
John Cleese
Biography
John Marwood Cleese (born 27 October 1939) is an English actor, comedian, writer and film producer. He achieved success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and as a scriptwriter and performer on The Frost Report. In the late 1960s he became a member of Monty Python, the comedy troupe responsible for the sketch show Monty Python's Flying Circus and the four Monty Python films: And Now for Something Completely Different, Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life. In the mid 1970s, Cleese and his first wife Connie Booth, co-wrote and starred in the British sitcom Fawlty Towers. Later, he co-starred with Kevin Kline, Jamie Lee Curtis and former Python colleague Michael Palin in A Fish Called Wanda and Fierce Creatures. He also starred in Clockwise, and has appeared in many other films, including two James Bond films, two Harry Potter films, and three Shrek films. With Yes Minister writer Antony Jay he co-founded the production company Video Arts, responsible for making entertaining training films.
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Known For

TV
The Daily Show
Self
1996

TV
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Self
1962

TV
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Self
2014

TV
Cheers
Dr. Simon Finch-Royce
1982

TV
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Self
2015

TV
Saturday Night Live
Self - Cameo (uncredited)
1975

TV
Real Time with Bill Maher
Self
2003

TV
The Graham Norton Show
Self - Guest
2007

TV
The Graham Norton Show
Self
2007

TV
Entourage
John Cleese
2004

TV
Markus Lanz
Self
2008

TV
Doctor Who
Art Gallery Visitor
1963

TV
The One Show
Self - Guest
2006

TV
Will & Grace
Lyle Finster (uncredited)
1998

TV
Wogan
Self
1982

TV
Richard & Judy
Self
2001

TV
Wetten, dass..?
Self
1981

TV
3rd Rock from the Sun
Dr. Liam Neesam
1996

TV
The Avengers
Marcus Rugman
1961

TV
Parkinson
Self
1998
Filmography
2025FilmJohn Cleese Packs It In2025FilmFawlty Towers: The Playas Self2025FilmThe Cancellation Of Fawlty Towers2024FilmThe Roast of John Cleeseas Self2023TVThe Dinosaur Hour Extra2023TVThe Dinosaur Houras Self2023FilmThe Palaceas Arthur William Dallas III2023FilmThe Martini Shotas Dr. Auyeung2023FilmRally Road Racersas Archie Vainglorious (voice)2023FilmFawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughsas Self2022FilmDaddy Daughter Tripas Frank2021FilmClifford the Big Red Dogas Mr. Bridwell2021FilmFather Christmas Is Backas John Christmas2021FilmWhy Are We (Not) Creative?as Self2021FilmAlexander Pope: Rediscovering a Geniusas Interviewee2021FilmMonty Python's Best Bits Celebratedas Self (archive footage)(uncredited)2021TVLOL: Last One Laughingas Self2020FilmThe Very Excellent Mr. Dundeeas John2020TVWhy there is no hopeas Actor2020FilmTime Warp Vol. 3: Comedy and Campas Self2020FilmTime Warp Vol. 1: Midnight Madnessas Self2019FilmAssholes: A Theoryas Himself2019FilmArctic Dogsas Otto von Walrus (voice)2019FilmPython at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grailsas Self (archive footage)2019FilmThe Naked Wandereras Brian King2019FilmAn Accidental Studioas Self (archive footage)2018FilmElliot: The Littlest Reindeeras Donner (voice)2018FilmWhy Are We Creative?as Self2018FilmCharmingas Fairy Godmother / Executioner (voice)2018TVHold the Sunsetas Phil2018FilmMichael Palin: A Life on Screen2016FilmTrollsas Roi Gristle (voice)2016TVSpeechlessas Martin2016FilmBritish Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselvesas Basil Fawlty (archive footage) (uncredited)2016TVJohn Bishop: In Conversation with...as Self2016FilmAlbion: The Enchanted Stallionas General Eeder2015TVThe Late Show with Stephen Colbertas Self2015FilmBehind Over the Garden Wallas Self2015FilmA.C.O.R.N.S.: Operation Crackdownas Mr. Bellwood (voice)2015FilmAbsolutely Anythingas Chief Alien (voice)2014TVA Life on Screenas Self2014FilmSpud 3: Learning to Flyas Mr. 