---
name: "John Cleese"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/john-cleese"
fi1m_id: "john-cleese"
imdb_id: "nm0000092"
tmdb_id: 8930
wikidata_id: "Q25014"
roles: ["Actor","Writer"]
born: "27 October 1939"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 25
average_fi1m_score: 64
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 23
updated: "2026-10-05T15:32:17.312666+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# John Cleese

## Identity

John Cleese

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/john-cleese
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** john-cleese
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000092
- **TMDB ID:** 8930
- **Wikidata ID:** Q25014
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cleese, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25014, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000092/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/8930

Actor and writer. Born 27 October 1939 in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Writer
- **Born:** 27 October 1939, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England, UK
- **Active:** 1969–present
- **Also known as:** John Marwood Cleese, Cleesey
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 25: 23 acting, 2 writing
- **Frequently works with:** [Michael Palin](https://film.one/person/michael-palin.md), [Terry Gilliam](https://film.one/person/terry-gilliam.md), [Terry Jones](https://film.one/person/terry-jones.md), [Eric Idle](https://film.one/person/eric-idle.md), [Graham Chapman](https://film.one/person/graham-chapman.md), [Antonio Banderas](https://film.one/person/antonio-banderas.md), [Cameron Diaz](https://film.one/person/cameron-diaz.md), [Eddie Murphy](https://film.one/person/eddie-murphy.md)
- **BAFTA Film Awards:** 1 BAFTA (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 64, as actor, over 23 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1960s 83 (1), 1970s 88 (3), 1980s 70 (4), 1990s 56 (2), 2000s 54 (10), 2010s 60 (4), 2020s 70 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 63 to 59 across 22 titles
- **Score spread:** 8 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 11 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 5 of 19 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 17, Adventure 12, Fantasy 8, Family 6, Science Fiction 6, Action 5
- **Screen time:** 37 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $6,290m across 20 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cleese, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25014, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000092/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/8930

## Streaming the US now

- **Peacock:** [*Life of Brian*](https://film.one/film/life-of-brian.md) (88), [*Monty Python and the Holy Grail*](https://film.one/film/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail.md) (87), [*Monty Python's Flying Circus*](https://film.one/tv/monty-pythons-flying-circus.md) (83), [*Shrek 2*](https://film.one/film/shrek-2.md) (80), [*Shrek Forever After*](https://film.one/film/shrek-forever-after.md) (60), [*Shrek the Third*](https://film.one/film/shrek-the-third.md) (50)
- **Apple TV:** [*A Fish Called Wanda*](https://film.one/film/a-fish-called-wanda.md) (83), [*Time Bandits*](https://film.one/film/time-bandits.md) (80)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Planet 51*](https://film.one/film/planet-51.md) (52), [*Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle*](https://film.one/film/charlies-angels-full-throttle.md) (50)
- **BritBox:** [*Fawlty Towers*](https://film.one/tv/fawlty-towers.md) (90)
- **Disney+:** [*Around the World in 80 Days*](https://film.one/film/around-the-world-in-80-days-2004.md) (56)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on John Cleese

> John Cleese makes suppressed anger visible in the way a man stands. We rate him highest in *Fawlty Towers*, where the writing and the supporting players are precise enough to make every small loss of dignity count.

Basil Fawlty is funny before he has done much more than stand upright. In *Fawlty Towers* (1975), John Cleese makes the effort to stay civil visible in a body held too stiffly. We laughed before the outburst because that posture had already made his effort ridiculous. He gives Basil enough dignity to try to hang on to, then takes his time over the loss of it.

The move from the sketches of *Monty Python's Flying Circus* (1969) to *Fawlty Towers* gave that frustration longer to build. Cleese left the Python television series in 1973 but continued in the films, including *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975) and *Life of Brian* (1979). He later wrote and starred in *A Fish Called Wanda* (1988), playing Archie Leach. Later film and voice roles included the *Harry Potter* and *Shrek* series, but our recommendation rests on the comedy he helped to write.

Writing with Connie Booth, Cleese makes each new hotel difficulty clear before Basil complicates it. Prunella Scales gives Sybil a steadiness that makes his agitation look foolish without reducing her to a supplier of rebukes. Booth's Polly attends to practical problems while he struggles to preserve appearances. He is well served by colleagues who remain busy with their own characters rather than merely waiting for him to finish.

