John Cleese
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. Description above from the Wikipedia article John Cleese, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia
Known For
Credits
- 2025 · Fawlty Towers: The Play as Self
- 2022 · Daddy Daughter Trip as Frank
- 2021 · Clifford the Big Red Dog as Mr. Bridwell
- 2019 · Arctic Dogs as Otto von Walrus (voice)
- 2018 · Charming as Fairy Godmother / Executioner (voice)
- 2016 · John Bishop: In Conversation with... as Self
- 2015 · A.C.O.R.N.S.: Operation Crackdown as Mr. Bellwood (voice)
- 2015 · Absolutely Anything as Chief Alien (voice)
- 2013 · Planes as Bulldog (voice)
- 2011 · The Big Year as Historical Montage Narrator (voice)
- 2011 · Whitney as Dr. Grant
- 2011 · Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh as Narrator (voice)
- 2009 · Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) as Self
- 2009 · Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation as Self - Contestant
- 2009 · The Pink Panther 2 as Dreyfus
- 2006 · L'Entente cordiale as Lord Conrad
- 2003 · George of the Jungle 2 as An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)
- 2003 · Scorched as Charles Merchant
- 2002 · The Adventures of Pluto Nash as James
- 1999 · The Nutcracker as Narrator
- 1999 · Parting Shots as Maurice Walpole
- 1999 · Casper & Mandrilaftalen as Fake Bosse Bo Johansson
- 1994 · The Jungle Book as Dr. Julius Plumford
- 1994 · The Swan Princess as Jean-Bob (voice)
- 1994 · Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as Prof. Waldman
- 1991 · An American Tail: Fievel Goes West as Cat R. Waul (voice)
- 1989 · Employees From Hell as Brian
- 1988 · A Fish Called Wanda as Archie Leach
- 1986 · Clockwise as Brian Stimpson
- 1985 · Silverado as Sheriff John T. Langston
- 1979 · Not the Nine O'Clock News as
- Future · Taking The Wheel as Nathan
- 2023 · Rally Road Racers as Archie Vainglorious (voice)
- 2021 · LOL: Last One Laughing as Self
- 2019 · An Accidental Studio as Self (archive footage)
- 2018 · Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer as Donner (voice)
- 2018 · Hold the Sunset as Phil
- 2016 · Trolls as Roi Gristle (voice)
- 2016 · Speechless as Martin
- 2016 · Albion: The Enchanted Stallion as General Eeder
- 2015 · The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as Self
- 2014 · A Life on Screen as Self
- 2014 · Over the Garden Wall as Adelaide (voice)
- 2014 · Over the Garden Wall as Quincy Endicott (voice)
- 2014 · Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) as Self (archive footage)
- 2014 · Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar as Self
- 2014 · The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as Self
- 2013 · The Last Leg as Self
- 2012 · Anatomy of a Liar as Self
- 2011 · Winnie the Pooh as Narrator (voice)
- 2010 · Shrek Forever After as King Harold (voice)
- 2009 · Planet 51 as Professor Kipple (voice)
- 2009 · Skavlan as Self - Guest
- 2008 · The Day the Earth Stood Still as Professor Barnhardt
- 2008 · Igor as Dr. Glickenstein (voice)
- 2008 · Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus as Self
- 2008 · Markus Lanz as Self
- 2007 · Movie Connections as Self
- 2007 · Shrek the Third as King Harold (voice)
- 2007 · Hitler: The Comedy Years as Adolf Hitler / Basil Fawlty (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 2007 · The Graham Norton Show as Self - Guest
- 2007 · The Graham Norton Show as Self
- 2007 · The Secret Life of Brian as Self
- 2006 · Charlotte's Web as Samuel the Sheep (voice)
- 2006 · Legends as Self
- 2006 · Robins as Self - Guest
- 2006 · The One Show as Self - Guest
- 2006 · Man About Town as Dr. Primkin
- 2006 · Monty Python's Personal Best as Self / Various Characters
- 2005 · Valiant as Mercury (voice)
- 2005 · The Funny Blokes of British Comedy as Himself
- 2004 · Entourage as John Cleese
- 2004 · Around the World in 80 Days as Grizzled Sergeant
- 2004 · Shrek 2 as King Harold (voice)
- 2003 · Concert for George as Self
