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
- 2024 · The Roast of John Cleese as Self
- 2023 · The Dinosaur Hour as Self
- 2023 · The Martini Shot as Dr. Auyeung
- 2023 · Rally Road Racers as Archie Vainglorious (voice)
- 2022 · Daddy Daughter Trip as Frank
- 2020 · The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee as John
- 2020 · Harry Potter and the Deathly Weapons as Nearly Headless Nick
- 2019 · Assholes: A Theory as Himself
- 2018 · Michael Palin: A Life on Screen as
- 2014 · Monty Python Live (Mostly) as Self, others
- 2011 · The Undefeated as Self (archive footage)
- 2009 · Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) as Self
- 2009 · Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened as Self / Basil Fawlty
- 2007 · What the Pythons Did Next... as Self (archive footage)
- 2006 · Aud go'hjerta as Himself (archive footage)
- 2006 · Man About Town as Dr. Primkin
- 2005 · The Roots of Monty Python as Self (archive footage)
- 2004 · Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball? as Self
- 2004 · The Magic Touch of Harry Potter as Self
- 2002 · The Adventures of Pluto Nash as James
- 2000 · Now Pay Attention 007: A Tribute to Actor Desmond Llewelyn as Self
- 1996 · E! True Hollywood Story as
- 1993 · Splitting Heirs as Raoul P. Shadgrind
- 1980 · Peter Cook & Co. as Himself / Various Characters
- Future · Taking The Wheel as Nathan
- 2025 · John Cleese Packs It In as
- 2025 · Fawlty Towers: The Play as Self
- 2025 · The Cancellation Of Fawlty Towers as
- 2023 · The Dinosaur Hour Extra as
- 2023 · The Palace as Arthur William Dallas III
- 2021 · Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated as Self (archive footage)(uncredited)
- 2020 · Why there is no hope as Actor
- 2020 · Time Warp Vol. 1: Midnight Madness as Self
- 2019 · Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails as Self (archive footage)
- 2014 · Spud 3: Learning to Fly as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
- 2013 · The Meaning of Monty Python as Self
- 2013 · Spud 2: The Madness Continues as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
- 2008 · The Seventh Python as Self
- 2008 · Life Of Brian Screenplay as Wise Man #1, Reg, Jewish Official, First Centurion
- 2008 · Monty Python Conquers America as Self
- 2007 · The Secret Life of Brian as Self
- 2006 · L'Entente cordiale as Lord Conrad
- 2005 · Return of the Goodies as Himself
- 2005 · Fawlty Towers Revisited as Himself
- 2005 · The Funny Blokes of British Comedy as Himself
- 1999 · The Monty Python Story as Self
- 1993 · Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? as
- 1989 · Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python as Self / Various Characters
- 1989 · Employees From Hell as Brian
- 1989 · Communicators From Hell as Brian
- 1982 · The Secret Policeman's Other Ball as Self - Various Roles
- Future · Untitled Fawlty Towers Reboot as Basil Fawlty
- 1989 · The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball as Self
- 1987 · The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball as Jim Cleese
- 1985 · Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff as Self
- 1980 · The Queen Special as Man in Bar
- 1976 · Pleasure at Her Majesty's as Self
- 1976 · Meetings, Bloody Meetings as
- 1969 · How to Irritate People as Himself - Various
- Future · Cancel Me as Self - Host / Presenter
- 1975 · More Awkward Customers as Brian
- Future · The Philosophers' Football Match as Archimedes
- 2023 · Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs as Self
- 2021 · Clifford the Big Red Dog as Mr. Bridwell
- 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 · LOL: Last One Laughing as Self
- 2020 · Time Warp Vol. 3: Comedy and Camp as Self
- 2019 · Arctic Dogs as Otto von Walrus (voice)
- 2019 · The Naked Wanderer as Brian King
- 2019 · An Accidental Studio as Self (archive footage)
- 2018 · Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer as Donner (voice)
- 2018 · Why Are We Creative? as Self
- 2018 · Charming as Fairy Godmother / Executioner (voice)
- 2018 · Hold the Sunset as Phil
- 2016 · Trolls as Roi Gristle (voice)
- 2016 · Speechless as Martin
