Eric Idle's Height
5ft 11 (180.3 cm)
Peak height was 6ft ½ in (184.2 cm)
English comedian and actor, best known for Monty Python.
Photo by PR Photos
I'm six-foot-one. I didn't look tall because I stood next to John Cleese all those years, and Cleese is six-foot-six. And Graham Chapman, now deceased, was six-foot-five. So I was the third-tallest on the show and the sixth-nicest.
I was 6 foot and 1/2 an inch. Now I'm 5 foot 11. Go figure.
You May Be Interested
John Cleese
6ft 3 ½ (192 cm)
6ft 3 ½ (192 cm)
Graham Chapman
6ft 2 ¾ (190 cm)
6ft 2 ¾ (190 cm)
Rowan Atkinson
5ft 10 ¾ (180 cm)
5ft 10 ¾ (180 cm)
Terry Jones
5ft 8 ¼ (173 cm)
5ft 8 ¼ (173 cm)
Add a Comment53 comments
Average Guess (18 Votes)
Peak: 6ft 0.82in (185cm)
Current: 5ft 11.64in (182cm)
Peak: 6ft 0.82in (185cm)
Current: 5ft 11.64in (182cm)
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 24/Sep/23
Rob, is Eric really as low as 5ft11 flat today?
I think maybe an inch loss is more believable. Always believed he was a legit 6ft1 but his claim is honest...
Editor Rob
Rob, is Eric really as low as 5ft11 flat today?
I think maybe an inch loss is more believable. Always believed he was a legit 6ft1 but his claim is honest...
Editor RobI believe his claim and likely has been measured in recent years for him to make it.
Sandy Cowell said on 12/Jan/23
There were plenty of tall fellas in Monty Python, a programme I had to creep downstairs to see when I was a kid. I was so young and small, however, that I didn’t even take in how tall John Cleese was, even when he did ‘The Ministry of Silly Walks’.
6ft1 peak and 5ft11.75 now.
There were plenty of tall fellas in Monty Python, a programme I had to creep downstairs to see when I was a kid. I was so young and small, however, that I didn’t even take in how tall John Cleese was, even when he did ‘The Ministry of Silly Walks’.
6ft1 peak and 5ft11.75 now.
Tall Sam said on 6/Aug/22
IMO a six foot range guy is what he looks more than 6’1”. He might’ve lost more height than Steve Martin but they look very close: Click Here
Also Graham Chapman had a comfortable amount of height over him: Click Here
IMO a six foot range guy is what he looks more than 6’1”. He might’ve lost more height than Steve Martin but they look very close: Click Here
Also Graham Chapman had a comfortable amount of height over him: Click Here
Jimmy_ESB_182 said on 3/Aug/22
@DanDanDanDanDan it's easy to overestimate other people's heights. When I put a mark on the wall at my height and imagine a dude at that mark, I swear he's taller than me!
@DanDanDanDanDan it's easy to overestimate other people's heights. When I put a mark on the wall at my height and imagine a dude at that mark, I swear he's taller than me!
Miss Sandy Cowell said on 26/Mar/22
I saw Eric introducing an episode of ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’ in a programme I recorded last weekend called ‘Sounds of the Seventies’. I’d have loved to see the entire show in the hope of being able to compare Eric with Bob Harris. My friend and I sat in on one of Bob’s radio shows and when he stood up, he looked well over 6ft, so I’d say that Bob’s taller than Eric.
6ft1 peak and 5ft11.5 now.
I saw Eric introducing an episode of ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’ in a programme I recorded last weekend called ‘Sounds of the Seventies’. I’d have loved to see the entire show in the hope of being able to compare Eric with Bob Harris. My friend and I sat in on one of Bob’s radio shows and when he stood up, he looked well over 6ft, so I’d say that Bob’s taller than Eric.
6ft1 peak and 5ft11.5 now.
Eric W Tam said on 26/Mar/22
Dude Graham was only an inch taller than you? 6'5?
Dude Graham was only an inch taller than you? 6'5?
