John Cleese

Actor | Writer | Producer

John Cleese was born on October 27, 1939, in Weston-Super-Mare, England, to Muriel Evelyn (Cross) ...

Born: October 27, 1939

Photos

Filmography

Known For

A Fish Called Wanda Archie (1988)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail Second Swallow-Savvy Guard / The Black Knight / Peasant 3 / Sir Launcelot the Brave / Taunting French Guard / Tim the Enchanter (1975)
Monty Python's Flying Circus Announcer / Various / The Announcer / Voice Over #1 / Interviewer / Voiceover #1 / Chartered Accountant / Doctor / General / Mr. Eric Praline / Officer / Peter / Sergeant / Stockbroker / Viking / Voice Over / 'Ethel the Frog' Presenter / 'How Not to Be Seen' Narrator / 'Life and Death Struggles' Narrator / 'Mosquito Hunters' Narrator / 'Penguins' Presenter / A Scottsman on a Horse / A Scottsman on a horse / A man in the street / A.J.P. Taylor / Advertising Boss / Alan / Alan Whicker #5 / Albatross Seller / American Commentator / American Voice / Anne Elk / Armless Padre / Arthur Briggs' Bedmate / Arthur Figgis / Attila the Hun / Auctioneer / BBC Man / Beryl / Board Member / Brian Equator / Brian Trubshawe / Brigadier / Brigadier Arthur Gormanstrop (Mrs.) / Brigadier Sir Charles Arthur Strong (Mrs.) / Bruce Beer / Bus Hijacker / Captain / Captain R. H. Pretty / City Gent / Colonel Type / Counsel / Cricketer / Customer / David / Defence / Dennis Moore / Derek Hart / Doris / Douglas / Dr. E. Henry Thripshaw / Dr. Larch / Driver / East Midlands Poet Board Sales Manager / Eric Praline / Fifth Doctor / Fifth Groupie / Fifth Sailor / First 'Probe-Around' Host / First Businessman / First City Idiot / First Doctor / First Explorer / First Frenchman / First Interviewer / First Officer / First Producer / First Radio Voice / First Sergeant / First Superman / Flight Lieutenant Ken Frankenstein (Mrs.) / Fourth Bruce / Fourth City Gent / Fourth Knight / Fourth Man / Fourth Old Idiot / Fourth Writer / Frankenstein's Monster / Game Show Presenter / Gavin Millarrrrrrrrrr / General #2 / Gladys / Gloria / Gumby / Gumby #2 / Gumby Specialist / Gumby Standing on Water / Head of Drama / Highlander / Hungarian Citizen / Inspector / Inspector Leopard / Inspector Praline / Inspector Tiger / Interviewer #2 / Interviewer for It's the Arts / Ivan the Terrible / Jack / James McNeill Whistler / James McRettin / Janet / Jim / Jimmy Buzzard / Joke Victim / Ken Clean-Air Systems / Ken Dove / Kevin O'Nassis / Linkman / Lionel / Lord Kinwoodie / Ludwig van Beethoven / M. Brun / Man at Desk / Man from Curry's / Man with Dung / Man with Enormous Ears / Man with Flying Contraption / Man with Rustic Monologue / Mariolini / Member of the Mounties Choir / Mervyn Little / Michael Miles / Mr. A / Mr. Barnard / Mr. Bartlett / Mr. Bones / Mr. Cutler / Mr. Feldman / Mr. Glans / Mr. Hilter (Adolf Hitler) / Mr. Livingstone / Mr. Mousebender / Mr. Robinson / Mr. Samson / Mr. Sm / Mr. Teabags, the Minister of Silly Walks / Mr. Wang / Mr. Wiggin / Mr. Zorba / Mrs. Dreary Fat Boring Old Git / Mrs. Premise / Mungo the Cook / Naughty Bishop / Naughty Chemist / Nazi / Newsreader / Nurse / Old Gramophone / PA Announcer / Pearson / Pepperpot #2 / Pepperpot #4 / Pier Paolo Pasolini / Police Chief / Policeman / Policeman at Ouija Board / Politician / Priest / Professor Enid Gumby / Professor Sir Adrian Furrows / Professor Tiddles / Prosecuting Counsel / RSM Teaching Self-Defense / Referee / Robber / Roger Last / Roger Thompson / Sam Trench / Second Airline Pilot / Second Major / Second Man / Second Pepperpot / Second Pilot / Second Policeman / Second Presenter / Second Reader / Second Ypres Voice Over / Secret Policeman Bag / Shouting man with handkerchief on his head / Silly Job Interviewer / Silly Walker / Sir George Head / Sir Robert Eversley / Sir Vincent 'Kill the Chaps' Foster / Southerner / Spanish Lecturer / St. John Limbo / Stapleton the Bookseller / Store Manager / The Minister For Overseas Development / Theatre Critic for the 'Western Daily News' / Third Gas Man / Third Officer / Third Robert / Third Young Man / Tick / Upperclass Twit / Upperclass Twit of the Year Commentator / Various Roles / Vicar / Vocational Guidance Counsellor / Voice Over #3 / Voice of Block / Voiceover / Voiceover #2 / Vox pop interviewer / Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Woman who is offered a burglary (1969-1974)
Known For