- 2003 · Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle as Mr. Munday
- 2003 · Real Time with Bill Maher as Self
- 2002 · Die Another Day as Q
- 2002 · Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as Nearly Headless Nick (Sir Nicholas)
- 2002 · Mickey's House of Villains as Narrator (“Mickey's Mechanical House") (uncredited)
- 2002 · NDR Kultur – Das Journal as Self
- 2002 · Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central) as Red Lansing
- 2001 · Richard & Judy as Self
- 2001 · Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as Nearly Headless Nick
- 2001 · Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse as Narrator (segment 'The Nutcracker') (voice)
- 2001 · Rat Race as Donald P. Sinclair
- 2001 · Disney's House of Mouse as
- 2001 · Disney's House of Mouse as Narrator (voice)
- 2000 · The Magic Pudding as Albert the Magic Pudding (voice)
- 2000 · The Life of Python as Self
- 2000 · Isn't She Great as Henry Marcus
- 1999 · The World Is Not Enough as R
- 1999 · Mickey Mouse Works as Narrator (voice)
- 1999 · The Out-of-Towners as Mr. Mersault
- 1999 · The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn as Self
- 1998 · Will & Grace as Lyle Finster (uncredited)
- 1998 · Parkinson as Self
- 1997 · George of the Jungle as An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)
- 1997 · Fierce Creatures as Rollo Lee
- 1996 · The Wind in the Willows as Mr. Toad's Lawyer
- 1996 · E! True Hollywood Story as
- 1996 · The Daily Show as Self
- 1996 · 3rd Rock from the Sun as Dr. Liam Neesam
- 1995 · MADtv as Self
- 1993 · Splitting Heirs as Raoul P. Shadgrind
- 1990 · The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson as Self
- 1989 · Erik the Viking as Halfdan the Black
- 1989 · Bosses From Hell as Brian
- 1987 · Baby Quark as
- 1987 · The Grand Knockout Tournament as Self
- 1985 · Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff as Self
- 1983 · Monty Python's The Meaning of Life as Various Roles
- 1982 · Cheers as Dr. Simon Finch-Royce
- 1982 · Wogan as Self
- 1982 · Whoops Apocalypse as Lacrobat
- 1981 · Time Bandits as Robin Hood
- 1981 · The Great Muppet Caper as Neville
- 1981 · Wetten, dass..? as Self
- 1980 · The Tom Machine as Computer (voice)
- 1980 · Peter Cook & Co. as Himself / Various Characters
- 1980 · The Queen Special as Man in Bar
- 1979 · Life of Brian as Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
- 1978 · An Audience with... as Self
- 1977 · The Mermaid Frolics as Self- Various roles
- 1977 · Three Piece Suite as Kevin
- 1976 · The Muppet Show as Self - Special Guest Star
- 1976 · The Secret Policeman's Ball as Self
- 1976 · Ripping Yarns as
- 1975 · Saturday Night Live as Self - Cameo (uncredited)
- 1975 · Fawlty Towers as Basil Fawlty
- 1975 · Monty Python and the Holy Grail as Second Swallow-Savvy Guard / The Black Knight / Peasant 3 / Sir Launcelot the Brave / Taunting French Guard / Tim the Enchanter
- 1975 · Les Rendez-vous du dimanche as Self
- 1974 · Romance with a Double Bass as Smychkov
- 1972 · Who Sold You This, Then? as
- 1971 · Euroshow '71: May Day Special as Self - Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)
- 1969 · The Magic Christian as Director in Sotheby's
- 1969 · Monty Python's Flying Circus as Various / Announcer
- 1967 · Omnibus as Self
- 1967 · Misleading Cases as Mr. Partridge
- 1967 · At Last the 1948 Show as
- 1963 · Doctor Who as Art Gallery Visitor
- 1962 · The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson as Self
- 1961 · The Avengers as Marcus Rugman
- Future · How to Make Her Cheat as Terry
- 2025 · John Cleese Packs It In as
- 2025 · The Cancellation Of Fawlty Towers as
- 2024 · The Roast of John Cleese as Self
- 2023 · The Dinosaur Hour Extra as
- 2023 · The Dinosaur Hour as Self
- 2023 · The Palace as Arthur William Dallas III
- 2023 · The Martini Shot as Dr. Auyeung
- 2023 · Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs as Self
- 2021 · Father Christmas Is Back as John Christmas
- 2021 · Why Are We (Not) Creative? as Self
