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