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