Graham Chapman
Graham Chapman | |
---|---|
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Born | Leicester,England | 8 January 1941
Died | 4 October 1989 Maidstone,Kent, England | (aged 48)
Other names | Gray Chapman |
Alma mater | Emmanuel College, Cambridge St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 1960–1989 |
Known for | One of six members ofMonty Python |
Partner | David Sherlock (1966–1989) |
Children | 1 (adopted) |
Graham Chapman(8 January 1941 – 4 October 1989) was a British actor, comedian and writer. He was one of the six members of thesurrealistcomedy groupMonty Python.He portrayed authority figures such asThe Coloneland the lead role in two Python films,Holy Grail(1975) andLife of Brian(1979).
Chapman was born inLeicesterand was raised inMelton Mowbray.He enjoyed science, acting, and comedy and after graduating fromEmmanuel College, Cambridge,andSt Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College,he turned down a career as a doctor to be a comedian. Chapman eventually established a writing partnership withJohn Cleese,which reached its critical peak with Monty Python during the 1970s. He subsequently left Britain for Los Angeles, where he attempted to be a success on American television, speaking on the college circuit and producing the pirate filmYellowbeard(1983), before returning to Britain in the early 1980s.
Chapman was openly homosexual and a supporter ofgay rightsand was in along-term partnershipwith David Sherlock.[1][2]He was an alcoholic from his time at Cambridge until he quit drinking shortly before working onLife of Brian.[3]He became an enthusiast and patron of theDangerous Sports Clubin the later years of his life. In 1989, Chapman died oftonsil cancerwhich had spread to his spine. His life and legacy were commemorated at a memorial service atSt Bartholomew'swith the other five Pythons two months after his death.
Early life and education
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Graham_Chapman_blue_plaque_Melton.jpg/220px-Graham_Chapman_blue_plaque_Melton.jpg)
Graham Chapman was born on 8 January 1941 at the Stoneygate Nursing Home,Stoneygate,Leicester,Leicestershire,the son of policeman Walter Chapman and Edith Towers.[4][5]Walter Chapman was a police constable at the time of Graham's birth; he ended his career as a chief inspector. He had been trained as aFrench polisherfor a coffin-maker before entering the police force in the 1930s.[6]
Chapman had an elder brother, John, who was born in 1936.[7]They had, according to Chapman and his brother, an "extremely poor upbringing".[6]One of Chapman's earliest memories was seeing the remains of Polish airmen who had suffered an aeroplane accident near Leicester, later saying the sight remained in his memory.[8]
Chapman was educated atMelton Mowbray Grammar School.He showed a strong affinity for science, sports and amateur dramatics and was singled out for attention when a local paper reviewed his performance ofMark AntonyinShakespeare'sJulius Caesar.[9]Graham and his brother John were both avid fans of radio comedy, being especially fond ofThe Goon Show[10]andRobert Moreton's skill of telling jokes the wrong way round and reversing punchlines. Biographer Jim Yoakum said "the radio shows didn't necessarily make him laugh".[11]
In 1959, Chapman began to study medicine atEmmanuel College, Cambridge.[12]He joined theCambridge Footlights,where he first began writing withJohn Cleese.[13]Following graduation, Chapman joined the Footlights showCambridge Circusand touredNew Zealand,deferring his medical studies for a year.[14]After the tour, he continued his studies atSt Bartholomew's Medical College,[15]but became torn between whether to pursue a career in medicine or acting. His brother John later said, "He [Graham] wasn't ever driven to go into medicine... it wasn't his life's ambition."[16]
Career
[edit]Pre-Python career
[edit]Following their Footlights success, Chapman and Cleese began to write professionally for theBBC,[17]initially forDavid Frostbut also forMarty Feldman.Frost had recruited Cleese, and in turn Cleese decided he needed Chapman as a sounding board.[18]Chapman also contributed sketches to the radio seriesI'm Sorry, I'll Read That Againand wrote material on his own and withBill Oddie.[19]He wrote forThe Illustrated Weekly Hudd(starringRoy Hudd),Cilla Black,This Is Petula ClarkandThis Is Tom Jones.[20]Chapman, Cleese andTim Brooke-Taylorlater joined Feldman in the television comedy seriesAt Last the 1948 Show.[21]It was Chapman's first significant role as a performer as well as a writer[21]and he displayed a gift fordeadpancomedy (such as in the sketch "The Minister Who Falls to Pieces") and imitating various Britishdialects.[22]The series was the first to feature Chapman's sketch of wrestling with himself.[21]
Despite the series' success, Chapman was still unsure about abandoning his medical career. In between the two series ofAt Last The 1948 Show,he completed his studies at St Bartholomew's and became professionally registered as a doctor.[23]Chapman and Cleese also wrote for the long-running television comedy seriesDoctor in the House,[24]and both appeared on a one-off television special,How to Irritate Peoplealongside Brooke-Taylor and future Python memberMichael Palin.[25]One of Cleese's and Chapman's sketches, featuring a used car salesman refusing to believe a customer's model had broken down, became the inspiration for theDead Parrot sketch.[26]Chapman also co-wrote several episodes ofDoctor in the House'sfollow up,Doctor in Charge,withBernard McKenna.[27]