'The Guv' Edly2014FilmMonty Python: The Meaning of Liveas Self2014TVMonty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)as Self (archive footage)2014TVOver the Garden Wallas Quincy Endicott (voice)2014FilmMonty Python Live (Mostly)as Self, others2014FilmMonty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similaras Self2014TVThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonas Self2013FilmThe Meaning of Monty Pythonas Self2013FilmPlanesas Bulldog (voice)2013FilmSpud 2: The Madness Continuesas Mr. 'The Guv' Edly2013TVThe Last Legas Self2012FilmThe Many Faces of Ronnie Barkeras Self2012FilmAnatomy of a Liaras Self2012FilmA Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapmanas Various (voice)2012FilmGod Loves Caviaras McCormick2011FilmThe Big Yearas Historical Montage Narrator (voice)2011FilmBeethoven's Christmas Adventureas Narrator2011TVWhitneyas Dr. Grant2011TVMini Adventures of Winnie the Poohas Narrator (voice)2011FilmJohn Cleese: The Alimony Tour Live2011FilmThe Undefeatedas Self (archive footage)2011FilmWinnie the Poohas Narrator (voice)2010FilmSpudas Mr. 'The Guv' Edly2010FilmShrek Forever Afteras King Harold (voice)2010FilmMonty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Releaseas Self2009FilmPlanet 51as Professor Kipple (voice)2009TVMonty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)as Self2009FilmFawlty Exclusive: Basil's Best Bitsas Self / Basil Fawlty2009FilmFawlty Towers: Re-Openedas Self / Basil Fawlty2009TVTalkin' 'Bout Your Generationas Self - Contestant2009FilmThe Pink Panther 2as Dreyfus2009TVSkavlanas Self - Guest2008FilmThe Day the Earth Stood Stillas Professor Barnhardt2008FilmWe Are Most Amusedas Self - Presenter2008FilmGaybo Laughs Backas Self2008FilmIgoras Dr. Glickenstein (voice)2008FilmMonty Python: Before the Flying Circusas Self2008FilmThe Seventh Pythonas Self2008TVMarkus Lanzas Self2008FilmMarty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separationas Self2008FilmLife Of Brian Screenplayas Wise Man #1, Reg, Jewish Official, First Centurion2008FilmMonty Python Conquers Americaas Self2007TVMore Dawn French's Boys Who Do: Comedy2007TVMovie Connectionsas Self2007FilmShrek the Thirdas King Harold (voice)2007FilmHitler: The Comedy Yearsas Adolf Hitler / Basil Fawlty (archive footage) (uncredited)2007TVThe Graham Norton Showas Self - Guest2007FilmThe Secret Life of Brianas Self2007FilmWhat the Pythons Did Next...as Self (archive footage)2006FilmAud go'hjertaas Self (archive footage)2006FilmCharlotte's Webas Samuel the Sheep (voice)2006TVLegendsas Self2006TVRobinsas Self - Guest2006TVThe One Showas Self - Guest2006FilmL'Entente cordialeas Lord Conrad2006FilmMan About Townas Dr. Primkin2006FilmThe Art of Football from A to Zas Self2006FilmMonty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Bestas Various Characters2006FilmMonty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Bestas Various Characters2006FilmMonty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Bestas Various Characters2006FilmMonty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Jones' Personal Bestas Various Characters2006FilmMonty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Bestas Various Characters2006FilmMonty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Bestas Various Characters2006FilmMonty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Bestas Various Characters2006TVMonty Python's Personal Bestas Self / Various Characters2005FilmReturn of the Goodiesas Himself2005FilmFawlty Towers Revisitedas Himself2005FilmThe Roots of Monty Pythonas Self (archive footage)2005FilmValiantas Mercury (voice)2005FilmThe Funny Blokes of British Comedyas Self2005FilmComplete Guide to Guysas Noted Behavioral Scientist / Noted Doctor / Leading Social Scientist / Leading Orthopedic Surgeon2004FilmRemember the Secret Policeman's Ball?as Self2004FilmWine for the Confusedas Self2004TVEntourageas John Cleese2004FilmAround the World in 80 Daysas Grizzled Sergeant2004FilmThe Magic Touch of Harry Potteras Self2004FilmShrek 2as King Harold (voice)2004FilmThe Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1as Self (archive footage)2004FilmThe Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2as Self (archive footage)2004FilmThe Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3as Self (archive footage)2003FilmConcert for Georgeas