I am afraid I’m much too important to write notes to people like you
Despite his importance, John Cleese writes to a young fan
Both of the following letters are courtesy of Matt Hyde, who originally shared them back in 2014 on Twitter. I was reminded of them this morning when I read that it’s Michael Palin’s 79th birthday. Enjoy!
In the 1980s, when old-fashioned fan clubs were all the rage, a 14-year-old Monty Python devotee named Matt Hyde wrote to John Cleese and asked whether such a club existed in his name. Thankfully the answer was no, as Cleese’s reply was far more valuable and entertaining than a simple yes could ever have been. Better still, Hyde then followed up by asking Palin about the murders. A response soon arrived.
Dear Matthew
I am afraid I’m much too important to write notes to people like you.
Please remember that I am very very very very very very important.
However, there is no John Cleese fan club (despite my importance) because they were all murdered in 1983 by Michael Palins’ fan club.
I enclose a photograph to remind you of my importance.
Yours sincerely,
JOHN CLEESE
I’m sorry John Cleese should consider his fans as ‘murdered’ by us in 1983. I think it was a merciful release for these poor deluded victims. I am healthy, well and have no worries about being…
Signed for Michael Palin in his absence by Eric Idle
Hilarious as he always is.
That is priceless! Thanks for the laugh.