatest genius among the brilliant Python gang - sad that his life didn't run more smoothly. This brief interview reveals much.
He recorded an audio version of the book he's promoting here, it's on RUclips. So there's a lot more of him talking.
immaculate mind superb person Greatly Missed
thanks for the upload
Love Chapman, a total artistic and comedy hero for me.
Also, who are the other guests on the show?
The other guest was Michael Bentine (1922-1996), a British comedian, comic actor, and founding member of the Goons, a British radio comedy programme, originally produced and broadcast by the BBC Home Service from 1951 to 1960.
This episode of Parkinson (S10:E08) aired October 15, 1980.
@@ZenFox0 who's the guy we see at 9:35?
@@simonlayfield2513 think it's the late I I think it's the late Sir Peter Scott. Ornithologist, Wildfowl Reserve founder and writer. 10:53
@@simonlayfield2513Murdoch?
Nice bonus, having Michael Bentine.
Love Graham!
I'm shocked he didn't show up to this interview as Throatwobbler Mangrove
RossBayCult it’s spelt Raymond luxury yacht
He's a very silly man and we're not going to interview him.
I think Spike Milligan once said:
“Writing comedy is the start of becoming mad”
I miss him.
Ahead of his time for sure.
My favourite Python.
Not post Python though.
But his characters in the show.
Many comedians have been doctors. Graeme Garden from the Goodies was a doctor too. 😁🥼👨⚕️👩⚕️
He died the year I was born. Shame. An excellent comedian, my favourite from Holy Grail in fact.
I wanted to scream for poor Graham..."I'm gay!"...but even as brave as he was...and how little he really cared at this point, he still couldn't. It doesn't say anything against Graham...it was a serious social disgrace...I just feel so sorry for him. God bless you, Graham!
www.DrumsTheWord.com idk but I think the public already knew it at that time, though it's mentioned in the book many times which is promoted in the beginning.
He was publicly out! He came out in 1974 and was one of the first celebrities to do so. Everyone knew- he threw himself a coming party lmao
I think he was fine being out (as evidenced by his rainbow jacket). He just didn’t want that to be the primary topic or lens by which he was viewed.
He was the most 'Python' of the Pythons and the best actor (hence his playing both Arthur and Brian).
And sadly he did least well post Python, and of course died so young. I still miss him.
The "It was beginning to affect my work" seems like a line to get a laugh (because it's so obvious) but it wasn't, he realizes it once he's said it, it was a reference to a specific marker that made him stop but it just sounds like "Well, yeah, obviously..."
Where can I buy that jacket
god I adore this man. such a shame he died so young, and 9 years before myself. I still miss you Gray :(
youve died?
lemon curry?
dave is that you???
With a MELON?
he died 9 years before what???
Just saying, I want his shoes.
Chances are good. He probably won't need them anymore
Man at 9:35 looks as if he was somehow aquainted with the D.T. experience, whether first or second hand.
I’m wondering who that chap was.
Not being able to remember if I was dreaming or awake. Too real.
He was already sober at this point.
I miss him so.
*Graham was constantly late, particularly after 1989.*
@@michaelloparco3817 if you said that as an insult; I think Chapman would have been delighted (or atleast not offended) by that joke. Just watch Cleese's Eulogy for him.
Nothing to get angry about ^^
Rick you absolute genius
What a wonderful tribute to the goons from a python, whilst a Goon is sat next to you. GC could've gone on to even greater things
Lemon Curry?
People talking about his jacket, then about he is being brave to be openly gay... this guy suffered so much because of that - maybe one of the reasons he became an alcoholic.
People should realise that no matter if you are good looking, gay, straight, rich, educated, you can still struggle with alcoholism.
Not only the man you see on streets can struggle, many people struggle...
He was much more than a gay brave man.
I want that jacket
That is a pride jacket.
That crap never existed back then.
Perhaps not in the popular consciousness as LGBTQ+ issues are today, but the rainbow or pride flag dates back to at least 1978, two years before this 1980 interview.
I can imagine Graham had some awareness of it, and wore it as a nod to the community.
Although use of vibrant color was also coming into vogue with the growth of Hip Hop and New Wave at this time.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag_(LGBT)
I think it's nerves he's suffering from. Which is effectively what he drank to subdue in the first place (to paraphrase the book).
I was thinking the same. It’s one thing to get lost in a comedy bit with friends as part of an ensemble, and another to be “naked” on stage with just yourself.
Chapman is a bit tinny
Not as tinny as litterbin though...
what a blow for him.
But now...gorn.
I think he was bit woody.
Oh, what rotten luck!
Back then they spoke of quitting a full-blown addiction was as easy as "making the decision a sticking to it" followed through with "three days of unpleasantness." lol - Imagine if it was just that simple.
I suppose his performance in The Holy Grail would be my first exposure to "the gay" :-P such a perfect choice for King Arthur, we really got robbed of god knows how much entertaining from Graham, RIP.
"Why are you a piss artist?" Nice one Parky.
Must've lost a bet with Cleese to be wearing that jacket.
That jacket is awesome.
6:17 😂
*I'M ALWAYS IN THE MOOD FOR ALCOHOL WHENEVER HE MENTIONS HIS DRINKING BINGES!*
Yeah, that's what I thought too. Perhaps some of the damage was already done.
omg, is that the master? from dr who?
No
Why do all talk shows use the Liberty Bell (the Flying Circus theme) when having a Python to talk to?!
Maybe it's because it's out of copyright.
FROM 5:10-5:14
When was this interview? The fashions suggest late 1980s - he was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1988 and died in October 1989.
I just thought I'd ask because he really doesn't look very well at all in this clip. He looks very frail and gaunt at this point, his gums and teeth also don't look right.
Oh no, I know it. It's actually for 1980!
15th October 1980. Possibly just that he hadn't been sober a huge amount of time by this stage and maybe also talking about Keith Moon was still raw for him as again, it hadn't been that long. Certainly well before the cancer.
It must be jarring as a comedian to give a thoughtful, serious answer to a question, and then the audience laughs.
One cries. when one loses
What year was this?
1980 (October 15)
A very smart, nice and funny man...John cleese thinks himself to be.
Don't worry he's entertaining the hosts in heaven and The Lord himself. He won't miss us
Constantine Joseph It's Christmas in Heaven ;)
What year was this
1980
A tragic loss of a huge talent to alcohol.
Forgive me, being from Denmark, I don't know the grey haired gentleman in the blue jacket. Parkinson calls him Michael at one time. Who is he?
I think you mean Michael Bentine. With Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan they did The Goon Show. A UK radio show that was hugely successful in the 50's (well before my time actually so maybe the 60's) that influenced all the Monty Python crowd.
@@hopebgood Bentine left the show before it shaped into the format everyone loved so much.
@@hopebgood Thank you, my good man. 😊
Why should anybody make an excuse for drinking. It's absolutely wonderful. Have you never tried it?
Yes, I got very sick. Multiple times.
RIP Graham
You can tell, too, I think.
@TheLizGang he should've been an example for amy winehouse.
it was very rude how the camera decided to pan Graham from foot to head to make him out as some sort of freak
that seems a bit over sensitive
Not exactly a freak - more.....unconventional. Back in 1980 it was not common to see a talk show guest in jeans, sneakers, and a nylon jacket.
One could argue just capturing the moment though