DanDanDanDanDanDan said on 9/Dec/21
Given how generous he is with height claims, I'm surprised he didn't add at least to 2 inches to his own claim.
Given how generous he is with height claims, I'm surprised he didn't add at least to 2 inches to his own claim.
ChaosControl said on 10/Sep/21
Him calling Chapman 6’5 and Cleese 6’6 makes no sense
Him calling Chapman 6’5 and Cleese 6’6 makes no sense
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 30/May/21
Nice find Rob...seems brutally honest.
Looked 6ft1 peak but if he claims this as his peak then so be it. I'm not sure about 5ft11 flat though...he can still look over it
Nice find Rob...seems brutally honest.
Looked 6ft1 peak but if he claims this as his peak then so be it. I'm not sure about 5ft11 flat though...he can still look over it
Tall In The Saddle said on 9/May/21
I would guess a good 6’1” but then he did say 6’ 1/2” himself. Just saw a skit with Idle and Chapman and Idle wasn’t far off. If he wasn’t 6’1” it might give one cause to question Chapman’s own 6’2 3/4” to 6’3”. Cross referencing the 3 tallest Pythons, I think 6’1” is the fairest call for Idle and it’s not impossible that the 6’ 1/2” measurement was slightly inaccurate or a round down from barely under 6’1”. For mine, their comedy never gets old, probably because weird but funny never gets old either.
I would guess a good 6’1” but then he did say 6’ 1/2” himself. Just saw a skit with Idle and Chapman and Idle wasn’t far off. If he wasn’t 6’1” it might give one cause to question Chapman’s own 6’2 3/4” to 6’3”. Cross referencing the 3 tallest Pythons, I think 6’1” is the fairest call for Idle and it’s not impossible that the 6’ 1/2” measurement was slightly inaccurate or a round down from barely under 6’1”. For mine, their comedy never gets old, probably because weird but funny never gets old either.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 2/Aug/20
5ft11¾ today is possible, peak was easily 6ft1
5ft11¾ today is possible, peak was easily 6ft1
Daycringeothon said on 17/Apr/20
having followed Monty Python for a while. Idle in most of the sketches he looks more than a flat 5'11'' next to 6'4 3/4" Cleese. One that comes to mind 'And Now for Something Completely Different' the banana word sketch.
Idle appeared on a Saturday Night Live 70's episode and looked near eye level with 6'1'' Bill Murray.
Idle 5'11 3/4" at worst for his peak. Current height 5'11 1/4" at worst.
having followed Monty Python for a while. Idle in most of the sketches he looks more than a flat 5'11'' next to 6'4 3/4" Cleese. One that comes to mind 'And Now for Something Completely Different' the banana word sketch.
Idle appeared on a Saturday Night Live 70's episode and looked near eye level with 6'1'' Bill Murray.
Idle 5'11 3/4" at worst for his peak. Current height 5'11 1/4" at worst.
Miss Sandy Cowell said on 29/Mar/20
🎈🎂🎁🎊 Happy Birthday Eric! 🎊🎁🎂🎈
Wishing comedian Eric Idle a Very Happy Birthday. He turns all the sevens, 7️⃣7️⃣, today! 😂😋😄👍 I remember sneaking downstairs when I was 9,10,11 and 12 to secretly watch 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'! 🎪
Then I'd try and take off 'The Ministry of Silly Walks' in front of my classmates, but then it isn't exactly difficult to make kids that age laugh!
Peak height - 6ft1
Today's height - 6ft
🎈🎂🎁🎊🎈🎂🎁🎊🎈🎂🎁🎊🎈🎂🎁🎊
🎈🎂🎁🎊 Happy Birthday Eric! 🎊🎁🎂🎈
Wishing comedian Eric Idle a Very Happy Birthday. He turns all the sevens, 7️⃣7️⃣, today! 😂😋😄👍 I remember sneaking downstairs when I was 9,10,11 and 12 to secretly watch 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'! 🎪
Then I'd try and take off 'The Ministry of Silly Walks' in front of my classmates, but then it isn't exactly difficult to make kids that age laugh!
Peak height - 6ft1
Today's height - 6ft
🎈🎂🎁🎊🎈🎂🎁🎊🎈🎂🎁🎊🎈🎂🎁🎊
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 4/Dec/19
Decent 6ft1 range guy in the 70’s-80’s
Decent 6ft1 range guy in the 70’s-80’s
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 22/Apr/19
Easily the third tallest python after Cleese and Chapman
Easily the third tallest python after Cleese and Chapman
James Brett 172cm said on 2/Apr/19
Rob how tall do you think he looks with James Corden?
Click Here
Editor Rob
Rob how tall do you think he looks with James Corden?
Click Here
Editor RobHe's barely 6ft now, can look between 5ft 11 and 6ft there.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 11/Mar/19
Rob, which of these is possible peak?
A) 188cm/186cm
B) 187.5cm/185.5cm
C) 187cm/185cm
D) 186.5cm/184.5cm
E) 186cm/184cm
Editor Rob
Rob, which of these is possible peak?
A) 188cm/186cm
B) 187.5cm/185.5cm
C) 187cm/185cm
D) 186.5cm/184.5cm
E) 186cm/184cm
Editor RobI don't think A is possible, but B - C might be, more so than E-D range.
Jokull said on 13/Oct/18
I think Eric could be around 6 ft (182,88 cm) right now when I'm writing this comment, and a 1 inch height loss is not bad. But I don't understand why people are saying that he's 5 ft 10! :)
I think Eric could be around 6 ft (182,88 cm) right now when I'm writing this comment, and a 1 inch height loss is not bad. But I don't understand why people are saying that he's 5 ft 10! :)
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 27/Jun/18
Still looks a decent 6ft today
Still looks a decent 6ft today
Sandy Cowell said on 5/Aug/17
Eric's a wonderful comedian from one of the most original comedy groups of all time!
I used to have to creep downstairs before I reached double figures, in order to watch the Pythons, just so that I could find out what the kids with the less strict parents were allowed to see when I was supposed to be fast asleep!
With John Cleese a massive 6ft5, Eric's 'mere' 6ft1 was never going to stand out as tall though!
Recently, I saw Eric guesting on an absolutely charming programme of Billy Connelly's - about death! Never have I seen such an entertaining take on what is predominantly a subject regarded by nearly all of us as morbid, sad or both. Usually it's a bit of both.
Then along come Billy and Eric...
Theirs was the warmest look on that no-no topic that I could have ever expected to see, and I thoroughly recommend it; after all, it is something that comes to us all!
I never assumed in this lighthearted programme that I would get the opportunity of comparing the heights of the two comedians as fully as I did, but the chances were there a-plenty, as they chatted, laughed and sang amusing songs! The two guys looked much the same height really, but I must add that Billy, LOVE him as I do and rate him as my favourite comedian of all time, looked ill and drawn when this was filmed, having not long before received the news that he has cancer, so he passed for a bit shorter.
I desperately hope Billy is on the mend now. I never expected that the programme Billy invited his friend Eric Idle on would have afforded me a better glimpse at Eric's height than the Python episodes, but there you go! Life is funny, and I'm sure both friends would be the first to admit that one!
Eric's height now - 6ft
Eric back in his prime time - 6ft1!
One inch loss is not bad going!
👆 😁 👍
Eric's a wonderful comedian from one of the most original comedy groups of all time!
I used to have to creep downstairs before I reached double figures, in order to watch the Pythons, just so that I could find out what the kids with the less strict parents were allowed to see when I was supposed to be fast asleep!
With John Cleese a massive 6ft5, Eric's 'mere' 6ft1 was never going to stand out as tall though!
Recently, I saw Eric guesting on an absolutely charming programme of Billy Connelly's - about death! Never have I seen such an entertaining take on what is predominantly a subject regarded by nearly all of us as morbid, sad or both. Usually it's a bit of both.
