Coronavirus: Sign outside Michigan home encourages Monty Python-like ‘silly walks’

John Cleese immortalized "silly walks" whie part of the Monty Python comedy troupe. A Michigan family borrowed his concept to bring smiles to their neighbors' faces. (Mark Elias/Associated Press)

Credit: Mark Elias/Associated Press

Credit: Mark Elias/Associated Press

John Cleese immortalized "silly walks" whie part of the Monty Python comedy troupe. A Michigan family borrowed his concept to bring smiles to their neighbors' faces. (Mark Elias/Associated Press)

The coronavirus pandemic is serious business, but people are trying to find ways to laugh and keep a sense of humor.

A request inspired by the iconic 1970s “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” series is a good way to get some laughs.

A Michigan family put up a sign in front of their home, telling residents it is mandatory to create a "silly walk" when passing by the residence, WXYZ-TV reported. That is a nod to the sketch where John Cleese performs ridiculous gyrations as the head of the Ministry of Silly Walks.

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I’m pretty sure these two just won the lotto.

A post shared by Yorkshire Silly Walks (@yorkshire.silly.walks) on

Liz Kato, of Grosse Pointe Park, said the reactions from passersby have been “uplifting.”

"Wherever they go during this (Monty Python) skit, they walk in very silly ways," Koto told WXYZ.

Koto said she uses video from her doorbell camera and posts the silly walks on Instagram.

"The reactions have been so uplifting, so joyful and so happy," Koto told WXYZ.

When one couple passing by the home on Yorkshire Road posted their silly walk on Facebook, it went viral -- and attracted more people to the Michigan home to do the same.

“A couple came by and posted a photo onto her Facebook page and it went bonkers," Koto said.

Scott and Kara Shall walked by and posted a photo, with humorous results. Their reaction is similar to most of the people who have seen the sign.

"Dance like no one is watching," Kara Shell told WXYZ. "I think silly walk like no one is watching, even though they are and they are going to post it on Instagram."

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