Directors John Howard Davies and Bob Spiers keep those other performances in view rather than treating them as pauses between Basil's outbursts. Editors Susan Imrie, Bob Rymer and Bill Harris leave room for the waits and reactions. Their work lets us anticipate embarrassment without losing track of the immediate problem. Cleese's physical precision benefits from equally careful staging and cutting; we can see the effect he has on the people around him.

The caveat is the treatment of Andrew Sachs's Manuel, whose careful timing sometimes serves jokes that go on being cruel after they have made their point. Cleese is more engaging when Basil's dignity is at risk than when somebody else merely has to endure him. We would start with *Fawlty Towers* for the effort Basil puts into not shouting. Do not mistake the eventual volume for the whole performance.

## Biography

John Cleese is an English actor, comedian and writer. He began his career performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and as a scriptwriter and performer on *The Frost Report*. In the late 1960s he joined the Monty Python comedy troupe, appearing in and writing for the sketch series *Monty Python's Flying Circus* (1969) and the films *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975) and *Life of Brian* (1979).

In the mid-1970s Cleese co-wrote and starred as Basil Fawlty in the sitcom *Fawlty Towers* (1975) with his then-wife Connie Booth. He later appeared in *A Fish Called Wanda* (1988) and *Fierce Creatures* (1997), and voiced roles in the *Shrek* films. He has also appeared in two *Harry Potter* films as Nearly Headless Nick and in two James Bond films.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org.*

## On Fi1m (25)

### Performed in (23) — the average rests on these

- *Absolutely Anything* (2015), Fi1m 34, as Chief Alien (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/absolutely-anything.md)
- *Over the Garden Wall* (2014), Fi1m 86, as Adelaide (voice) — [page](https://film.one/tv/over-the-garden-wall.md)
- *Shrek Forever After* (2010), Fi1m 60, as King Harold (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-forever-after.md)
- *Planet 51* (2009), Fi1m 52, as Professor Kipple (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/planet-51.md)
- *The Day the Earth Stood Still* (2008), Fi1m 40, as Professor Barnhardt — [page](https://film.one/film/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-2008.md)
- *Shrek the Third* (2007), Fi1m 50, as King Harold (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-the-third.md)
- *Around the World in 80 Days* (2004), Fi1m 56, as Grizzled Sergeant — [page](https://film.one/film/around-the-world-in-80-days-2004.md)
- *Shrek 2* (2004), Fi1m 80, as King Harold (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-2.md)
- *Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle* (2003), Fi1m 50, as Mr. Munday — [page](https://film.one/film/charlies-angels-full-throttle.md)
- *Die Another Day* (2002), Fi1m 50, as Q — [page](https://film.one/film/die-another-day.md)
- *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* (2002), Fi1m 65, as Nearly Headless Nick (Sir Nicholas) — [page](https://film.one/film/harry-potter-and-the-chamber-of-secrets.md)
- *The Adventures of Pluto Nash* (2002), Fi1m 32, as James — [page](https://film.one/film/the-adventures-of-pluto-nash.md)
- *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* (2001), Fi1m 68, as Nearly Headless Nick — [page](https://film.one/film/harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone.md)
- *The World Is Not Enough* (1999), Fi1m 58, as R — [page](https://film.one/film/the-world-is-not-enough.md)
- *Mary Shelley's Frankenstein* (1994), Fi1m 54, as Prof. Waldman — [page](https://film.one/film/mary-shelleys-frankenstein.md)
- *Erik the Viking* (1989), Fi1m 43, as Halfdan the Black — [page](https://film.one/film/erik-the-viking.md)
- *A Fish Called Wanda* (1988), Fi1m 83, as Archie Leach — [page](https://film.one/film/a-fish-called-wanda.md)
- *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* (1983), Fi1m 76, as Various Roles — [page](https://film.one/film/monty-pythons-the-meaning-of-life.md)
- *Time Bandits* (1981), Fi1m 80, as Robin Hood — [page](https://film.one/film/time-bandits.md)
- *Life of Brian* (1979), Fi1m 88, as Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur — [page](https://film.one/film/life-of-brian.md)
- *Fawlty Towers* (1975), Fi1m 90, as Basil Fawlty — [page](https://film.one/tv/fawlty-towers.md)
- *Monty Python and the Holy Grail* (1975), Fi1m 87, as Second Swallow-Savvy Guard / The Black Knight / Peasant 3 / Sir Launcelot the Brave / Taunting French Guard / Tim the Enchanter — [page](https://film.one/film/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail.md)
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus* (1969), Fi1m 83, as Various / Announcer — [page](https://film.one/tv/monty-pythons-flying-circus.md)

