John Cleese , born on October 27, 1939, is a British comic actor celebrated for his work with the comedy group Monty Python and as the co-writer and star of Fawlty Towers . Before his iconic television roles, Cleese honed his comedy skills at Clifton College and the Footlights Club at the University of Cambridge, which led to writing for BBC radio. In the 1960s, he contributed to David Frost's television programs, where he developed his signature comedic style of delivering absurd content with a normal demeanor. Cleese has also appeared in numerous movies, including Time Bandits and A Fish Called Wanda , and lent his voice to films like the Shrek series.

Where is John Cleese from?

John Cleese was born in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England, United Kingdom. He is a British comic actor known for his work as a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python and as the co-writer and star of the sitcom Fawlty Towers . Cleese began writing and performing in comedy revues at Clifton College in Bristol, England, and was a member of the Footlights Club while a law student at the University of Cambridge.

What are some famous TV shows or movies John Cleese has acted in?

John Cleese is a British comic actor celebrated for his deadpan delivery of absurd comedy. He is best known for his work with the comedy troupe Monty Python and as the star and co-writer of the sitcom Fawlty Towers . Cleese's notable works include: * Monty Python's Flying Circus * Monty Python and the Holy Grail * Life of Brian * Fawlty Towers * A Fish Called Wanda He has also appeared in films such as Time Bandits , Silverado , and several James Bond and Harry Potter movies. Additionally, Cleese has done voice work for Shrek and Charlotte's Web .

What comedy group is John Cleese a founding member of?

John Cleese is a founding member of the British comedy group Monty Python . Cleese, along with Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam, created Monty Python’s Flying Circus in 1969. Before Monty Python, Cleese was a member of the Footlights Club while studying law at Cambridge University. Later, he worked as a writer and performer on David Frost’s television programs.

How did John Cleese influence British comedy?

John Cleese significantly impacted British comedy through his work on Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers . His comedy style, developed in the 1960s on shows like The Frost Report , involved acting normal while doing absurd things. As a member of Monty Python, Cleese contributed to a surreal mix of verbal and physical comedy, which gained popularity in England and the United States. With his writing partner Graham Chapman, Cleese experimented with the rules of comedy on At Last the 1948 Show . In Fawlty Towers , Cleese portrayed Basil Fawlty, a rude hotel manager on the verge of a breakdown, showcasing his talent for slow-burn comedic art.

What other jobs has John Cleese had besides acting?

Besides acting, John Cleese has had a diverse career. Before his work with Monty Python , he wrote for BBC radio and David Frost's television programs, such as That Was the Week That Was , The Frost Report , and At Last the 1948 Show . Cleese is also an author, having co-written self-help books and a memoir. Additionally, he produced corporate training films and held positions at Cornell University as A.D. White Professor-at-Large and a provost’s visiting professor.

John Cleese

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John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, and Terry Jones of Monty Python stand on a beach in suits and glasses, each holding a microphone, imitating Alan Whicker.

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In full:: John Marwood Cleese

Born:: October 27, 1939, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England (age 87)

Married To:: Barbara Trentham (1981–1990); Jennifer Wade (2012–present); Connie Booth (1968–1978); Alyce Faye Eichelberger (1992–2008)

Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In):: "So You Want to Be a Success at Selling?" (1984); "The Big Year" (2011); "Hold the Sunset" (2018–2019); "Look at the State We're In!" (1995); "Shrek 2" (2004); "Igor" (2008); "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" (2003); "George of the Jungle" (1997); "Monty Python Live (Mostly)" (2014); "Entourage" (2010); "Scorched" (2003); "An American Tail: Fievel Goes West" (1991); "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002); "The Great Muppet Caper" (1981); "Over the Garden Wall" (2014); "The Avengers" (1968); "Ripping Yarns" (1979); "Silverado" (1985); "Planet 51" (2009); "The Jungle Book" (1994); "The Adventures of Pluto Nash" (2002); "Spud" (2010); "Planes" (2013); "Golf Etiquette" (1973); "Cheers" (1987); "Absolutely Anything" (2015); "Spud 3: Learning to Fly" (2014); "Whitney" (2012–2013); "The Magic Pudding" (2000); "Around the World in 80 Days" (2004); "The Love Ban" (1973); "Life of Brian" (1979); "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (2008); "Clockwise" (1986); "Erik the Viking" (1989); "Man About Town" (2006); "The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom" (1968); "Die Another Day" (2002); "The Statue" (1971); "Doctor Who" (1979); "A Fish Called Wanda" (1988); "Shrek the Third" (2007); "The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer" (1970); "Comedy Playhouse" (1973); "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (1975); "The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It" (1977); "L'entente cordiale" (2006); "Interlude" (1968); "Casper & Mandrilaftalen" (1999); "Monty Python's Flying Circus" (1969–1973); "Isn't She Great" (2000); "The Pink Panther 2" (2009); "Shrek Forever After" (2010); "Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl" (1982); "The Out-of-Towners" (1999); "Managing Problem People. Behavioral skills for leaders" (1988); "Time Bandits" (1981); "Privates on Parade" (1983); "At Last the 1948 Show" (1967); "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1998–2001); "The Frost Report" (1966–1967); "Rat Race" (2001); "Trolls" (2016); "Misleading Cases" (1971); "Yellowbeard" (1983); "A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman" (2012); "Get Squirrely" (2015); "Speechless" (2018); "The Swan Princess" (1994); "Three Piece Suite" (1977); "Charlotte's Web" (2006); "A Christmas Night with the Stars" (1969); "And Now for Something Completely Different" (1971); "The Goodies" (1973); "The Big Picture" (1989); "The Wind in the Willows" (1996); "Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central)" (2002); "Arctic Dogs" (2019); "Fierce Creatures" (1997); "The World Is Not Enough" (1999); "The Meaning of Life" (1983); "Splitting Heirs" (1993); "Elliot the Littlest Reindeer" (2018); "The Naked Wanderer" (2019); "Parting Shots" (1998); "Bullseye!" (1990); "The Magic Christian" (1969); "Fawlty Towers" (1975–1979); "Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus" (1972); "Frankenstein" (1994); "Whoops Apocalypse" (1982); "Winnie the Pooh" (2011); "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001); "Last of the Summer Wine" (1993); "O Theos agapaei to haviari" (2012); "Complete Guide to Guys" (2005); "House of Mouse" (2002); "Albion: The Enchanted Stallion" (2016); "Valiant" (2005); "Pinocchio" (2002); "Charming" (2018); "Spud 2: The Madness Continues" (2013)

Movies/Tv Shows (Writing/Creator):: "Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus" (1972); "The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer" (1970); "The Meaning of Life" (1983); "That Was the Week That Was" (1962–1963); "The Croods" (2013); "The Human Face" (2001); "Doctor in the House" (1969); "Casper & Mandrilaftalen" (1999); "The Frost Report" (1966–1967); "Rentadick" (1972); "At Last the 1948 Show" (1967); "Marty" (1968–1969); "Bombardemagnus" (1985); "Life of Brian" (1979); "And Now for Something Completely Different" (1971); "Monty Python Live (Mostly)" (2014); "A Fish Called Wanda" (1988); "Fawlty Towers" (1975–1979); "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (1975); "The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It" (1977); "Doctor at Large" (1971); "Broaden Your Mind" (1968); "Look at the State We're In!" (1995); "ABC Stage 67" (1967); "BBC Show of the Week" (1968); "Eric Idle: Exploits Monty Python" (2002); "A Christmas Night with the Stars" (1969); "The Two Ronnies" (1971–1976); "The Muppet Show" (1977); "Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl" (1982); "Fierce Creatures" (1997); "David Frost Presents" (1969); "Just for Laughs" (2009); "The Magic Christian" (1969); "Six Dates with Barker" (1971); "Monty Python's Flying Circus" (1969–1974)

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John Cleese

British actor

Also known as: John Marwood Cleese

Written and fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Oct. 23, 2026 •History

Top Questions

Who is John Cleese?
John Cleese, born on October 27, 1939, is a British comic actor celebrated for his work with the comedy group Monty Python and as the co-writer and star of Fawlty Towers.

Before his iconic television roles, Cleese honed his comedy skills at Clifton College and the Footlights Club at the University of Cambridge, which led to writing for BBC radio. In the 1960s, he contributed to David Frost's television programs, where he developed his signature comedic style of delivering absurd content with a normal demeanor.

Cleese has also appeared in numerous movies, including Time Bandits and A Fish Called Wanda, and lent his voice to films like the Shrek series.
2 Britannica Sources
1. John Cleese: Facts & Related Content
2. John Cleese
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Where is John Cleese from?
John Cleese was born in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England, United Kingdom. He is a British comic actor known for his work as a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python and as the co-writer and star of the sitcom Fawlty Towers. Cleese began writing and performing in comedy revues at Clifton College in Bristol, England, and was a member of the Footlights Club while a law student at the University of Cambridge.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What are some famous TV shows or movies John Cleese has acted in?
John Cleese is a British comic actor celebrated for his deadpan delivery of absurd comedy. He is best known for his work with the comedy troupe Monty Python and as the star and co-writer of the sitcom Fawlty Towers.

