Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Sir Michael Palin's Adventure Continues: Overcoming Fear and Preserving Memories

Michael Palin, 81, has revealed he's yet to let go of his beloved late wife Helen's belongings, because it feels 'strange to de-clutter her from his life', two years after her death

The Unstoppable Sir Michael Palin: Still Traveling, Still Thriving at 82

In a world where many of us are content to lounge on our sofas and binge-watch TV shows, one man is still pushing the boundaries of adventure and exploration. Meet Sir Michael Palin, the intrepid travel documentarian who has just turned 82 and shows no signs of slowing down.

Fresh from his latest escapade in Venezuela, where he braved raging waterfalls, encountered gun-wielding officials, and even had to contend with military intelligence snooping on his underpants (yes, really!), Sir Michael sat down with us to chat about his latest exploits. And let's just say it was a conversation that was as entertaining as it was enlightening.

Helen (pictured with Michael in 1986) died in May 2023 after two years of struggling with kidney failure. The couple had been married for 57 years

As he picked his way barefoot behind the thunderous El Hacha waterfall in Venezuela, Sir Michael couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration and pride. "I'm 81! I shouldn't be here!" he exclaimed to the camera. "But then again, who needs health and safety regulations when you're making TV?"

It's this fearless attitude that has made Sir Michael one of the most beloved and respected travel documentarians in the business. And it's not just his adventurous spirit that sets him apart – it's also his unwavering dedication to his craft.

"I feel very lucky to be able to go off piste, away from health and safety regulations," he told us. "There are no handrails in Venezuela. It's a dark, strong, weird, wonderful, noisy place. And that's what I love about traveling – it tests you both physically and mentally."

Helen had been ill for several years and Michael says 'for a couple of years I was really a carer' (pictured in 2015)

Of course, Sir Michael's latest trip to Venezuela wasn't without its challenges. He and his team were arrested by gun-wielding officials while trying to film at the site of a statue of former president Hugo Chavez. But even in the face of adversity, Sir Michael remained his usual unflappable self.

"They took all of our equipment," he chuckled. "Actually, not just the equipment. Anything that was in a bag was photographed by military intelligence, right down to our dirty laundry. I mean, what military intelligence would get out of my underpants, I really don't know."

As we spoke with Sir Michael, it became clear that his passion for travel and exploration is not just about the thrill of adventure – it's also about the people he meets along the way.

Helen always shooed Michael away on his adventures, and he returned to work after her death 'because she would have told me to' (pictured with their three children in 1980)

"I've been to some of the most inhospitable places on earth," he said. "But what I love about traveling is that you get to meet the locals, learn about their cultures, and experience things that most people will never get to see."

And then there's the matter of his age. At 82, Sir Michael is still going strong – but he acknowledges that it's not always easy.

"When you're at a certain stage in life where people give up their seats on the Underground for you," he said wryly, "then you do have to be a bit careful about what you put your body through."

Sir Michael has travelled to Venezuela, a daring location for any traveller, for a new Channel 5 series, which airs later this month

But despite his advanced years, Sir Michael shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he's more energetic and enthusiastic than ever.

"I'm not just talking about traveling – I'm talking about life," he said. "When you're 80-something, people start to think you should be sitting in a rocking chair, knitting sweaters for the grandkids. But I'm not ready for that yet."

And it's clear why: Sir Michael has a new lease on life after the loss of his beloved wife Helen just two years ago.

He's made an art of making compelling TV from difficult places, but this trip saw Sir Michael and his team get apprehended by gun-wielding officials

"I was really a carer for her for several years," he said. "But even in the face of adversity, she always had this amazing ability to make me laugh. She'd shoo me off on my adventures and say, 'Go away, Michael! Leave me alone!'"

Helen's passing has clearly left its mark on Sir Michael – but it's also given him a new perspective on life.

"What is the alternative? Sit at home?" he asked rhetorically. "No way. I have to keep moving forward."

Michael added that at one point he spotted guards 'Googling' him (pictured with Monty Python co-stars Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and John Cleese)

And that's exactly what he's doing with his latest documentary series, which takes viewers on a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Venezuela.

"I think it's one of the most beautiful countries in South America," Sir Michael said. "But it's also one of the most challenging – and I mean that in every sense of the word."

The series is set to air later this month, and fans of Sir Michael are already salivating at the prospect of his next adventure.

Sitting on a lounger by the Canaima lagoon, he surveys the stunning vista before him and says he could retire here. 'It gave me a glimpse of what another life could be,' he says

So what's next for this fearless travel documentarian? Well, according to him, it's all about keeping up the pace.

"You're only as good as your last programme," he said with a grin. "And I'm not ready to retire just yet."

In fact, Sir Michael has already begun planning his next trip – and we can't wait to see where it takes him.

"I've got a whole list of places I want to visit," he said, eyes twinkling with excitement. "I want to go back to North Korea, maybe do some more exploring in Africa... the world is still an amazing place, and I feel so lucky to be able to experience it."

So here's to Sir Michael Palin: still traveling, still thriving at 82 – and inspiring us all to get out there and make our own mark on the world.

Michael Palin In Venezuela airs later this month on Channel 5. The accompanying book, also titled Michael Palin In Venezuela, is published on September 25 by Hutchinson Heinemann.