The Meaning of Life Fish #2 / Dr. Spencer / Humphrey Williams / Sturridge / Ainsworth / Waiter / Eric's Assistant / Maître D' / Grim Reaper (1983)
Actor

Clifford the Big Red Dog Bridwell (2021)
Father Christmas Is Back John Christmas (2021)
The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee John (2020)
Arctic Dogs Otto Von Walrus (2019)
Hold the Sunset Phil (2018-2019)
Crazy About You Brian King (2019)
Elliot the Littlest Reindeer Donner (2018)
Speechless Martin (2018)
Charming Fairy Godmother / Executioner (2018)
Raid: World War II Control (2017)
The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind Sir Cadwell (2017)
Trolls King Gristle Sr. (2016)
Albion: The Enchanted Stallion General Eeder (2016)
Kylie Minogue: Absolutely Anything and Anything at All Chief Alien (2015)
A.C.O.R.N.S.: Operation Crackdown Mr. Bellwood (2015)
Absolutely Anything Chief Alien (2015)
Spud 3: Learning to Fly The Guv (2014)
Over the Garden Wall Adelaide (2014)
Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Narrator (2011-2014)
Monty Python Live (Mostly) Llama lecturer / Second Yorkshireman (2014)
The Elder Scrolls Online Sir Cadwell (2014)
Planes Bulldog (2013)
Spud 2: The Madness Continues The Guv (2013)
Whitney Dr. Grant (2012-2013)
Meetings, Bloody Meetings Judge (2012)
Smart As Narrator (2012)
A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman John Cleese / Exploding Don (2012)
God Loves Caviar McCormick (2012)
The Big Year Narrator (2011)
Beethoven's Christmas Adventure The Narrator (2011)
Winnie the Pooh Narrator (2011)
Change for the Oceans (2010)
Spud The Guv - Mr. Edly (2010)
Fable III Jasper (2010)
Entourage John Cleese (2010)
Shrek Forever After King (2010)
Planet 51 Professor Kipple (2009)
The Pink Panther 2 Dreyfus (2009)
The Day the Earth Stood Still Professor Barnhardt (2008)
Igor Dr. Glickenstein (2008)
Shrek the Third Narrator / King Harold (2007)
Shrek the Third King (2007)
Charlotte's Web Samuel the Sheep (2006)
Stranger Than Fiction Waiter (2006)
L'entente cordiale Lord Conrad (2006)
Man About Town Dr. Primkin (2006)
Complete Guide to Guys Noted Behavioral Scientist / Noted Doctor (2005)
Jade Empire Sir Roderick (2005)
Mickey's Around the World in 80 Days Narrator (2005)
Valiant Mercury (2005)
Performance Matters: The Importance of Praise Presenter (2005)
Time Troopers Special Agent Wormold / Various Characters (2004)
Around the World in 80 Days Grizzled Sergeant (2004)
Shrek 2 King (2004)
Will & Grace Lyle Finster (2003-2004)
James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing Q (2003)
Education Tips No. 41: Choosing a Really Expensive School Dik Bonkers / Ken Enron Chaney (2003)
George of the Jungle 2 Ape (2003)
Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle Mr. Munday (2003)
Scorched Charles Merchant (2003)
My Adventures in Television Red Lansing (2002)
House of Mouse Narrator (segment 'The Nutcracker') (2002)
Die Another Day Q (2002)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Nearly Headless Nick (2002)
Heineken 'Die Another Day' Television Commercial Q (2002)
Pinocchio Crickett (2002)
The Adventures of Pluto Nash James (2002)
Taking the Wheel Nathan Sullivan (2002)
007: Agent Under Fire Television Commercial R / Q (2001)
H.M.O. Dr. Larry King (2001)
Mickey's House of Villains Narrator (segment "Mickey's Mechanical House") (2001)
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse Narrator (segment 'The Nutcracker') (2001)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Nearly Headless Nick (2001)
Rat Race Donald P. Sinclair (2001)
3rd Rock from the Sun Dr. Liam Neesam (1998-2001)
Rockstar Interviewer in lounge (2000)
The Magic Pudding Albert the Magic Pudding (2000)
007 Racing R (2000)
The World Is Not Enough R (2000)
Quantum Project Alexander Pentcho (2000)
Isn't She Great Henry Marcus (2000)
The World Is Not Enough R (1999)
Python Night: 30 Years of Monty Python Announcer / Self (1999)
Casper & Mandrilaftalen Purple Gun Rack of Love Repair Man (1999)
The Out-of-Towners Mr. Mersault (1999)
Starship Titanic The Bomb (1998)
Parting Shots Maurice Walpole (1998)
Kiss Me Kate John Cleese (1998)
The Meaning of Life Various (1997)
George of the Jungle An Ape Named 'Ape' (1997)
Fierce Creatures Rollo Lee (1997)
The Unorganized Manager, Part One: Damnation St. Peter (1996)
Monty Python & the Quest for the Holy Grail Second Swallow-Savvy Guard / Large man with dead body (1996)
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride Mr Toad's Lawyer (1996)
Look at the State We're in! Minister (1995)
The Jungle Book Dr. Plumford (1994)
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Professor Waldman (1994)
The Swan Princess Jean-Bob (1994)
Meetings Bloody Meetings (1993)
Last of the Summer Wine Neighbour (1993)
Splitting Heirs Raoul P. Shadgrind (1993)
It's Your Choice: Selection Skills for Managers Ivan the terrible (1993)
Rabbit Ears: Tom Thumb Narrator (1991)
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West Cat R. Waul (1991)
Um Passo, Outro Passo e Depois... Actor on TV (1991)
Grime Goes Green: Your Business and the Environment James Grime (1990)
Bullseye! Man on the Beach in Barbados Who Looks Like John Cleese (1990)
Schweppes James Bond Style Television Commercial (1990)
Erik the Viking Halfdan the Black (1989)
The Big Picture Bartender (1989)
Managing Problem People. Behavioral Skills for Leaders Rulebound Reggie (1988)
A Fish Called Wanda Archie (1988)
Quark and the Highway Robber Narrator (1987)
Dragonslayer Quark (1987)
Baby Quark Narrator (1987)
Cheers Dr. Simon Finch-Royce (1987)
Clockwise Brian Stimpson (1986)
Silverado Sheriff Langston (1985)
Budgeting Julian Carruthers (1984)
So You Want to Be a Success at Selling? Salesman (1984)
Yellowbeard Blind Pew (1983)
The Meaning of Life Fish #2 / Dr. Spencer (1983)
Privates on Parade Major Giles Flack (1983)
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl First Barbter / Wrestling commentator (1982)
Whoops Apocalypse Lacrobat (1982)
Time Bandits Robin Hood (1981)
The Great Muppet Caper Neville (1981)
Giroblauw met John Cleese Interviewer (1981)
The Queen Special Man in Bar (1980)
Depreciation and Inflation Julian Carruthers (1980)
Cost, Profit, and Break-Even Julian Carruthers (1980)
The Tom Machine Computer (1980)
The Taming of the Shrew Petruchio (1980)
Not the Nine O'Clock News Basil Fawlty (1979)
I'd Like a Word with You Ethelred the Unready / Ivan the Terrible (1979)
To Norway, Home of Giants Norman Fearless (1979)
Good King Memorex Basil Fawlty (1979)
Fawlty Towers Basil Fawlty (1975-1979)
Doctor Who Art Gallery Visitor (1979)
Ripping Yarns a Passer-by (1979)
Life of Brian Wise Man #1 / Reg (1979)
The Control of Working Capital Julian Carruthers (1978)
The Fortune Teller (1977)
The Balance Sheet Barrier Julian Carruthers (1977)
The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It Arthur Sherlock-Holmes (1977)
Three Piece Suite Kevin (segment "Every Day in Every Way") (1977)
Meetings, Bloody Meetings Tim (1976)
Pleasure at Her Majesty's Pet Shop Customer / The Pope (1976)
Decisions, Decisions Field Marshal Montgomery / Queen Elizabeth I. (1975)
Who Sold You This, Then? Narrator (1975)
Romance with a Double Bass Musician Smychkov (1975)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail Second Swallow-Savvy Guard / The Black Knight (1975)
Is This a Record? (1973)
Golf Etiquette A Golfer (1973)
The Goodies The Genie (1973)
The Love Ban Contraceptive Lecturer (1973)
Monty Python's Flying Circus Announcer (1969-1973)
Comedy Playhouse Sherlock Holmes (1973)
Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus Spectator (1972)
Who's There? (1971)
And Now for Something Completely Different Announcer / Hungarian Citizen (1971)
Misleading Cases Mr. Partridge (1971)
The Statue Harry (1971)
The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer Pumer (1970)
A Christmas Night with the Stars Various - Monty Python's Flying Circus segment (1969)
The Magic Christian Director in Sotheby's (1969)
The Best House in London Jones (1969)
The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom Post Office Clerk (1968)
Interlude T.V. P R Man (1968)
The Avengers Marcus Rugman (1968)
The Frost Report Various Roles (1966-1967)
Actor

At Last the 1948 Show Various Characters (1967)
Writer

Monty Python Live (Mostly) (2014)
The Croods (2013)
John Cleese: The Alimony Tour (2011)
Just for Laughs (2009)
The Art of Football from A to Z (2006)
Wine for the Confused (2004)
John Cleese's the Meaning of Life (2003)
Education Tips No. 41: Choosing a Really Expensive School (2003)
Eric Idle: Exploits Monty Python (2002)
Comedy Masterclass (2001)
We Know Where You Live. Live! (2001)
The Human Face (2001)
Python Night: 30 Years of Monty Python (1999)
Casper & Mandrilaftalen (1999)
Fierce Creatures (1997)
Monty Python & the Quest for the Holy Grail (1996)
You'll Soon Get the Hang of It: The Technique of One to One Training (1995)
Look at the State We're in! (1995)
Meetings Bloody Meetings (1993)
It's Your Choice: Selection Skills for Managers (1993)
Grime Goes Green: Your Business and the Environment (1990)
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989)
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Comic Relief (1986)
Kullagret (1986)
Bombardemagnus (1985)
The Meaning of Life (1983)
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)
Giroblauw met John Cleese (1981)
Away from It All (1979)
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979)
Life of Brian (1979)
Snavely (1978)
The Muppet Show (1977)
The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It (1977)
The Mermaid Frolics (1977)
Meetings, Bloody Meetings (1976)
The Two Ronnies (1971-1976)
The Meeting of Minds (1975)
How Not to Exhibit Yourself (1975)
I'll Think About It (1975)
More Akward Customers (1975)
Awkward Customers (1975)
In Two Minds (1975)
The Competitive Spirit (1975)
It's Alright, It's Only a Customer (1975)
Who Sold You This, Then? (1975)
Romance with a Double Bass (1975)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Man Hunt (1974)
Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974)
Is This a Record? (1973)
Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus (1972)
Rentadick (1972)
And Now for Something Completely Different (1971)
Doctor at Large (1971)
Montreux 1971 (1971)
The Ronnie Barker Yearbook (1971)
Six Dates with Barker (1971)
The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (1970)
A Christmas Night with the Stars (1969)
The Magic Christian (1969)
Doctor in the House (1969)
Marty (1968-1969)
David Frost Presents (1969)
Broaden Your Mind (1968)
BBC Show of the Week (1968)
The Frost Report (1966-1967)
At Last the 1948 Show (1967)
ABC Stage 67 (1967)
Secombe, Friends and Relations (1966)
A Degree of Frost (1964)
Writer

That Was the Week That Was (1962-1963)
Producer

John Cleese: The Alimony Tour (2011)
Pass It on: Coaching Skills for Managers (2007)
Fierce Creatures (1997)
Look at the State We're in! (1995)
The Helping Hand (1990)
Grime Goes Green: Your Business and the Environment (1990)
All Change (1988)
The Importance of Mistakes (1988)
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Return on Investment (1986)
Fairly Secret Army (1984-1986)
More Bloody Meetings (1984)
Budgeting (1984)
Perishing Solicitors (1983)
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball (1982)
You'll Soon Get the Hang of It (1981)
Depreciation and Inflation (1980)
Cost, Profit, and Break-Even (1980)
I'd Like a Word with You (1979)
The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979)
The Control of Working Capital (1978)
The Unorganized Manager, Part Two: Salvation (1977)
The Unorganized Manager, Part Three: Lamentations (1977)
The Unorganized Manager, Part One: Damnation (1977)
The Unorganized Manager, Part Four: Revelations (1977)
How Am I Doing? (1977)
The Balance Sheet Barrier (1977)
The Cold Call (1976)
Can We Please Have That the Right Way Round? (1976)
Meetings, Bloody Meetings (1976)
Pleasure at Her Majesty's (1976)
The Meeting of Minds (1975)
Decisions, Decisions (1975)
How Not to Exhibit Yourself (1975)
I'll Think About It (1975)
More Akward Customers (1975)
Awkward Customers (1975)
In Two Minds (1975)
The Competitive Spirit (1975)
It's Alright, It's Only a Customer (1975)
Who Sold You This, Then? (1975)
Producer

Man Hunt (1974)
Soundtrack

Spud (2010)
Will & Grace (2004)
The Magic Pudding (2000)
3rd Rock from the Sun (1998)
George of the Jungle (1997)
Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1996)
Cheers (1987)
The Meaning of Life (1983)
Away from It All (1979)
Fawlty Towers (1979)
The Muppet Show (1977)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Soundtrack

Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1972)
Director

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Giroblauw met John Cleese (1981)
Director