Monty Python
[edit]In 1969, Chapman and Cleese joined the other Pythons,Michael Palin,Eric Idle,Terry JonesandTerry Gilliam,for their sketch comedy seriesMonty Python's Flying Circus.[28][17]The group's writing was split into well-defined teams, with Chapman collaborating almost exclusively with Cleese.[29]Chapman was particularly keen to remove stereotypicalpunchlinesin sketches[30]and createdThe Colonel,who would stop them in mid-flow by saying they were "too silly".[31]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7f/Graham_Chapman_Colonel.jpg/220px-Graham_Chapman_Colonel.jpg)
Although the pair were officially equal partners, Cleese later thought that Chapman contributed comparatively little in the way of direct writing, saying "he would come in, say something marvelous and then drift off in his own mind".[32]The other Pythons have said that Chapman's biggest contribution in the writing room was an intuition for what was funny.[32]Gilliam later recalled that "Graham would do the nudge that would push it into something extraordinary".[33]The series was an immediate success, and Chapman was delighted to learn that medical students at St Bartholomew's crowded round the television in the bar to watch it.[34]Chapman was frequently late for rehearsing or recording,[35]leading to the other Pythons calling him "the late Graham Chapman".[36]
Chapman's main contribution to the "Dead Parrot sketch", derived from the piece withinHow to Irritate Peopleand involving a customer returning a faulty toaster, was "How can we make thismadder?",turning the toaster into a dead Norwegian Blue parrot. Cleese later said he and Chapman believed that" there was something very funny there, if we could find the right context for it ".[37]Cleese was in particular concerned that theCheese Shop sketchsimply was not funny, in that it was just mainly a man listing different types of cheese. Chapman urged his partner to continue with it, telling him "Trust me, it's funny." When it was read out at the next script meeting, Cleese found that the others, particularly Palin, thought it was hilarious. The group felt that Chapman had the best acting skills among them. Cleese complimented Chapman by saying that he was "particularly a wonderful actor".[38]
Chapman played the lead role in two Python films,Holy GrailandLife of Brian.He was chosen to play the lead inHoly Grailbecause of the group's respect for his straight acting skills, and because the other members wanted to play lesser, funnier characters.[39]Chapman did not mind being filmed fully nude in front of a crowd inLife of Brian,but the scene, filmed in Tunisia, caused problems with the female Muslim extras.[40]
Other work
[edit]In 1975, Chapman andDouglas Adamswrote a pilot for a television series, entitledOut of the Trees,but it received poor ratings after being broadcast at the same time asMatch of the Dayand only the initial episode was produced.[41]In 1978, Chapman co-wrote the comedy filmThe Odd Jobwith McKenna and starred as one of the main characters. Chapman wanted his friendKeith Moonto play a co-lead role alongside him, but Moon could not pass an acting test, so the part went toDavid Jasonwho had previously appeared onDo Not Adjust Your Setwith Pythons Idle, Jones and Palin. The film was moderately successful.[42]Chapman guest-starred on several television series includingThe Big Show.[43]
In 1976, Chapman began writing a pirate film,Yellowbeard(1983), which came out of conversations between Chapman and Moon while in Los Angeles. Moon had always wanted to playLong John Silver,so Chapman began to write a script for him.[44]Moon died in 1978 and the work stalled, eventually being rewritten by McKenna, then byPeter Cook.[45]The film, which starred Chapman as the eponymous pirate, also featured appearances from Cook, Marty Feldman, Cleese, Idle,Spike MilliganandCheech & Chong.[46]It marked the last appearance of Feldman, who suffered a fatal heart attack in December 1982.[47]The project was fraught with financial difficulties and at times there was not enough money to pay the crew.[48]It was released to mixed reviews.David Robinson,reviewing the film inThe Times,said that "the Monty Python style of comic anarchy requires more than scatology, rude words and funny faces".[49]
Chapman published his memoirs,A Liar's Autobiography,in 1980, choosing the title because he said "it's almostimpossibleto tell the truth ".[50]He returned to Britain permanently afterYellowbeardwas released. He became involved with theextreme sportsclubDangerous Sports Club,which popularisedbungee jumping.Chapman was scheduled to perform a bungee jump himself, but it was cancelled due to safety concerns.[51]
After reuniting with the other Pythons in the filmThe Meaning of Life(1983), Chapman began a lengthy series of US college tours, talking about The Pythons, the Dangerous Sports Club and his friend Moon, among other subjects.[51]Saturday Night Livecreator and Python fanLorne Michaelspersuaded Chapman to star inThe New Show.[52]
