Ian MacNaughton: Director of Monty Python's Flying Circus Dies at 76

Ian MacNaughton was a Scottish television director who directed nearly all of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Born on December 30, 1925, in Glasgow, he began as an actor, appearing uncredited in Lawrence of Arabia.

Working for the BBC, he directed Dr. Finlay's Casebook and Spike Milligan's Q series, which led the Pythons to hire him. He directed the film And Now for Something Completely Different (1971) and shared a 1973 BAFTA for the show. He also directed the German Python specials.

From the late 1970s he lived in Munich, directing opera, musicals and plays. He was married to Rita Davies and then to Ike Ott. He died on December 10, 2002, at age 76, from injuries in a car accident in 2001.

Achievements: Directed Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974), BAFTA Award (1973).

Birth: December 30, 1925 - Glasgow, Scotland.

Profession: Television director.

Interesting Facts: His first wife, Rita Davies, often guest-starred on the show.