Self2003FilmThe Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life'as Self2003FilmGeorge of the Jungle 2as An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)2003FilmCharlie's Angels: Full Throttleas Mr. Munday2003FilmScorchedas Charles Merchant2003TVReal Time with Bill Maheras Self2003FilmStupidityas Self2002FilmBest Ever Bondas Self / R2002FilmDie Another Day: From Script to Screenas Self2002FilmDie Another Dayas Q2002FilmHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secretsas Nearly Headless Nick (Sir Nicholas)2002FilmMickey's House of Villainsas Narrator (“Mickey's Mechanical House") (uncredited)2002FilmThe Adventures of Pluto Nashas James2002TVNDR Kultur – Das Journalas Self2002TVWednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central)as Red Lansing2002FilmMaking Rat Raceas Himself2002FilmPeter Cook: At a Slight Angle to the Universeas Self2001TVRichard & Judyas Self2001FilmHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stoneas Nearly Headless Nick2001FilmMickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouseas Narrator (segment 'The Nutcracker') (voice)2001FilmRat Raceas Donald P. Sinclair2001TVThe Human Faceas Presenter2001TVDisney's House of Mouse2001FilmFawlty Towers: An Interview with John Cleeseas Kendisi2000FilmThe Magic Puddingas Albert the Magic Pudding (voice)2000FilmEdwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Bigas The Giant Alien (voice)2000FilmThe Life of Pythonas Self2000FilmQuantum Projectas Alexander Pentcho2000FilmIsn't She Greatas Henry Marcus2000FilmNow Pay Attention 007: A Tribute to Actor Desmond Llewelynas Self2000FilmRockstaras Interviewer in lounge1999FilmThe World Is Not Enoughas R1999FilmThe Nutcrackeras Narrator1999FilmThe Monty Python Storyas Self1999FilmMonty Python: From Spam to Spermas Self1999FilmMonty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketchesas Self1999FilmMickey’s Mechanical Houseas Narrator (voice)1999FilmParting Shotsas Maurice Walpole1999TVMickey Mouse Worksas Narrator (voice)1999FilmThe Out-of-Townersas Mr. Mersault1999TVThe Late Late Show with Craig Kilbornas Self1999TVCasper & Mandrilaftalenas Fake Bosse Bo Johansson1998TVWill & Graceas Lyle Finster (uncredited)1998FilmIn The Wild: Operation Lemur With John Cleeseas Self1998FilmMonty Python: Live at Aspenas Self1998TVParkinsonas Self1997FilmGeorge of the Jungleas An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)1997FilmFierce Creaturesas Rollo Lee1996FilmThe Wind in the Willowsas Mr. Toad's Lawyer1996TVE! True Hollywood Story1996TVThe Daily Showas Self1996FilmSpikeas Self1996TV3rd Rock from the Sunas Dr. Liam Neesam1995TVMADtvas Self1995TVLook at the State We're In!as Harold Kingsby1994FilmThe Jungle Bookas Dr. Julius Plumford1994FilmThe Swan Princessas Jean-Bob (voice)1994FilmMary Shelley's Frankensteinas Prof. Waldman1994TVThe Unpleasant World of Penn & Telleras Self1993FilmDid I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?1993FilmSplitting Heirsas Raoul P. Shadgrind1992TVFunny Business1991FilmAmnesty International's Big 30as Self1991FilmAn American Tail: Fievel Goes Westas Cat R. Waul (voice)1991FilmRabbit Ears - Tom Thumbas Narrator (voice)1991FilmCreativity in Managementas Self1990FilmThe Muppets Celebrate Jim Hensonas Self1990FilmBullseye!as Man on the Beach in Barbados Who Looks Like John Cleese1990FilmLife of Pythonas Himself / Various Roles (also archive footage)1989FilmQuark the Dragon Slayer1989FilmParrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Pythonas Self / Various Characters1989FilmThe Big Pictureas Bartender1989FilmErik the Vikingas Halfdan the Black1989FilmThe Movie Life of Georgeas Self1989FilmThe Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ballas Self1989FilmBosses From Hellas Brian1989FilmCustomers From Hellas Brian1989FilmCommunicators From Hellas Brian1989FilmEmployees From Hellas Brian1989FilmCustomer Service From Hell1989FilmTeams from Hell1989FilmSales People from Hell1989FilmColleagues From Hell1989FilmInterviewers From Hell1988TVThis Morningas Self1988FilmA Fish Called Wandaas Archie Leach1988FilmJohn Cleese's First Farewell Performanceas