In 1988, Chapman appeared in theIron Maidenvideo "Can I Play with Madness".[53]The same year, he starred in a pilot of a proposed television series,Jake's Journey,but financial problems prevented a full series from being made.[54]In 1988, he also appeared on stage with three other Pythons (Gilliam, Jones and Palin) at the41st British Academy Film Awardswhere Monty Python received theBAFTA Awardfor Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema.[55]
Broadcast in November 1989, the 20th anniversary television special,Parrot Sketch Not Included – 20 Years of Monty Python,hosted by Python fanSteve Martin,was Chapman's final onscreen appearance with the other five Python members.[56]Chapman was intended to be cast in theRed Dwarfepisode "Timeslides",but died before shooting could begin.[57]
Personal life
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Graham_Chapman%27s_house_in_Highgate.jpg/220px-Graham_Chapman%27s_house_in_Highgate.jpg)
Chapman first met his long-term partner David Sherlock inIbizain 1966.[58]He later described realising he washomosexualas "an important moment in my life".[59]
The following year, he told his close friends, including Cleese and Feldman, about his relationship.[60]Chapman and Sherlock moved toBelsize Parkin 1968,[61]and the pair enjoyed visiting gay clubs in Central London.[62]In the early 1970s, after Chapman had found fame with Monty Python, they moved to a house inHighgate,North London.[63]
In 1972, on a television show hosted by English jazz and blues singerGeorge Melly,Chapman first disclosed his homosexuality publicly, becoming one of the first celebrities to do so.[64][65]He was a vocal spokesman for gay rights, supporting theGay Liberation Front.[66]In 1972, Chapman supported the newspaperGay News,which listed him as one of the publication's "special friends" in recognition.[67]During a college tour, Chapman mentioned that a television audience member had written to the Pythons to complain about them having a gay member, citing a Bible passage that said any man who lies with a man should be taken out andstoned.Idle replied jokingly that they had found the perpetrator and killed him.[68]
In 1971, Chapman and SherlockadoptedJohn Tomiczek as their son. Chapman met Tomiczek when Tomiczek was a 14-year-old run-away from Liverpool. After discussions with Tomiczek's father, it was agreed that Chapman would become Tomiczek's legal guardian.[69]Both Sherlock and Tomiczek remained a constant presence in Chapman's life.[70]During the 1970s, Chapman became increasingly concerned about the Pythons' income and finances. He subsequently moved to Los Angeles to avoid Britishincome tax.[71]In the mid-1980s, he returned to the UK and moved toMaidstone,Kent,with Sherlock and Tomiczek.[70]Tomiczek later became Chapman's business manager; he died of a heart attack in 1992 at age 35.[72]
Chapman took uppipe smokingaged 15, which became a lifelong habit.[73]He began drinking heavily during his time at Cambridge and St. Bartholomew's, favouringgin.By the time Monty Python went out on tour in 1973, Chapman's drinking had begun to affect his performance, causing him to miss cues to go on stage.[74]He was known to suffer fromdelirium tremens(DTs).[75]He stopped drinking during Christmas 1977, concerned about being able to act inLife of Briansuccessfully, and remained sober for the rest of his life.[76]
Illness and death
[edit]In 1988, Chapman made a routine visit to a dentist, who found a small, malignant tumour on one of histonsils,leading to both being removed via atonsillectomy.[77]The following year, it was discovered that the cancer had spread into Chapman'sspinal column,where another tumour was surgically removed. Chapman had severalchemotherapytreatments and surgeries during the final months of his life, but ultimately the cancer was declared inoperable.[78]According to his brother, Chapman was visibly upset by the death of his mother that July, by which time he wasterminally ill.[70]Shortly afterwards, Chapman filmed scenes for the 20th anniversary of the first broadcast ofMonty Python's Flying Circus,the final time he appeared on television.[79][80]
Chapman died on 4 October 1989 inMaidstone Hospitalfrom resulting complications, aged 48.[81]At the time of his death, he was being visited by Sherlock, brother John and his sister-in-law, and fellow Pythons Palin and Cleese, the latter of whom had to be led out of the room to deal with his grief.[81][82]Peter Cook had intended to visit, but arrived too late and was visibly shaken by the news.[81]Chapman's death occurred on the eve of the twentieth anniversary of the Pythons' collective debut on British television, and Jones called it "the worst case of party-pooping in all history".[82]
Memorial service
[edit]"I guess that we're all thinking how sad it is that a man of such talent, of such capability for kindness, of such unusual intelligence, should now, so suddenly, be spirited away at the age of only forty-eight, before he'd achieved many of the things of which he was capable, and before he'd had enough fun. Well, I feel that I should say, nonsense. Good riddance to him, the freeloading bastard, I hope he fries! And the reason I feel I should say this, is he would never forgive me if I didn't, if I threw away this glorious opportunity to shock you all on his behalf. Anything for him, but mindless good taste."
