Terry Gilliam

Terrence Vance Gilliam, commonly known as Terry Gilliam, is an American-British filmmaker, screenwriter, animator, comedian and actor, who first gained prominence as a member of the Monty Python comedy troupe. His unique and imaginative style ranges from serious themes examining contrasts between imagination and bureaucracy, to surreal comedies set in dystopian worlds. His notable works include Time Bandits (1981), Brazil (1985), The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), The Fisher King (1991), 12 Monkeys (1995), and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998).

Born in Minnesota, Gilliam spent his formative years in Los Angeles. He rose from animating Monty Python's works to becoming a full member, taking on acting roles, thus making him the only member not born in Britain. He became a naturalised British citizen in 1968, and renounced his American citizenship in 2006. In 1975, he started his directing career by co-directing Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In 2009, Gilliam received the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement.