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The "Monty Python's Flying Circus" troupe -- John Cleese (from left), Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin and Eric Idle -- did far more than simply star in an influential TV series and a handful of movies. Here's what the members achieved outside of their Python careers.

John Cleese, now 74, created and starred in the immortal TV show "Fawlty Towers" in the 1970s and co-founded Video Arts, a company that makes training films. Younger viewers may know him best for his roles in the "Shrek" films (as King Harold), a pair of James Bond films (as Q) and the Harry Potter series (as Nearly Headless Nick). His most recent film role was in "Planes."

Terry Gilliam, who turns 73 on Friday, became a noted film director, best known for "Brazil" (1985), "The Fisher King" (1991) and "Twelve Monkeys" (1995). J.K. Rowling wanted him to direct the first Harry Potter film, but the studio didn't want the famously independent Gilliam. His latest film, "The Zero Theorem," is due for U.S. release on December 20.

Terry Jones, 71, has created TV shows about the Middle Ages, an era on which he's an expert. (He's written two books about Geoffrey Chaucer.) He's also written several children's books and was a regular contributor to UK newspapers during the Iraq war, which he opposed. With songwriter Jim Steinman, he's been working on a rock version of "The Nutcracker."

Michael Palin, 70, has probably spent as much time traveling in the past 25 years as he has acting. Among his projects: "Pole to Pole," "Full Circle" and "Michael Palin's New Europe." His most recent venture was "Brazil with Michael Palin," which came out last year.

Eric Idle, 70, has probably done the most to maintain the Python tradition. He engaged in "The Greedy Bastard Tour" in 2003, which included performances of Python material, and turned "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" into "Spamalot," which won the Tony for best musical in 2005. He also helped create the Rutles, perhaps the sharpest Beatles parody. Last year, he sang his song "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" at the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.

Graham Chapman died in 1989. Before he died, however, he performed material at several colleges and appeared in an Iron Maiden video. Since his death, at least one of his plays, "O Happy Day," has been performed. The Pythons haven't forgotten their colleague: They did a wonderfully uncomfortable routine with Chapman's "ashes" at the Aspen Comedy Festival in 1998, and in 2012, all the Pythons except Idle lent their voices to a film based on Chapman's memoirs.

(CNN) -- Fans are thrilled with the return of "Monty Python's Flying Circus," and we can show you why.

The five surviving members of the group have announced that they will do their first live show since 1980. The cult classic comedy is known for their lines that are oft repeated by devotees.

Monty Python returns, promising 'comedy, music, ancient sex'

There has been some chatter about whether their comedy will fly in this day and age. After all, it's been years since the sketch comedy television show, "Monty Python's Flying Circus," first premiered in the United Kingdom.

Will Monty Python's humor fly in 2013?

But their fan base is solid and has faithfully followed their sketches and movies. Here are some of the bits that earned the British troupe much acclaim.

Of course we must begin with a little bit of spam:

They also taught us about "The Meaning of Life" and why "every sperm is sacred":

Gross as this is, it's still hilarious. No seriously, this is really, really gross so you have been warned:

And we must include "Flying Lesson":

What are some of your favorite Monty Python movies and sketches?