- 2021 · Alexander Pope: Rediscovering a Genius as Interviewee
- 2021 · Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated as Self (archive footage)(uncredited)
- 2020 · The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee as John
- 2020 · Why there is no hope as Actor
- 2020 · Time Warp Vol. 3: Comedy and Camp as Self
- 2020 · Time Warp Vol. 1: Midnight Madness as Self
- 2019 · Assholes: A Theory as Himself
- 2019 · Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails as Self (archive footage)
- 2019 · The Naked Wanderer as Brian King
- 2018 · Why Are We Creative? as Self
- 2018 · Michael Palin: A Life on Screen as
- 2016 · British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves as Basil Fawlty (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 2015 · Behind Over the Garden Wall as Self
- 2014 · Spud 3: Learning to Fly as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
- 2014 · Monty Python: The Meaning of Live as Self
- 2014 · Monty Python Live (Mostly) as Self, others
- 2013 · The Meaning of Monty Python as Self
- 2013 · Spud 2: The Madness Continues as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
- 2012 · The Many Faces of Ronnie Barker as Self
- 2012 · A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman as Various (voice)
- 2012 · God Loves Caviar as McCormick
- 2011 · Beethoven's Christmas Adventure as Narrator
- 2011 · John Cleese: The Alimony Tour Live as
- 2011 · The Undefeated as Self (archive footage)
- 2010 · Spud as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
- 2010 · Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release as Self
- 2009 · Fawlty Exclusive: Basil's Best Bits as Self / Basil Fawlty
- 2009 · Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened as Self / Basil Fawlty
- 2008 · We Are Most Amused as Self - Presenter
- 2008 · Gaybo Laughs Back as Self
- 2008 · The Seventh Python as Self
- 2008 · Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation as Self
- 2008 · Life Of Brian Screenplay as Wise Man #1, Reg, Jewish Official, First Centurion
- 2008 · Monty Python Conquers America as Self
- 2007 · More Dawn French's Boys Who Do: Comedy as
- 2007 · What the Pythons Did Next... as Self (archive footage)
- 2006 · Aud go'hjerta as Self (archive footage)
- 2006 · The Art of Football from A to Z as Self
- 2006 · Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best as Various Characters
- 2006 · Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Jones' Personal Best as Various Characters
- 2006 · Monty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Best as Various Characters
- 2006 · Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best as Various Characters
- 2006 · Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best as Various Characters
- 2006 · Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best as Various Characters
- 2006 · Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best as Various Characters
- 2005 · Return of the Goodies as Himself
- 2005 · Fawlty Towers Revisited as Himself
- 2005 · The Roots of Monty Python as Self (archive footage)
- 2005 · Complete Guide to Guys as Noted Behavioral Scientist / Noted Doctor / Leading Social Scientist / Leading Orthopedic Surgeon
- 2004 · Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball? as Self
- 2004 · Wine for the Confused as Self
- 2004 · The Magic Touch of Harry Potter as Self
- 2004 · The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3 as Self (archive footage)
- 2004 · The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1 as Self (archive footage)
- 2004 · The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2 as Self (archive footage)
- 2003 · The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life' as Self
- 2003 · Stupidity as Self
- 2002 · Best Ever Bond as Self / R
- 2002 · Die Another Day: From Script to Screen as Self
- 2002 · Making Rat Race as Himself
- 2002 · Peter Cook: At a Slight Angle to the Universe as Self