Self1987FilmDragonslayer Quark1987FilmBaby Quark1987FilmQuark and the Highway Robber1987FilmThe Grand Knockout Tournamentas Self1987FilmThe Secret Policeman’s Third Ballas Jim Cleese1986FilmClockwiseas Brian Stimpson1985FilmSilveradoas Sheriff John T. Langston1985FilmGonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuffas Self1983FilmYellowbeardas Harvey 'Blind' Pew1983FilmGroup Madnessas Self1983FilmMonty Python's The Meaning of Lifeas Various Roles1983FilmPrivates on Paradeas Major Giles Flack1982TVCheersas Dr. Simon Finch-Royce1982FilmMonty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowlas Various Roles1982TVWoganas Self1982TVWhoops Apocalypseas Lacrobat1982FilmThe Secret Policeman's Other Ballas Self - Various Roles1981FilmTime Banditsas Robin Hood1981FilmThe Great Muppet Caperas Neville1981TVWetten, dass..?as Self1980FilmThe Tom Machineas Computer (voice)1980FilmPeter Cook & Co.as Himself / Various Characters1980FilmThe Queen Specialas Man in Bar1980FilmThe Taming of the Shrewas Petruchio1979FilmThe Secret Policeman's Ballas Himself - Various Roles1979FilmDoctor Who: City of Deathas Art Gallery Visitor1979FilmGolden Gordonas Passerby1979TVNot the Nine O'Clock News1979FilmLife of Brianas Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur1979FilmThe Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979as Self1979Film...To Norway, Home of Giants!as Norman Fearless1979FilmAway from It Allas Nigel Farquhar-Bennett – Narrator (voice)1978TVAn Audience with...as Self1977FilmThe Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know Itas Sherlock Holmes1977FilmThe Mermaid Frolicsas Self- Various roles1977FilmThree Piece Suiteas Kevin1976FilmPleasure at Her Majesty'sas Self1976TVThe Muppet Showas Self - Special Guest Star1976TVThe Secret Policeman's Ballas Self1976TVRipping Yarns1976FilmMeetings, Bloody Meetings1975FilmHow Not to Exhibit Yourselfas John Cleese1975FilmMore Awkward Customersas Brian1975FilmAwkward Customersas Brian1975TVSaturday Night Liveas Self - Cameo (uncredited)1975TVFawlty Towersas Basil Fawlty1975FilmMonty Python and the Holy Grailas Second Swallow-Savvy Guard / The Black Knight / Peasant 3 / Sir Launcelot the Brave / Taunting French Guard / Tim the Enchanter1975TVLes Rendez-vous du dimancheas Self1974FilmMonty Python & the Holy Grail Location Reportas Self1974FilmRomance with a Double Bassas Smychkov1973FilmThe Goodies and the Beanstalkas The Genie1973FilmIs This a Record?as Various1973FilmElementary, My Dear Watsonas Sherlock Holmes1973FilmMonty Python In The Netherlands1973FilmThe Love Banas Contraceptives Lecturer1972TVMonty Python's Fliegender Zirkusas Various Characters1972FilmWho Sold You This, Then?1971FilmThe Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 19711971FilmAnd Now for Something Completely Differentas Announcer / Hungarian Citizen / self - Defence Teacher / Sir George Head / Policeman / Interviewer / Mr. Praline / Second General / Christopher Columbus / Mungo the Cook / Bank Robber / Accountant #2 (falling past the window) / Vocational Guidance Counselor / Vivian Smith Smythe Smith / Mountie / Town Guild Lady1971FilmEuroshow '71: May Day Specialas Self - Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)1971FilmThe Statueas Harry1970FilmThe Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmeras Pumer1970FilmMonty Python: Who's There?as Timothy1969FilmThe Magic Christianas Director in Sotheby's1969TVMonty Python's Flying Circusas Various / Announcer1969FilmThe Best House in Londonas Jones (uncredited)1969TVSez Les1969FilmHow to Irritate Peopleas Himself - Various1968FilmThe Bliss of Mrs. Blossomas Post Office Clerk1968FilmInterludeas Television public relations man1967TVOmnibusas Self1967TVMisleading Casesas Mr. Partridge1967TVAt Last the 1948 Show1966TVThe Frost Report1963TVDoctor Whoas Art Gallery Visitor1962TVThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carsonas Self1961TVThe Avengersas Marcus Rugman—FilmHow to Make Her Cheatas Terry—FilmTaking The Wheelas Nathan—FilmThe Philosophers' Football Matchas Archimedes—TVCancel Meas Self - Host / Presenter—TVUntitled Fawlty Towers Rebootas Basil Fawlty