Dead Parrot

The "Dead Parrot" sketch (alternatively and originally known as Pet Shop or Parrot Sketch) is a popular sketch from Monty Python's Flying Circus. It portrays a confrontation between disgruntled customer Mr. Eric Praline (played by John Cleese), and a shopkeeper (Michael Palin), who hold contradictory positions on the vital state of a Norwegian Blue parrot. The skit pokes fun at the many euphemisms for death used in English culture. The sketch aired in the eighth episode of the television series.

The "Dead Parrot" in Popular Culture

At Graham Chapman's memorial service, Cleese began his eulogy by stating that Graham Chapman was no more, that he had ceased to be, that he had expired and gone on to meet his maker, and so on. The congregation was somewhat scandalized, but Cleese justified his eulogy by claiming that Chapman would never have forgiven him if he had not delivered it exactly as he did.

Related Topics:
Graham Chapman - Eulogy

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The same lines from the skit are frequently used to describe anything which the speaker wishes to describe as defunct or no longer viable. The name "Dead Parrot" is also sometimes used, and specifically applies to a controversial joint policy document which the Liberal Party and Social Democrats issued in 1988 in the process of their merger into the Liberal Democratic Party.

Related Topics:
Liberal Party - Social Democrats - Liberal Democratic Party

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When Michael Palin and John Cleese made surprise appearances on Saturday Night Live, they recreated the Parrot sketch.

Related Topics:
Michael Palin - John Cleese - Saturday Night Live

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The Parrot sketch was parodied in a short South Park skit created specially for the BBC's Python Night. Cartman tries to explain to Kyle that Kenny is dead, borrowing nearly all of the dialogue from the Parrot sketch.

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In addition, in the 2000s a toy Norwegian Blue, complete with nails, was released on the market.

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