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