John Cleese

Explore the life and career of John Cleese (born October 27, 1939), the iconic English actor, comedian, and writer. From Monty Python and Fawlty Towers to his observations on creativity and life, discover his journey, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

John Cleese is a legendary figure of British and global comedy. Born on October 27, 1939 in Weston-super-Mare, England, he is known for his work as an actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and presenter.

Cleese rose to prominence as one of the founders of Monty Python and as the co-creator (and star) of Fawlty Towers. His style combines absurdity, wit, sharp satire, and physical comedy. Over decades, he has extended his influence with film, television, writing, and public speaking. His work continues to inspire comedians, writers, and thinkers around the world.

In this article, we’ll trace his life, artistic evolution, legacy, and some memorable words that encapsulate his view of the world.

Early Life and Family

John Marwood Cleese was born to Reginald Francis Cleese and Muriel Evelyn (née Cross).

As a child, Cleese was active in sports — cricket, boxing — and won prizes in English.

Youth and Education

Cleese went on to Downing College, Cambridge, where he studied Law. Cambridge Footlights, the university’s famed theatrical and comedy troupe.

During the early 1960s, his revue A Clump of Plinths (later named Cambridge Circus) transferred to London’s West End and toured internationally, including New Zealand and Broadway.

Career and Achievements

Launching a Comedy Career & Python Years

After his early Cambridge success, Cleese worked in television writing and performance — e.g. on The Frost Report — where he developed his comedic voice.

In 1969, along with Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, Cleese co-founded Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The show’s bizarre, irreverent humor and satirical edge made it a touchstone of modern comedy.

From Monty Python, Cleese starred in iconic films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian (1979), and The Meaning of Life (1983).

One of his most famous sketches is the “Dead Parrot sketch”, in which he played Mr Praline, trying to return a clearly deceased “Norwegian Blue” parrot to a pet shop.

Fawlty Towers and Scripted Comedy

Beyond Python, Cleese co-wrote and starred in Fawlty Towers (1975, 1979) alongside his then wife Connie Booth. He portrayed Basil Fawlty, a rude, frustrated hotel keeper in absurd and chaotic situations. The show is often ranked among the greatest British sitcoms ever made.

His ability to blend farce, social commentary, and sharp comedic timing set Fawlty Towers apart. His performances oscillated between control and explosive breakdown, which became a signature of his style.

Film Work & Later Roles

Outside Python and Fawlty Towers, Cleese has had a long and diverse film career. Notable works include:

• A Fish Called Wanda (1988) — he co-wrote the script (with John Cleese and Charles Crichton) and starred as Archie Leach, injecting both comedic and subtle character-driven moments.

• Appearances in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

• Voice roles in animated works and cameo appearances.

Writing & Public Thought

Cleese has also engaged in writing beyond scripts. One of his better-known book projects is Life and How to Survive It (co-written with psychiatrist Robin Skynner) — a psychological/self-help dialogue that delves into human behavior, relationships, and the mind.

He also co-founded Video Arts, a company producing humorous training films.

He has been vocal in public debates around free speech, political correctness, satire, and culture. He has criticized what he sees as stifling “literal-mindedness” that fails to understand irony and humor.

Honors & Recognitions

• In a 2005 poll by Channel 4, educated by his peers, he was ranked the second best comedian ever.

• A species of lemur Avahi cleesei is named in his honor.

• An asteroid 9618 Johncleese is named after him.

• He’s held honorary positions and awards in universities (e.g. honorary degrees) and has served as a visiting professor.

Historical Milestones & Context

Cleese’s career spans a period of dramatic change in comedy and media:

• His rise in the 1960s and ’70s paralleled a shift toward more irreverent, countercultural humor.

• Monty Python helped move sketch comedy away from conventional punchlines, embracing absurdism, non sequitur, and boundary-pushing satire.

• Fawlty Towers, despite being short (only 12 episodes), showcased how a tightly written sitcom can stand the test of time.

• Over his lifetime, he has lived through transformations from broadcast television to streaming, changes in cultural norms about satire and offense, and evolving debates on censorship and free speech.

• His willingness to revisit or reinterpret older works (e.g. adjusting scripts for modern sensibilities) reflects the tension between preserving classic comedy and adapting to changing audiences.

Legacy and Influence

John Cleese’s influence is broad and enduring:

• Many modern comedians and writers cite him (and Monty Python) as foundational to their sense of humor.

• He helped push comedy into the realm of intelligent satire — making audiences laugh and think.

• His versatility — performer, writer, thinker — models how comedians can transcend roles.

• His public commentary on culture, speech, and humor remains provocative and relevant.

• The fact that species and celestial bodies bear his name shows the cultural respect and affection attached to his work.

Personality and Talents

John Cleese is known for his command of comedic mechanics, his ability to caricature authority figures, and his mix of highbrow and lowbrow humor. He often plays characters restrained on the surface but bubbling with frustration or absurd rage.

He displays rigorous discipline in writing and structure — even when the result seems anarchic. He values logical structure, timing, and clear setups for comedic payoff.

In interviews, he comes across as sharp-witted, opinionated, and occasionally contrarian — often using humor to make a point about culture or human behavior.

Famous Quotes of John Cleese

Here are some of his more memorable and revealing lines:

• “He who laughs most, learns best.”

• “If you are leaping a ravine, the moment of takeoff is a bad time to be considering alternative strategies.”

• “Laughter connects you with people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just howling with laughter. Laughter is a force for democracy.”

• “My compulsion to always be working has become less strong … If I wasn’t doing this I’d be making documentaries about wildlife and other subjects that interest me.”

• “Because, as we all know, it’s easier to do trivial things that are urgent than it is to do important things that are not urgent, like thinking.”

• “My views are heretical to people who believe in political correctness.”

• “As he is one of the greatest talents in British comedy …” (on reflections about career)

These quotes reflect his blend of humor, insight, and willingness to push against convention.

Lessons from John Cleese

1. Master the craft, not just the jokes
   Cleese’s emphasis on structure, timing, and clarity demonstrates that good comedy is built, not just improvised.

2. Push boundaries thoughtfully
   Much of his humor challenges social norms, but often from a position of logic and reflection.

3. Be versatile
   Cleese wrote, acted, produced, spoke, and commented on society — a model for creative breadth.

4. Embrace absurdity with purpose
   His works often descend into ridiculousness, but they retain internal logic and commentary.

5. Use humor as connection, not division
   His lines about laughter breaking down hierarchies show his belief in comedy’s social role.

6. Adapting to change matters
   Staying relevant over many decades required openness to new media, critiques, and audience expectations.

Conclusion

John Cleese is one of the great comic minds of the modern era. From his sketch work with Monty Python, to the timeless chaos of Fawlty Towers, to his continuing roles and cultural commentary, he has left an indelible mark on comedy and culture.

His work reminds us that laughter can illuminate truth, provoke thought, and bridge distance. His willingness to evolve, critique, and reflect makes him not just a comedian, but a thinker.