Monty Python's Terry Gilliam has not died (but if he did, it was Variety's fault)

On Tuesday afternoon, Terry Gilliam tweeted that his 75th birthday was 75 days away. As "an early present," he suggested that everybody check out his forthcoming book, "Gilliamesque."

Hours later, Gilliam was dead.

Or so reported Variety, noting: "Monty Python's Terry Gilliam, Director of 'Brazil,' Dies at XXX."

But the director/comedian/screenwriter/author/former American hadn't actually died. Variety accidentally and prematurely published his obituary, which was quickly pulled from the trade publication's website. Variety tweeted:

"CORRECTION: Variety incorrectly published an article stating that director Terry Gilliam passed away. We're deeply sorry for the mistake."

Gilliam responded with humor, of course.

"I APOLOGIZE FOR BEING DEAD especially to those who have already bought tickets to the upcoming talks," he wrote on Facebook. Of Variety, he wrote, "Don't believe their retraction and apology!"

The post included a familiar photo of Gilliam lying in repose. Next to him was a woman holding a sign blaming his rapid aging on bad reviews from Variety.

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