Cleese's notable works include:
* Monty Python's Flying Circus
* Monty Python and the Holy Grail
* Life of Brian
* Fawlty Towers
* A Fish Called Wanda

He has also appeared in films such as Time Bandits, Silverado, and several James Bond and Harry Potter movies. Additionally, Cleese has done voice work for Shrek and Charlotte's Web.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What comedy group is John Cleese a founding member of?
John Cleese is a founding member of the British comedy group Monty Python. Cleese, along with Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam, created Monty Python’s Flying Circus in 1969.

Before Monty Python, Cleese was a member of the Footlights Club while studying law at Cambridge University. Later, he worked as a writer and performer on David Frost’s television programs.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How did John Cleese influence British comedy?
John Cleese significantly impacted British comedy through his work on Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers. His comedy style, developed in the 1960s on shows like The Frost Report, involved acting normal while doing absurd things.

As a member of Monty Python, Cleese contributed to a surreal mix of verbal and physical comedy, which gained popularity in England and the United States. With his writing partner Graham Chapman, Cleese experimented with the rules of comedy on At Last the 1948 Show. In Fawlty Towers, Cleese portrayed Basil Fawlty, a rude hotel manager on the verge of a breakdown, showcasing his talent for slow-burn comedic art.
2 Britannica Sources
1. John Cleese
2. Monty Python: The inception of Monty Python
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What other jobs has John Cleese had besides acting?
Besides acting, John Cleese has had a diverse career. Before his work with Monty Python, he wrote for BBC radio and David Frost's television programs, such as That Was the Week That Was, The Frost Report, and At Last the 1948 Show.

Cleese is also an author, having co-written self-help books and a memoir. Additionally, he produced corporate training films and held positions at Cornell University as A.D. White Professor-at-Large and a provost’s visiting professor.
1 Britannica Source
1. John Cleese
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

John Cleese (born October 27, 1939, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England) is a British comic actor best known for his television work as a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python and as the cowriter and star of the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers (1975 and 1979).

Cleese began writing and performing in comedy revues at Clifton College in Bristol, England, and was a member of the renowned Footlights Club while a law student at the University of Cambridge. The 1963 Footlights revue, A Clump of Plinths, toured parts of the world as Cambridge Circus and landed Cleese a writing job for BBC radio.

In the 1960s Cleese worked as a writer and performer on David Frost’s television programs That Was the Week That Was (1963), The Frost Report (1966), and At Last the 1948 Show (1967). On these shows Cleese developed a comic style of looking absolutely normal—“like an accountant,” as one critic described him—while doing and saying the most absurd things. Cleese’s success on the Frost shows led to a small role in Interlude (1968), his first film appearance.

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In 1969 Cleese, along with writing partner Graham Chapman, American animator Terry Gilliam, writer-performer Eric Idle, and former Frost writers Terry Jones and Michael Palin, created Monty Python’s Flying Circus for television. A surrealistic mix of verbal and physical comedy sketches linked by bizarre animation, the show had some popularity in England; when the episodes were broadcast on American public television a few years later, Monty Python became a phenomenon. Although Cleese did not appear in the fourth and final season of the show, he remained with the group for recordings, stage shows, and several movies, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian (1979), and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983).

Cleese’s next television venture was Fawlty Towers, considered by many to be one of the funniest and best-written situation comedies ever produced. Portraying Basil Fawlty, a rude hotel manager always on the brink of nervous collapse, Cleese turned the slow burn into high comic art. He and his then wife, Connie Booth, wrote each of the six episodes that aired in 1975, as well as an additional six that were broadcast in 1979. Fawlty Towers was hugely popular in the United Kingdom, and it became a cult favorite in the United States.

One of the most recognized and popular comic performers in England and the United States, Cleese won character parts in numerous movies, including Time Bandits (1981), Silverado (1985), The Out-of-Towners (1999), Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003), and The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008). He had leading roles in several comedies, such as Privates on Parade (1982); Clockwise (1986); A Fish Called Wanda (1988), perhaps his best-known film; and The Naked Wanderer (2019). In 1999 he first appeared in the recurring roles of R the gadget master and Nick the Nearly Headless Ghost in the James Bond and Harry Potter film series, respectively. He also did voice work in numerous films, including the Shrek series (Shrek 2 [2004], Shrek the Third [2007], and Shrek Forever After [2010]) as well as Charlotte’s Web (2006), Trolls (2016), Elliot the Littlest Reindeer (2018), and Arctic Dogs (2019).

Cleese was the coauthor of the self-help books Families and How to Survive Them (1983) and Life and How to Survive It (1992). His memoir, So, Anyway…, was published in 2014. He also produced a series of corporate training films. In addition, Cleese became affiliated with Cornell University in 1999, serving as A.D. White Professor-at-Large and later as a provost’s visiting professor. His various events at the school covered wide-ranging topics and formed the basis of the book Professor at Large: The Cornell Years (2018).

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