Then along come Billy and Eric...
Theirs was the warmest look on that no-no topic that I could have ever expected to see, and I thoroughly recommend it; after all, it is something that comes to us all!
I never assumed in this lighthearted programme that I would get the opportunity of comparing the heights of the two comedians as fully as I did, but the chances were there a-plenty, as they chatted, laughed and sang amusing songs! The two guys looked much the same height really, but I must add that Billy, LOVE him as I do and rate him as my favourite comedian of all time, looked ill and drawn when this was filmed, having not long before received the news that he has cancer, so he passed for a bit shorter.
I desperately hope Billy is on the mend now. I never expected that the programme Billy invited his friend Eric Idle on would have afforded me a better glimpse at Eric's height than the Python episodes, but there you go! Life is funny, and I'm sure both friends would be the first to admit that one!
Eric's height now - 6ft
Eric back in his prime time - 6ft1!
One inch loss is not bad going!
👆 😁 👍
6ftBen said on 30/Nov/16
Seems to be standing up reasonably well to 6' Dr Brian Cox in this snap considering he is leaning his head slightly.
Click Here
Seems to be standing up reasonably well to 6' Dr Brian Cox in this snap considering he is leaning his head slightly.
Click Here
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 2/Sep/16
I think at peak he was in the same area as Harrison Ford, weak 6ft1
I think at peak he was in the same area as Harrison Ford, weak 6ft1
hambubger said on 1/Sep/16
In the German performed special, the commentator remarks that "two members are over 6 ft". Being obviously Cleese and Chapman. I believe that Idle was 6'0" or 5'11.5".
In the German performed special, the commentator remarks that "two members are over 6 ft". Being obviously Cleese and Chapman. I believe that Idle was 6'0" or 5'11.5".
Paleman said on 2/Jun/16
The 5'9"-5'11" claims for Idle are rubbish. He always stood taller than the 5'10"5-5'11" Palin.
6'0.5" seems like a good shout for his peak, a little bit shorter today.
The 5'9"-5'11" claims for Idle are rubbish. He always stood taller than the 5'10"5-5'11" Palin.
6'0.5" seems like a good shout for his peak, a little bit shorter today.
John said on 24/Feb/16
@Rampage Clover
Of course, Fallon's 5'11"-5'11.5", while ldle's a solid 6'
@Rampage Clover
Of course, Fallon's 5'11"-5'11.5", while ldle's a solid 6'
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 22/Feb/16
He looked taller than Jimmy Fallon
He looked taller than Jimmy Fallon
CDS said on 25/Feb/15
6'0"?? No way; not even in prime. I noticed his character in the late '80s mini-series, "Around the World in 80 Days" was listed at 6', and I thought that was generous. He easily looked a couple inches shorter than 6'1" Pierce Brosnan. I'll give Idle 5'11", although thought he actually looked closer to 5'10".
6'0"?? No way; not even in prime. I noticed his character in the late '80s mini-series, "Around the World in 80 Days" was listed at 6', and I thought that was generous. He easily looked a couple inches shorter than 6'1" Pierce Brosnan. I'll give Idle 5'11", although thought he actually looked closer to 5'10".
Andrew M said on 4/Oct/14
What? Are you kidding? He always looked like a wee guy to me! Still, I never saw much of the Python films or shows, just "Life of Brian". Usually I just see him sitting down for interviews; that doesn't help.
What? Are you kidding? He always looked like a wee guy to me! Still, I never saw much of the Python films or shows, just "Life of Brian". Usually I just see him sitting down for interviews; that doesn't help.
David said on 12/Sep/14
He's always looked short to me, say 5ft 9.
He's always looked short to me, say 5ft 9.
Mr.V said on 9/Sep/14
In his youth, Eric always looked a legit 6'1" to me. In the movie "Nuns on the Run" he appeared to be at least as tall as 6'1" listed Robbie Coltrane, if not a bit more:
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Graham was more likely a full 6'3".