### Wrote (2)

- *The Croods: A New Age* (2020), Fi1m 70, Characters — [page](https://film.one/film/the-croods-a-new-age.md)
- *The Croods* (2013), Fi1m 60, Story — [page](https://film.one/film/the-croods.md)

## Complete filmography (198)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *John Cleese Packs It In* (2025), Writer
- *Fawlty Towers: The Play* (2025), Writer
- *The Cancellation Of Fawlty Towers* (2025), Actor
- *The Palace* (2023), as Arthur William Dallas III
- *The Martini Shot* (2023), as Dr. Auyeung
- *Rally Road Racers* (2023), as Archie Vainglorious (voice)
- *Daddy Daughter Trip* (2022), as Frank
- *Clifford the Big Red Dog* (2021), as Mr. Bridwell
- *Father Christmas Is Back* (2021), as John Christmas
- *Alexander Pope: Rediscovering a Genius* (2021), as Interviewee
- *The Croods: Family Tree* (2021), series, Creator
- *The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee* (2020), as John
- *The Croods: A New Age* (2020), Thanks, Characters — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/the-croods-a-new-age.md)
- *Why there is no hope* (2020), series, as Actor
- *Arctic Dogs* (2019), as Otto von Walrus (voice)
- *The Naked Wanderer* (2019), as Brian King
- *Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer* (2018), as Donner (voice)
- *Charming* (2018), as Fairy Godmother / Executioner (voice)
- *Hold the Sunset* (2018), series, as Phil
- *Michael Palin: A Life on Screen* (2018), Actor
- *Trolls* (2016), as Roi Gristle (voice)
- *Speechless* (2016), series, as Martin
- *British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves* (2016), as Basil Fawlty (archive footage) (uncredited)
- *Albion: The Enchanted Stallion* (2016), as General Eeder
- *A.C.O.R.N.S.: Operation Crackdown* (2015), as Mr. Bellwood (voice)
- *Absolutely Anything* (2015), as Chief Alien (voice) — Fi1m 34, [page](https://film.one/film/absolutely-anything.md)
- *Spud 3: Learning to Fly* (2014), as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
- *Over the Garden Wall* (2014), series, as Adelaide (voice), Quincy Endicott (voice) — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/over-the-garden-wall.md)
- *Monty Python Live (Mostly)* (2014), Writer
- *Planes* (2013), as Bulldog (voice)
- *Spud 2: The Madness Continues* (2013), as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
- *The Croods* (2013), Story — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/the-croods.md)
- *A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman* (2012), as Various (voice)
- *God Loves Caviar* (2012), as McCormick
- *The Big Year* (2011), as Historical Montage Narrator (voice)
- *Beethoven's Christmas Adventure* (2011), as Narrator
- *Whitney* (2011), series, as Dr. Grant
- *Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh* (2011), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *John Cleese: The Alimony Tour Live* (2011), Actor
- *Winnie the Pooh* (2011), as Narrator (voice)
- *Spud* (2010), as Mr. 'The Guv' Edly
- *Shrek Forever After* (2010), as King Harold (voice) — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-forever-after.md)
- *Planet 51* (2009), as Professor Kipple (voice) — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/planet-51.md)
- *The Pink Panther 2* (2009), as Dreyfus
- *The Day the Earth Stood Still* (2008), as Professor Barnhardt — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-2008.md)
- *Igor* (2008), as Dr. Glickenstein (voice)
- *Life Of Brian Screenplay* (2008), as Wise Man #1, Reg, Jewish Official, First Centurion · Screenplay
- *Shrek the Third* (2007), as King Harold (voice) — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-the-third.md)
- *Hitler: The Comedy Years* (2007), as Adolf Hitler / Basil Fawlty (archive footage) (uncredited)
- *Charlotte's Web* (2006), as Samuel the Sheep (voice)
- *L'Entente cordiale* (2006), as Lord Conrad
- *Man About Town* (2006), as Dr. Primkin
- *The Art of Football from A to Z* (2006), Executive Producer
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Characters
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Characters
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus — Michael Palin's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Roles (archive footage)
- *Monty Python's Personal Best* (2006), series, Creator
- *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