- 2001 · The Human Face as Presenter
- 2001 · Fawlty Towers: An Interview with John Cleese as Kendisi
- 2000 · Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big as The Giant Alien (voice)
- 2000 · Quantum Project as Alexander Pentcho
- 2000 · Now Pay Attention 007: A Tribute to Actor Desmond Llewelyn as Self
- 2000 · Rockstar as Interviewer in lounge
- 1999 · Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm as Self
- 1999 · The Monty Python Story as Self
- 1999 · Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches as Self
- 1999 · Mickey’s Mechanical House as Narrator (voice)
- 1998 · In The Wild: Operation Lemur With John Cleese as Self
- 1998 · Monty Python: Live at Aspen as Self
- 1996 · Spike as Himself
- 1995 · Look at the State We're In! as Harold Kingsby
- 1995 · Look at the State We're In! as Politician
- 1994 · The Unpleasant World of Penn & Teller as Self
- 1993 · Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? as
- 1992 · Funny Business as
- 1991 · Amnesty International's Big 30 as Self
- 1991 · Rabbit Ears - Tom Thumb as Narrator (voice)
- 1990 · Bullseye! as Man on the Beach in Barbados Who Looks Like John Cleese
- 1990 · Life of Python as Himself / Various Roles (also archive footage)
- 1989 · Quark the Dragon Slayer as
- 1989 · Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python as Self / Various Characters
- 1989 · The Big Picture as Bartender
- 1989 · The Movie Life of George as Self
- 1989 · The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball as Self
- 1989 · Communicators From Hell as Brian
- 1989 · Customers From Hell as Brian
- 1988 · This Morning as Self
- 1988 · John Cleese's First Farewell Performance as Self
- 1987 · Quark and the Highway Robber as
- 1987 · Dragonslayer Quark as
- 1987 · The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball as Jim Cleese
- 1983 · Yellowbeard as Harvey 'Blind' Pew
- 1983 · Group Madness as Self
- 1983 · Privates on Parade as Major Giles Flack
- 1982 · Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl as Various Roles
- 1982 · The Secret Policeman's Other Ball as Self - Various Roles
- 1980 · The Taming of the Shrew as Petruchio
- 1979 · The Secret Policeman's Ball as Himself - Various Roles
- 1979 · Doctor Who: City of Death as Art Gallery Visitor
- 1979 · Golden Gordon as Passerby
- 1979 · The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979 as Self
- 1979 · ...To Norway, Home of Giants! as Norman Fearless
- 1979 · Away from It All as Nigel Farquhar-Bennett – Narrator (voice)
- 1977 · The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It as Sherlock Holmes
- 1976 · Pleasure at Her Majesty's as Self
- 1976 · Meetings, Bloody Meetings as
- 1975 · How Not to Exhibit Yourself as John Cleese
- 1975 · More Awkward Customers as Brian
- 1975 · Awkward Customers as Brian
- 1974 · Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report as Self
- 1973 · Is This a Record? as Various
- 1973 · Elementary, My Dear Watson as Sherlock Holmes
- 1973 · Monty Python In The Netherlands as
- 1973 · The Love Ban as Contraceptives Lecturer
- 1972 · Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus as Various Characters
- 1971 · The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 as
- 1971 · And Now for Something Completely Different as 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 Lady
- 1971 · The Statue as Harry
- 1970 · The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer as Pumer
- 1969 · Sez Les as
- 1969 · Sez Les as self
- 1969 · How to Irritate People as Himself - Various
- 1968 · The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom as Post Office Clerk
- 1968 · Interlude as Television public relations man
- Future · Untitled Fawlty Towers Reboot as Basil Fawlty
- 1969 · The Best House in London as Jones (uncredited)
- Future · Cancel Me as Self - Host / Presenter
- 1970 · Monty Python: Who's There? as Timothy
- 1966 · The Frost Report as
- Future · The Philosophers' Football Match as Archimedes