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