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best* (2006), as Various Characters
- *Valiant* (2005), as Mercury (voice)
- *Complete Guide to Guys* (2005), as Noted Behavioral Scientist / Noted Doctor / Leading Social Scientist / Leading Orthopedic Surgeon
- *Entourage* (2004), series, as John Cleese — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/entourage.md)
- *Around the World in 80 Days* (2004), as Grizzled Sergeant — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/around-the-world-in-80-days-2004.md)
- *Shrek 2* (2004), as King Harold (voice) — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/shrek-2.md)
- *Canterbury Tales* (2003), series, as Comedy Role (archive footage) (uncredited)
- *George of the Jungle 2* (2003), as An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)
- *Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle* (2003), as Mr. Munday — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/charlies-angels-full-throttle.md)
- *Scorched* (2003), as Charles Merchant
- *Die Another Day* (2002), as Q — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/die-another-day.md)
- *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* (2002), as Nearly Headless Nick (Sir Nicholas) — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/film/harry-potter-and-the-chamber-of-secrets.md)
- *Mickey's House of Villains* (2002), as Narrator (“Mickey's Mechanical House") (uncredited)
- *The Adventures of Pluto Nash* (2002), as James — Fi1m 32, [page](https://film.one/film/the-adventures-of-pluto-nash.md)
- *Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central)* (2002), series, as Red Lansing
- *Zum letzten Kliff* (2001), Original Story, Creative Consultant
- *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* (2001), as Nearly Headless Nick — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone.md)
- *Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse* (2001), as Narrator (segment 'The Nutcracker') (voice)
- *Rat Race* (2001), as Donald P. Sinclair
- *The Human Face* (2001), series, Presenter, Writer
- *Disney's House of Mouse* (2001), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Fawlty Towers: An Interview with John Cleese* (2001), as Kendisi
- *The Magic Pudding* (2000), as Albert the Magic Pudding (voice)
- *Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big* (2000), as The Giant Alien (voice)
- *Quantum Project* (2000), as Alexander Pentcho
- *Isn't She Great* (2000), as Henry Marcus
- *Rockstar* (2000), as Interviewer in lounge
- *The World Is Not Enough* (1999), as R — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/the-world-is-not-enough.md)
- *The Nutcracker* (1999), as Narrator
- *Mickey’s Mechanical House* (1999), as Narrator (voice)
- *Parting Shots* (1999), as Maurice Walpole
- *Mickey Mouse Works* (1999), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *The Out-of-Towners* (1999), as Mr. Mersault
- *Casper & Mandrilaftalen* (1999), series, as Fake Bosse Bo Johansson
- *Will & Grace* (1998), series, as Lyle Finster (uncredited)
- *George of the Jungle* (1997), as An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)
- *Fierce Creatures* (1997), as Rollo Lee · Screenplay, Producer
- *The Wind in the Willows* (1996), as Mr. Toad's Lawyer
- *E! True Hollywood Story* (1996), series, Actor
- *TFI Friday* (1996), series, Actor
- *3rd Rock from the Sun* (1996), series, as Dr. Liam Neesam
- *Look at the State We're In!* (1995), series, as Harold Kingsby, Politician · Executive Producer, Writer, Creator
- *The Jungle Book* (1994), as Dr. Julius Plumford
- *The Swan Princess* (1994), as Jean-Bob (voice)
- *Mary Shelley's Frankenstein* (1994), as Prof. Waldman — Fi1m 54, [page](https://film.one/film/mary-shelleys-frankenstein.md)
- *Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?* (1993), Actor
- *Splitting Heirs* (1993), as Raoul P. Shadgrind
- *Funny Business* (1992), series, Actor
- *An American Tail: Fievel Goes West* (1991), as Cat R. Waul (voice)
- *Rabbit Ears -  Tom Thumb* (1991), as Narrator (voice)
- *Bullseye!* (1990), as Man on the Beach in Barbados Who Looks Like John Cleese
- *Quark the Dragon Slayer* (1989), Actor
- *Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python* (1989), Writer
- *The Big Picture* (1989), as Bartender
- *Erik the Viking* (1989), as Halfdan the Black — Fi1m 43, [page](https://film.one/film/erik-the-viking.md)
- *Interviewers From Hell* (1989), Actor