John Cleese at Graham Chapman's memorial service[82]
The five surviving Python members had decided to stay away from Chapman's private funeral to prevent it from becoming amedia circusand to give his family some privacy. They sent a wreath in the shape of the Python foot, with the message: "To Graham from the other Pythons with all our love. PS: Stop us if we're getting too silly".[83]The Rolling Stonesalso sent a floral arrangement, saying "Thanks for all the laughs."[83]
A public memorial service for Chapman was held at St Bartholomew's on 3 December, two months after his death. The service began with a chorus of the hymn "Jerusalem"sung inEngrishwith a mockChinese accent.[84]Cleese delivered a eulogy to Chapman with shock humour that he believed Chapman would have appreciated[82]and became the first person at a televised British memorial service to say "fuck".[85]Palin also delivered a eulogy to Chapman, as did Idle, quipping that Chapman had decided to die rather than listen to Palin again. Idle led the other surviving Pythons and Chapman's close friends and family in a rendition of the song "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life",fromLife of Brian,and later closed his remarks by saying: "I'd just like to be the last person at this meeting to say 'fuck'."[84]
Ten years after Chapman's death, his ashes were first rumoured to have been "blasted into the skies in a rocket"with assistance from the Dangerous Sports Club.[86]In a second rumour, Chapman's ashes had been scattered on the mountains ofSnowdonia,Wales,where he had visited regularly as a climber.[87]
Legacy
[edit]"We would only do a reunion if Chapman came back from the dead. So we're negotiating with his agent."
Eric Idle on speculation of a Monty Python reunion[88]
Following Chapman's death, reformations of the Pythons have included an urn said to contain hisashes.At the 1998 Aspen Comedy Arts festival, the urn, brought onstage by a stiff English butler, was "accidentally" knocked over by Terry Gilliam, spilling the "ashes" on-stage. The apparently cremated remains were then removed with aDustBuster.[89]Idle recalled meeting Sherlock, saying "I wish he [Chapman] was here now" and Sherlock replied "Oh, but he is. He's in my pocket!"[90]
Asteroid9617 Grahamchapman,named in Chapman's honour, is one of six asteroids named after the Python members.
In 1997, Sherlock allowed Jim Yoakum to start the "Graham Chapman Archives". Later that year, the novelGraham Crackers: Fuzzy Memories, Silly Bits, and Outright Lieswas released. It is a semi-sequel toA Liar's Autobiography,with Chapman's works compiled by Yoakum.[91]A compendium of writings,Calcium Made Interesting: Sketches, Letters, Essays & Gondolas,also compiled and edited by Yoakum, was published in 2005 in association with the David Sherlock and John Tomiczek trust.[92]In 2000, Chapman's playO Happy Daywas performed byDad's Garage Theatre CompanyinAtlanta,Georgia,with the assistance of Cleese and Palin.[93]In 2006, the album andDVDreleaseLooks Like Another Brown Trouser Jobcame out, featuring a college lecture recorded in April 1988.[94]
In June 2011, it was announced that Cleese, Jones, Gilliam and Palin would perform in a3D-animated version of Chapman's memoirA Liar's Autobiography: Volume VI.[95]Co-director Jeff Simpson worked closely with Chapman's estate and the surviving Python members to "get this exactly right".[96]The film, titledA Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman,was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2012 and premiered in the UK the following month as part of theBFI London Film Festival.The voices of Cleese, Gilliam, Jones and Palin were spliced into commentary recorded by Chapman reading from his memoir and taped shortly before his death. The film's official trailer quoted Chapman as saying, "This is the best film I've been in since I died."[97]
In September 2012, a British Comedy Societyblue plaquecommemorating Chapman was unveiled at The Angel pub in Highgate by Jones, Palin,Barry Cryer,Ray DaviesandCarol Cleveland.[98]Palin said, "Highgate was his patch, and he should be celebrated because he was a very good, brilliant, funny, nice, wise, kind man, who occasionally drank too much."[99]