- 2016 · British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves as Basil Fawlty (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 2016 · John Bishop: In Conversation with... as Self
- 2016 · Albion: The Enchanted Stallion as General Eeder
- 2015 · The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as Self
- 2015 · Behind Over the Garden Wall as Self
- 2015 · A.C.O.R.N.S.: Operation Crackdown as Mr. Bellwood (voice)
- 2015 · Absolutely Anything as Chief Alien (voice)
- 2014 · A Life on Screen as Self
- 2014 · Monty Python: The Meaning of Live as Self
- 2014 · Over the Garden Wall as Quincy Endicott (voice)
- 2014 · Over the Garden Wall as Adelaide (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 · Planes as Bulldog (voice)
- 2013 · The Last Leg as Self
- 2012 · The Many Faces of Ronnie Barker as Self
- 2012 · Anatomy of a Liar 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 · The Big Year as Historical Montage Narrator (voice)
- 2011 · Whitney as Dr. Grant
- 2011 · Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh as Narrator (voice)
- 2011 · John Cleese: The Alimony Tour Live as
- 2011 · Winnie the Pooh as Narrator (voice)
- 2010 · Spud as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
- 2010 · Shrek Forever After as King Harold (voice)
- 2010 · Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release as Self
- 2009 · Planet 51 as Professor Kipple (voice)
- 2009 · Fawlty Exclusive: Basil's Best Bits as Self / Basil Fawlty
- 2009 · Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation as Self - Contestant
- 2009 · The Pink Panther 2 as Dreyfus
- 2009 · Skavlan as Self - Guest
- 2008 · The Day the Earth Stood Still as Professor Barnhardt
- 2008 · We Are Most Amused as Self - Presenter
- 2008 · Gaybo Laughs Back as Self
- 2008 · Igor as Dr. Glickenstein (voice)
- 2008 · Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus as Self
- 2008 · Markus Lanz as Self
- 2008 · Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation as Self
- 2007 · More Dawn French's Boys Who Do: Comedy as
- 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
- 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 · 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 Gilliam's 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 Jones' Personal Best as Various Characters
- 2006 · Monty Python's Personal Best as Self / 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 · Valiant as Mercury (voice)
- 2005 · Complete Guide to Guys as Noted Behavioral Scientist / Noted Doctor / Leading Social Scientist / Leading Orthopedic Surgeon
- 2004 · Wine for the Confused as Self
- 2004 · Entourage as John Cleese
- 2004 · Around the World in 80 Days as Grizzled Sergeant
- 2004 · Shrek 2 as King Harold (voice)
- 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)
- 2004 · The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3 as Self (archive footage)
- 2003 · Concert for George as Self
- 2003 · The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life' as Self
- 2003 · George of the Jungle 2 as An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)
- 2003 · Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle as Mr. Munday
- 2003 · Scorched as Charles Merchant
- 2003 · Real Time with Bill Maher as Self
- 2003 · Stupidity as Self
- 2002 · Best Ever Bond as Self / R
- 2002 · Die Another Day: From Script to Screen as Self
- 2002 · Die Another Day as Q
- 2002 · Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as Nearly Headless Nick (Sir Nicholas)
- 2002 · NDR Kultur – Das Journal as Self
- 2002 · Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central) as Red Lansing
- 2002 · Making Rat Race as Himself
- 2002 · Peter Cook: At a Slight Angle to the Universe as Self
- 2001 · Richard & Judy as Self
- 2001 · Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as Nearly Headless Nick
- 2001 · Mickey's House of Villains as Narrator (“Mickey's Mechanical House") (uncredited)
- 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 · The Human Face as Presenter
- 2001 · Disney's House of Mouse as
- 2001 · Disney's House of Mouse as Narrator (voice)
- 2001 · Fawlty Towers: An Interview with John Cleese as Kendisi