Away from It All (1979)
Archive footage

Chris Smith Tonight (2021)
Bernardi (2021)
The Bolt Report (2021)
Dr. Steve Turley (2021)
Paul Murray Live (2021)
Entertainment Tonight (2021)
Paul Merton's Comic Heroes (2020)
Viaje al centro de la tele (2020)
Jeremy Vine (2020)
Interview with Michael Frayn (2019)
An Accidental Studio (2019)
The Project (2017)
Comedy Gold: TV Funniest Ever Sketches (2017)
Generation '66 (2016)
2016: We Remember Part One (2016)
Screenwipe (2016)
Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies (2016)
British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves (2016)
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (2016)
Les Chroniques du Mea (2016)
The One Show (2016)
The Eighties (2016)
Silicon Cowboys (2016)
The Many Faces of... (2016)
Comedy Bloopers (2015)
Britain's Best Loved Sitcoms (2015)
Timeshift (2002-2015)
Wogan: The Best Of (2015)
Monty Python's Best Bits (mostly) (2014)
Special Collector's Edition (2010-2014)
The Culture Show (2013)
The Comix Scrutinizer (2013)
Welcome to the Basement (2012)
Top Gear (2012)
Magical Mystery Tour: Meet the Supporting Cast (2012)
Tales of Television Centre (2012)
A Current Affair (2006-2011)
The Undefeated (2011)
Great TV Mistakes (2010)
Home Movie Roadshow (2010)
20 to 1 (2010)
Today Tonight (2009)
Live from Studio Five (2009)
Loose Women (2009)
Let Loose... The Very Best of 'Loose Women' (2008)
Losing It: Griff Rhys Jones on Anger (2008)
Comedy Connections (2007-2008)
Morir de humor (2008)
The Comedy Map of Britain (2007-2008)
50 Greatest Comedy Catchphrases (2008)
Hitler: The Comedy Years (2007)
Room 101 (2007)
What the Pythons Did Next... (2007)
OO-Heaven (2006)
World of Robin Hood (2006)
007: The Car Chases (2006)
TV's 50 Greatest Stars (2006)
Premiere Bond: Opening Nights (2006)
Doctor Who Confidential (2006)
¿De qué te ríes? (2006)
The Passion: Films, Faith & Fury (2006)
The 50 Greatest Comedy Films (2006)
Paris in the Springtime (2005)
80s (2005)
Greatest TV Comedy Moments (2005)
The Comedians' Comedian (2005)
TV's Greatest Cars (2004)
World's Funniest & Cleverest Commercials (2004)
Sendung ohne Namen (2002-2004)
Canterbury Tales (2003)
Die Another Day: Equipment Briefing (2003)
30 Years of 'Last of the Summer Wine' (2003)
On Location: Fish You Were Here (2003)
40 Years of Bond, James Bond (2002)
Heroes of Comedy (1997-2002)
Torquay Tourist Guide (2001)
Have I Got News for You (2001)
The Greatest (2001)
Bond Special (2000)
The Directors (2000)
The World Is Not Enough: The Making of a Blockbuster (1999)
The Making of 'the World Is Not Enough' (1999)
And It's Goodnight from Him: The Very Best of Ronnie Barker (1996)
Invasion from the Planet Skyron (1995)
Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time (1994)
Doctor Who: 30 Years in the Tardis (1993)
There Now Follows... (1993)
Comic Relief: The Invasion of the Comic Tomatoes (1993)
Funny Business (1992)
Auntie's Bloomers (1991)
The Dick Cavett Show (1991)
Harry Måneskin (1990)
The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson (1990)
Cheers (1990)
Muppet Video: Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff (1985)
Monty Pythons galna show (1985)
Of Muppets and Men: The Making of 'The Muppet Show' (1981)
The 70s Stop Here! (1979)
That's the Way the Money Goes (1978)
Archive footage

The Dean Martin Comedy World (1974)
Light Entertainment Killers (1969)
Additional Crew

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
Zum letzten Kliff (2001)
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)
The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979)
Additional Crew

And Now for Something Completely Different (1971)
The Frost Programme (1966)
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director

The Secret Policeman's Other Ball (1982)
Editorial Department

At Last the 1948 Show (1967)

Videos

Awards

Did You Know

Trivia

In the late 1990s he appeared in German TV commercials for a lottery service. He actually spoke German in some of these spots (while some had no dialogue and others were dubbed later on).

I hadn't the slightest intention of leaving the law. It never occurred to me for a moment that I would go into show business. That's one of those things, like the importance of money or the old culture of deference, that has changed so much. Now ...