John Cleese
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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
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
as Nearly Headless Nick
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
as Nearly Headless Nick (Sir Nicholas)
Shrek 2 (2004)
as King Harold (voice)
Shrek the Third (2007)
as King Harold (voice)
Shrek Forever After (2010)
as King Harold (voice)
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
as R
Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)
as Mr. Bridwell
Trolls (2016)
as Roi Gristle (voice)
Die Another Day (2002)
as Q
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
as Second Swallow-Savvy Guard / The Black Knight / Peasant 3 / Sir Launcelot the Brave / Taunting French Guard / Tim the Enchanter
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
as Professor Barnhardt
Around the World in 80 Days (2004)
as Grizzled Sergeant
Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
as Mr. Munday
Planes (2013)
as Bulldog (voice)
George of the Jungle (1997)
as An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)
Life of Brian (1979)
as Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
Planet 51 (2009)
as Professor Kipple (voice)
Charlotte's Web (2006)
as Samuel the Sheep (voice)
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
as Archie Leach
Winnie the Pooh (2011)
as Narrator (voice)
The Pink Panther 2 (2009)
as Dreyfus
Rat Race (2001)
as Donald P. Sinclair
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994)
as Prof. Waldman
Arctic Dogs (2019)
as Otto von Walrus (voice)
Valiant (2005)
as Mercury (voice)
Time Bandits (1981)
as Robin Hood
Absolutely Anything (2015)
as Chief Alien (voice)
Silverado (1985)
as Sheriff John T. Langston
Rally Road Racers (2023)
as Archie Vainglorious (voice)
The Jungle Book (1994)
as Dr. Julius Plumford
The Swan Princess (1994)
as Jean-Bob (voice)
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)
as Cat R. Waul (voice)
George of the Jungle 2 (2003)
as An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)
as Various Roles
Igor (2008)
as Dr. Glickenstein (voice)
Mickey's House of Villains (2002)
as Narrator (“Mickey's Mechanical House") (uncredited)
Charming (2018)
as Fairy Godmother / Executioner (voice)
The Palace (2023)
as Arthur William Dallas III
The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)
as James
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse (2001)
as Narrator (segment 'The Nutcracker') (voice)
The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
as Neville
The Big Year (2011)
as Historical Montage Narrator (voice)
Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018)
as Donner (voice)
The Out-of-Towners (1999)
as Mr. Mersault
And Now for Something Completely Different (1971)
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
Erik the Viking (1989)
as Halfdan the Black
Man About Town (2006)
as Dr. Primkin
Fierce Creatures (1997)
as Rollo Lee
The Big Picture (1989)
as Bartender
Yellowbeard (1983)
as Harvey 'Blind' Pew
Father Christmas Is Back (2021)
as John Christmas
A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman (2012)
as Various (voice)
A.C.O.R.N.S.: Operation Crackdown (2015)
as Mr. Bellwood (voice)
Scorched (2003)
as Charles Merchant
Beethoven's Christmas Adventure (2011)
as Narrator
The Wind in the Willows (1996)
as Mr. Toad's Lawyer
Splitting Heirs (1993)
as Raoul P. Shadgrind
Concert for George (2003)
as Self
The Magic Christian (1969)
as Director in Sotheby's
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)
as Various Roles
The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee (2020)
as John
The Magic Pudding (2000)
as Albert the Magic Pudding (voice)
British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves (2016)
as Basil Fawlty (archive footage) (uncredited)
Daddy Daughter Trip (2022)
as Frank
Albion: The Enchanted Stallion (2016)
as General Eeder
Best Ever Bond (2002)
as Self / R
Bullseye! (1990)
as Man on the Beach in Barbados Who Looks Like John Cleese
Monty Python Live (Mostly) (2014)
as Self, others
Isn't She Great (2000)
as Henry Marcus
The Naked Wanderer (2019)
