Born Nov. 22, 1940, in Minneapolis, Terry Gilliam gained fame as the only American member of the off-kilter British comedy troupe Monty Python. Working as a writer, animator and in front of the camera, Gilliam turned his attention to directing with the group's first feature, Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975).

Gilliam's initial solo directing effort came in 1977 with Jabberwocky, which starred Michael Palin and offered glimpses of the brilliantly imaginative visual style that would become Gilliam's trademark. In 1985, he helmed what many regard as his masterwork, the dystopian satire Brazil, which received a Los Angeles Film Critics award for Best Film.

More dazzlingly original movies would follow for Gilliam in the '80s and '90s, including The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Monkeys (starring Bruce Willis) and the drug-fueled, surreal Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.