In December 2014, a green plaque funded byLeicestershire County Councilwas placed on Chapman's former home in Burton Road,Melton Mowbray.[100]A year later, a blue plaque at the entrance of Chapman's old school,King Edward VII School,was reported as stolen but was later found inside the building.[101]In March 2017, the plaque was moved to Melton Mowbray town centre.[102]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1969 | The Magic Christian | Oxford Crew | Uncredited Also writer |
1970 | Doctor in Trouble | Roddy | |
The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer | Fromage | Also writer | |
1971 | And Now for Something Completely Different | Various roles | |
The Statue | News reader | ||
1975 | Monty Python and the Holy Grail | King Arthur,various roles | Also writer |
1978 | The Odd Job | Arthur Harris | Also writer/producer |
1979 | Monty Python's Life of Brian | Brian, various roles | Also writer |
1982 | Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl | Various roles | |
1983 | Monty Python's The Meaning of Life | ||
The Crimson Permanent Assurance | Clerk | Short film Uncredited | |
Yellowbeard | Captain Yellowbeard | Also writer | |
1987 | Still Crazy Like a Fox | Detective Inspector Palmer | TV film |
1988 | Jake's Journey | Sir George/Queen | TV film Also writer |
1989 | Stage Fright | Smart Alec | Uncredited |
2012 | A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman | Himself (Archive footage) | Voice |
2014 | Monty Python Live (Mostly) | The Colonel and other characters (archive footage) | Also writer |
Television
[edit]Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1967 | At Last the 1948 Show | Various roles | Also writer; 13 episodes |
1967–1970 | No – That's Me Over Here! | Man on Train | Also creator; 1 episode |
1968 | Broaden Your Mind | Various roles | 1 episode |
1969–1974 | Monty Python's Flying Circus | Various roles | Also writer; 45 episodes |
1972 | Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus | Various roles | 2 episodes |
1976 - 1982 | Saturday Night Live | Himself | |
1976 | Out of the Trees[103] | Various roles | Also writer; 1 episode |
Music videos
[edit]Year | Song | Artist | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1988 | "Can I Play with Madness" | Iron Maiden | Teacher | Last TV Appearance |
References
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- ^'Telly View' NottinghamEvening Post10 January 1976 p. 31
Bibliography
[edit]- McCabe, Bob (2005).The Life of Graham, The authorised biography of Graham Chapman.London: Orion Books.ISBN978-0-7528-5773-2.
- McCall, Douglas (2013).Monty Python: A Chronology, 1969–2012(2nd ed.). McFarland.ISBN978-0-7864-7811-8.
- Chapman, Graham; Yoakum, Jim (2006). Jim Yoakum (ed.).Calcium Made Interesting: Sketches, Letters, Essays & Gondolas.London: Sidgwick & Jackson.ISBN0-283-07016-1.
- Chapman, Graham (1997).Graham Crackers: Fuzzy Memories, Silly Bits, and Outright Lies.Career Pr Inc.ISBN978-1-56414-334-1.
- Hewison, Robert(1983).Footlights! – A Hundred Years of Cambridge Comedy.London: Methuen London.ISBN0-413-51150-2.
- Perry, George (2007).The Life of Python.Pavilion.ISBN978-1-86205-762-3.
- Wilmut, Roger(1980).From Fringe to Flying Circus – 'Celebrating a Unique Generation of Comedy 1960–1980'.Eyre Methuen.ISBN0-413-46950-6.
- Chapman, Graham (1980).A Liar's Autobiography(Volume VI).Methuen Publishing.ISBN0-416-00901-8.
- Wholey, Dennis (1984).The Courage to Change – Personal Conversations about Alcoholism (see Chapter 4 – "Quitting" ).Warner Books.ISBN0-446-35758-8.
- Marasco, Ron; Shuff, Brian (2010).About Grief: Insights, Setbacks, Grace Notes, Taboos.Rowman & Littlefield.ISBN978-1-56663-858-6.
External links
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- Graham Chapman atPythOnline Pythons Page
- Graham Chapmanat theBFI'sScreenonline
- Graham Chapmanat theInternet Broadway Database
- Graham ChapmanatIMDb
- Graham ChapmanatBritish Comedy Guide
- Graham Chapman atthe BBC Comedy Guide
- Graham Chapman atthe Comedy Zone
- Graham Chapman atGay Greats
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