In his youth, Eric always looked a legit 6'1" to me. In the movie "Nuns on the Run" he appeared to be at least as tall as 6'1" listed Robbie Coltrane, if not a bit more:
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Graham was more likely a full 6'3".
Sam said on 20/Aug/14
At times, he can look near 2 inches below 6'2.5" listed Graham Chapman...I do agree 6'0.5" might be a better peak listing.
Click Here
At times, he can look near 2 inches below 6'2.5" listed Graham Chapman...I do agree 6'0.5" might be a better peak listing.
Click Here
Midnight Rambler said on 16/May/14
I believe Eric was 6 ft 1/2 in; Palin 5 ft 10 in; Cleese 6 ft 5 in; Chapman 6 ft 2 1/2; Jones 5 ft 8 in and Gilliam 5 ft 8 1/2 in. Watching the Pythons together in the seventies it's quite obvious that Cleese can't be more than a couple inches taller than Chapman (at most, 2 1/2); and Eric is obviously more than one inch shorter than Chapman. So, Eric was probably 6 1/2.
I believe Eric was 6 ft 1/2 in; Palin 5 ft 10 in; Cleese 6 ft 5 in; Chapman 6 ft 2 1/2; Jones 5 ft 8 in and Gilliam 5 ft 8 1/2 in. Watching the Pythons together in the seventies it's quite obvious that Cleese can't be more than a couple inches taller than Chapman (at most, 2 1/2); and Eric is obviously more than one inch shorter than Chapman. So, Eric was probably 6 1/2.
avi said on 10/Feb/14
@Editor Rob: yeah, that could be possible, he is a guy who looks to have lost at least an inch, maybe 1.5 inch]
Next to Paul McCartney he looks a strong 5'11 I think he could still be 5'11.5
@Editor Rob: yeah, that could be possible, he is a guy who looks to have lost at least an inch, maybe 1.5 inch]
Next to Paul McCartney he looks a strong 5'11 I think he could still be 5'11.5
avi said on 30/Jan/14
@Rob
Is 6'0.5 possible for peak? He may round up to 6'1...
Editor Rob
@Rob
Is 6'0.5 possible for peak? He may round up to 6'1...
Editor Rob yeah, that could be possible, he is a guy who looks to have lost at least an inch, maybe 1.5 inch
guyfrommars said on 29/Dec/11
I'd say Chapman was almost 6'3". Never looked very much shorter than 6'5" John Cleese, and always towered over Terry Jones and Michael Palin.
I'd say Chapman was almost 6'3". Never looked very much shorter than 6'5" John Cleese, and always towered over Terry Jones and Michael Palin.
Godred said on 14/Nov/11
@Andy M - Agree although I`d say 6`1 or 6`2 for Chapman.
So -around 5`8 for Jones
around 5`9 for Gilliam
around 5`10 for Palin
around 5`11 for Idle (maybe 6ft peak)
6`1 or 6`2 for Chapman
and either 6`4 or 6`5 for Cleese.
@Andy M - Agree although I`d say 6`1 or 6`2 for Chapman.
So -around 5`8 for Jones
around 5`9 for Gilliam
around 5`10 for Palin
around 5`11 for Idle (maybe 6ft peak)
6`1 or 6`2 for Chapman
and either 6`4 or 6`5 for Cleese.
Andy M said on 30/Sep/11
I'v just seen him in Monty Python & is only slightly taller than 5'10.5 Michael Palin & way shorter than 6'3 Graham Chapman. He looks an even 5'11
I'v just seen him in Monty Python & is only slightly taller than 5'10.5 Michael Palin & way shorter than 6'3 Graham Chapman. He looks an even 5'11
glenn said on 20/Nov/08
if you were there in my shoes,maybe you would say the same.i dont speak like that anymore on this site.
if you were there in my shoes,maybe you would say the same.i dont speak like that anymore on this site.