as Brian King
Jamie Lee Curtis: Hollywood Call of Freedom (2022)
as Self (archive footage)
Clockwise (1986)
as Brian Stimpson
Spud (2010)
as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson (1990)
as Self
Euroshow '71: May Day Special (1971)
as Self - Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)
Parting Shots (1999)
as Maurice Walpole
L'Entente cordiale (2006)
as Lord Conrad
The Funny Blokes of British Comedy (2005)
as Self
Why Are We Creative? (2018)
as Self
The Undefeated (2011)
as Self (archive footage)
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation (2008)
as Self
The Martini Shot (2023)
as Dr. Auyeung
The Last Impresario (2014)
as Self
Hitler: The Comedy Years (2007)
as Adolf Hitler / Basil Fawlty (archive footage) (uncredited)
God Loves Caviar (2012)
as McCormick
Group Madness (1983)
as Self
The Grand Knockout Tournament (1987)
as Self
The Best House in London (1969)
as Jones (uncredited)
Bosses From Hell (1989)
as Brian
An Accidental Studio (2019)
as Self (archive footage)
The Magic Touch of Harry Potter (2004)
as Self
The Secret Life of Brian (2007)
as Self
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2 (2004)
as Self (archive footage)
Complete Guide to Guys (2005)
as Noted Behavioral Scientist / Noted Doctor / Leading Social Scientist / Leading Orthopedic Surgeon
How to Irritate People (1969)
as Himself - Various
The Nutcracker (1999)
as Narrator
Amnesty International's Big 30 (1991)
as Self
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3 (2004)
as Self (archive footage)
Monty Python Conquers America (2008)
as Self
Alexander Pope: Rediscovering a Genius (2021)
as Interviewee
Time Warp Vol. 1: Midnight Madness (2020)
as Self
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened (2009)
as Self / Basil Fawlty
Making Rat Race (2002)
as Himself
What the Pythons Did Next... (2007)
as Self (archive footage)
Life of Python (1990)
as Himself / Various Roles (also archive footage)
Spud 3: Learning to Fly (2014)
as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
Monty Python: Live at Aspen (1998)
as Self
The Taming of the Shrew (1980)
as Petruchio
Privates on Parade (1983)
as Major Giles Flack
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live (2014)
as Self
Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff (1985)
as Self
Behind Over the Garden Wall (2015)
as Self
Peter Cook: At a Slight Angle to the Universe (2002)
as Self
Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar (2014)
as Self
Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated (2021)
as Self (archive footage)(uncredited)
The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979 (1979)
as Self
Spud 2: The Madness Continues (2013)
as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom (1968)
as Post Office Clerk
Peter Cook & Co. (1980)
as Himself / Various Characters
Colleagues From Hell (1989)
Actor
The Art of Football from A to Z (2006)
as Self
Time Warp Vol. 3: Comedy and Camp (2020)
as Self
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1 (2004)
as Self (archive footage)
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball (1982)
as Self - Various Roles
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report (1974)
as Self
We Are Most Amused (2008)
as Self - Presenter
Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big (2000)
as The Giant Alien (voice)
Pleasure at Her Majesty's (1976)
as Self
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus (2008)
as Self
The Splendid Thing (—)
Actor
The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (1970)
as Pumer
John Cleese Packs It In (2025)
Actor
Golden Gordon (1979)
as Passerby
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best (2006)
as Various Characters
Who Sold You This, Then? (1972)
Actor
The Cancellation Of Fawlty Towers (2025)
Actor
Is This a Record? (1973)
as Various
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball? (2004)
as Self
Doctor Who: City of Death (1979)
as Art Gallery Visitor
Gaybo Laughs Back (2008)
as Self
The Roots of Monty Python (2005)
as Self (archive footage)
Three Piece Suite (1977)
as Kevin
Employees From Hell (1989)