- 2000 · The Magic Pudding as Albert the Magic Pudding (voice)
- 2000 · Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big as The Giant Alien (voice)
- 2000 · The Life of Python as Self
- 2000 · Quantum Project as Alexander Pentcho
- 2000 · Isn't She Great as Henry Marcus
- 2000 · Rockstar as Interviewer in lounge
- 1999 · The World Is Not Enough as R
- 1999 · The Nutcracker as Narrator
- 1999 · Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches as Self
- 1999 · Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm as Self
- 1999 · Mickey’s Mechanical House as Narrator (voice)
- 1999 · Parting Shots as Maurice Walpole
- 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
- 1999 · Casper & Mandrilaftalen as Fake Bosse Bo Johansson
- 1998 · Will & Grace as Lyle Finster (uncredited)
- 1998 · In The Wild: Operation Lemur With John Cleese as Self
- 1998 · Monty Python: Live at Aspen as Self
- 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 · The Daily Show as Self
- 1996 · Spike as Himself
- 1996 · 3rd Rock from the Sun as Dr. Liam Neesam
- 1995 · MADtv as Self
- 1995 · Look at the State We're In! as Minister
- 1994 · The Jungle Book as Dr. Julius Plumford
- 1994 · The Swan Princess as Jean-Bob (voice)
- 1994 · Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as Prof. Waldman
- 1992 · Funny Business as
- 1991 · Amnesty International's Big 30 as Self
- 1991 · An American Tail: Fievel Goes West as Cat R. Waul (voice)
- 1991 · Rabbit Ears - Tom Thumb as Narrator (voice)
- 1990 · The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson as Self
- 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 · The Big Picture as Bartender
- 1989 · Erik the Viking as Halfdan the Black
- 1989 · The Movie Life of George as Self
- 1989 · Bosses From Hell as Brian
- 1989 · Customers From Hell as Brian
- 1988 · This Morning as Self
- 1988 · A Fish Called Wanda as Archie Leach
- 1988 · John Cleese's First Farewell Performance as Self
- 1987 · Quark and the Highway Robber as
- 1987 · Baby Quark as
- 1987 · Dragonslayer Quark as
- 1987 · The Grand Knockout Tournament as Self
- 1986 · Clockwise as Brian Stimpson
- 1985 · Silverado as Sheriff John T. Langston
- 1983 · Yellowbeard as Harvey 'Blind' Pew
- 1983 · Group Madness as Self
- 1983 · Monty Python's The Meaning of Life as Various Roles
- 1983 · Privates on Parade as Major Giles Flack
- 1982 · Cheers as Dr. Simon Finch-Royce
- 1982 · Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl as Various Roles
- 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 · 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 · Not the Nine O'Clock News as
- 1979 · Life of Brian as Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
- 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)
- 1978 · An Audience with... as Self
- 1977 · The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It as Sherlock Holmes
- 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 · How Not to Exhibit Yourself as John Cleese
- 1975 · Awkward Customers as Brian
- 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 · Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report as Self
- 1974 · Romance with a Double Bass as Smychkov
- 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
- 1972 · Who Sold You This, Then? as
- 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 · Euroshow '71: May Day Special as Self - Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)
- 1971 · The Statue as Harry
- 1970 · The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer as Pumer
- 1970 · Monty Python: Who's There? as Timothy
- 1969 · The Magic Christian as Director in Sotheby's
- 1969 · Monty Python's Flying Circus as Various / Announcer
- 1969 · The Best House in London as Jones (uncredited)
- 1969 · Sez Les as
- 1969 · Sez Les as self
- 1968 · The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom as Post Office Clerk
- 1968 · Interlude as Television public relations man
- 1967 · Omnibus as Self
- 1967 · Misleading Cases as Mr. Partridge
- 1967 · At Last the 1948 Show as
- 1966 · The Frost Report 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