Anonymous said on 19/Nov/08
Glenn, why are you calling him a jerkoff? Aren
Glenn, why are you calling him a jerkoff? Aren
Darkfalz said on 29/Oct/08
Cleese 6'4"
Chapman 6'2.5"
Idle 5'11"
Cleese 6'4"
Chapman 6'2.5"
Idle 5'11"
PW said on 13/Jul/08
Cleese 6-5
Chapman 6-3 1/2
Idle 5-11
Cleese 6-5
Chapman 6-3 1/2
Idle 5-11
Darkfalz said on 12/Feb/08
5'11" tops. In "Fillander Zircus" or whatever it was, one of the commentators mention that two of the troupe are over 6 feet - obviously this is Chapman and Cleese. Idle has looked barely taller than 5'8" Chaplin.
5'11" tops. In "Fillander Zircus" or whatever it was, one of the commentators mention that two of the troupe are over 6 feet - obviously this is Chapman and Cleese. Idle has looked barely taller than 5'8" Chaplin.
AshnarLynx said on 23/Dec/07
He looked an inch shorter at least than Brooke Shields in that horrible show of hers. She is 6 feet and wears lifts probably, so he must be either 5'11 or 6 feet.
He looked an inch shorter at least than Brooke Shields in that horrible show of hers. She is 6 feet and wears lifts probably, so he must be either 5'11 or 6 feet.
Sara said on 23/Oct/07
In an episode of Do Not Adjust Your Set (A pre-Python tv show), Eric Idle is introduced as being 6'1"
In an episode of Do Not Adjust Your Set (A pre-Python tv show), Eric Idle is introduced as being 6'1"
lrua said on 5/Jun/07
Eric Idle is a 5'11" type guy, he was never 6'1" .
Eric Idle is a 5'11" type guy, he was never 6'1" .
betty said on 24/Apr/07
the 'married sketch has them all lined up with cleese , then chapman and idle and palin in the middle and jones at the end. jones and palin looked similar height. and chapman and idle looked around the same height as well. Cleese is just a tall guy!
he's arond 6'1
the 'married sketch has them all lined up with cleese , then chapman and idle and palin in the middle and jones at the end. jones and palin looked similar height. and chapman and idle looked around the same height as well. Cleese is just a tall guy!
he's arond 6'1
bernar said on 11/Oct/06
Eric Idle is no more than 1 inch taller than Micheal Palin. In Monty Python
Self-defense Against Fresh Fruit scetch Episode 4 they were bare feet and were standing close to each other. watch this episode and tell me that i'm wrong.
Eric Idle is no more than 1 inch taller than Micheal Palin. In Monty Python
Self-defense Against Fresh Fruit scetch Episode 4 they were bare feet and were standing close to each other. watch this episode and tell me that i'm wrong.
Anonymous said on 8/Mar/06
jerkoff? Glenn, are you referring to Eric Idle?
Editor Rob
jerkoff? Glenn, are you referring to Eric Idle?
Editor Rob I think he is...
Glenn said on 5/Mar/06
Jerkoff.and 5-11.
Jerkoff.and 5-11.
Noname said on 1/Mar/06
5'11 and a half(182 cm) maybe but I still think he is 5'11' flat.
5'11 and a half(182 cm) maybe but I still think he is 5'11' flat.
Chris said on 28/Feb/06
I would say 182 cm
I would say 182 cm
No Way said on 27/Feb/06
HA HA HA He is not 6'0.5", about 5'10 or 5'11. I've seen him with Michael Palin who is 5'10" and he looked about an inch taller than him. I'd say he is 5'11.
HA HA HA He is not 6'0.5", about 5'10 or 5'11. I've seen him with Michael Palin who is 5'10" and he looked about an inch taller than him. I'd say he is 5'11.
Mikex said on 26/Feb/06
Always looked quite tall, although short compared to Chapman and Cleese in the Pythons 6'4'' and 6'5'' repsectively.
Always looked quite tall, although short compared to Chapman and Cleese in the Pythons 6'4'' and 6'5'' repsectively.
Heights are barefeet estimates, derived from quotations, official websites, agency resumes, in person encounters with actors at conventions and pictures/films.
Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media.
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