as Brian
The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979)
as Himself - Various Roles
The Movie Life of George (1989)
as Self
The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life' (2003)
as Self
Die Another Day: From Script to Screen (2002)
as Self
Quantum Project (2000)
as Alexander Pentcho
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989)
as Self / Various Characters
The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It (1977)
as Sherlock Holmes
Customers From Hell (1989)
as Brian
Now Pay Attention 007: A Tribute to Actor Desmond Llewelyn (2000)
as Self
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best (2006)
as Various Characters
Stupidity (2003)
as Self
Interviewers From Hell (1989)
Actor
How to Make Her Cheat (—)
as Terry
Customer Service From Hell (1989)
Actor
Why Are We (Not) Creative? (2021)
as Self
Anatomy of a Liar (2012)
as Self
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball (1989)
as Self
Romance with a Double Bass (1974)
as Smychkov
Fawlty Towers: The Play (2025)
as Self
The Statue (1971)
as Harry
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best (2006)
as Various Characters
Assholes: A Theory (2019)
as Himself
The Queen Special (1980)
as Man in Bar
The Love Ban (1973)
as Contraceptives Lecturer
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Best (2006)
as Various Characters
The Monty Python Story (1999)
as Self
Teams from Hell (1989)
Actor
The Philosophers' Football Match (1972)
as Archimedes
The Mermaid Frolics (1977)
as Self- Various roles
Mickey’s Mechanical House (1999)
as Narrator (voice)
Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails (2019)
as Self (archive footage)
Interlude (1968)
as Television public relations man
Sales People from Hell (1989)
Actor
Fawlty Towers Revisited (2005)
as Himself
The Meaning of Monty Python (2013)
as Self
Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best (2006)
as Various Characters
Michael Palin: A Life on Screen (2018)
Actor
Awkward Customers (1975)
as Brian
The Seventh Python (2008)
as Self
Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm (1999)
as Self
The Life of Python (2000)
as Self
Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches (1999)
as Self
More Awkward Customers (1975)
as Brian
Life Of Brian Screenplay (2008)
as Wise Man #1, Reg, Jewish Official, First Centurion
Monty Python: Who's There? (1970)
as Timothy
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 (1971)
Actor
The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball (1987)
as Jim Cleese
The Roast of John Cleese (2024)
as Self
Monty Python In The Netherlands (1973)
as Narrator / Pie Face 2
The Tom Machine (1980)
as Computer (voice)
Communicators From Hell (1989)
as Brian
The Goodies and the Beanstalk (1973)
as The Genie
Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs (2023)
as Self
...To Norway, Home of Giants! (1979)
as Norman Fearless
In The Wild: Operation Lemur With John Cleese (1998)
as Self
Dragonslayer Quark (1987)
Actor
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best (2006)
as Various Characters
Aud go'hjerta (2006)
as Self (archive footage)
The Many Faces of Ronnie Barker (2012)
as Self
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? (1993)
Actor
Return of the Goodies (2005)
as Himself
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release (2010)
as Self
How Not to Exhibit Yourself (1975)
as John Cleese
Away from It All (1979)
as Nigel Farquhar-Bennett – Narrator (voice)
Rockstar (2000)
as Interviewer in lounge
Baby Quark (1987)
Actor
John Cleese: The Alimony Tour Live (2011)
Actor
Spike (1996)
as Self
Rabbit Ears - Tom Thumb (1991)
as Narrator (voice)
Quark the Dragon Slayer (1989)
Actor
Fawlty Towers: An Interview with John Cleese (2001)
as Kendisi
Wine for the Confused (2004)
as Self
Creativity in Management (1991)
as Self
Elementary, My Dear Watson (1973)
as Sherlock Holmes
Taking The Wheel (—)
as Nathan
Meetings, Bloody Meetings (1976)
Actor
Fawlty Exclusive: Basil's Best Bits (2009)
as Self / Basil Fawlty
Quark and the Highway Robber (1987)
Actor
Michael Palin’s Super 8mm - “Life of Brian” (1978)
as Self