- *Customers From Hell* (1989), as Brian
- *Bosses From Hell* (1989), as Brian
- *Communicators From Hell* (1989), as Brian
- *Employees From Hell* (1989), as Brian
- *Customer Service From Hell* (1989), Actor
- *Teams from Hell* (1989), Actor
- *Sales People from Hell* (1989), Actor
- *Colleagues From Hell* (1989), Actor
- *A Fish Called Wanda* (1988), as Archie Leach · Executive Producer, Story, Screenplay — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/a-fish-called-wanda.md)
- *Dragonslayer Quark* (1987), Actor
- *Quark and the Highway Robber* (1987), Actor
- *Baby Quark* (1987), Actor
- *The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball* (1987), as Jim Cleese
- *Clockwise* (1986), as Brian Stimpson
- *Silverado* (1985), as Sheriff John T. Langston
- *Yellowbeard* (1983), as Harvey 'Blind' Pew
- *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* (1983), as Various Roles · Screenplay — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/monty-pythons-the-meaning-of-life.md)
- *Privates on Parade* (1983), as Major Giles Flack
- *Cheers* (1982), series, as Dr. Simon Finch-Royce — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/cheers.md)
- *Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl* (1982), as Various Roles · Writer
- *Whoops Apocalypse* (1982), series, as Lacrobat
- *The Secret Policeman's Other Ball* (1982), Producer, Assistant Director
- *Time Bandits* (1981), as Robin Hood — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/time-bandits.md)
- *The Great Muppet Caper* (1981), as Neville
- *The Tom Machine* (1980), as Computer (voice)
- *The Queen Special* (1980), as Man in Bar
- *The Taming of the Shrew* (1980), as Petruchio
- *The Secret Policeman's Ball* (1979), Producer, Stage Director
- *Doctor Who: City of Death* (1979), as Art Gallery Visitor
- *Golden Gordon* (1979), as Passerby
- *Not the Nine O'Clock News* (1979), series, Actor
- *Life of Brian* (1979), as Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur · Screenplay — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/life-of-brian.md)
- *...To Norway, Home of Giants!* (1979), as Norman Fearless
- *Away from It All* (1979), as Nigel Farquhar-Bennett – Narrator (voice) · Director, Writer
- *Snavely* (1978), Creator
- *The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It* (1977), as Sherlock Holmes · Screenplay
- *The Mermaid Frolics* (1977), Writer
- *Three Piece Suite* (1977), series, as Kevin
- *Three Piece Suite* (1977), as Kevin
- *The Secret Policeman's Ball* (1976), series, Creator
- *Ripping Yarns* (1976), series, Actor
- *Meetings, Bloody Meetings* (1976), Actor
- *How Not to Exhibit Yourself* (1975), as John Cleese
- *More Awkward Customers* (1975), as Brian · Writer
- *Awkward Customers* (1975), as Brian · Writer
- *Fawlty Towers* (1975), series, as Basil Fawlty · Writer, Creator — Fi1m 90, [page](https://film.one/tv/fawlty-towers.md)
- *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 · Writer — Fi1m 87, [page](https://film.one/film/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail.md)
- *Romance with a Double Bass* (1974), as Smychkov · Adaptation
- *The Goodies and the Beanstalk* (1973), as The Genie
- *Is This a Record?* (1973), as Various, Additional Writing
- *Elementary, My Dear Watson* (1973), as Sherlock Holmes
- *Monty Python In The Netherlands* (1973), as Narrator / Pie Face 2
- *The Love Ban* (1973), as Contraceptives Lecturer
- *Rentadick* (1972), Writer
- *The Philosophers' Football Match* (1972), as Archimedes
- *Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus* (1972), series, as Various Characters
- *Who Sold You This, Then?* (1972), as Script
- *The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971* (1971), Writer
- *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 / To
- *The Two Ronnies* (1971), series, Writer
- *The Statue* (1971), as Harry
- *Six Dates with Barker* (1971), series, Writer
- *The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer* (1970), as Pumer · Writer
- *Monty Python: Who's There?* (1970), as Timothy
- *The Magic Christian* (1969), as Director in Sotheby's, Additional Writing
- *Monty Python's Flying Circus* (1969), series, as Various / Announcer · Writer — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/monty-pythons-flying-circus.md)
- *The Best House in London* (1969), as Jones (uncredited)
- *Sez Les* (1969), series, Actor
- *How to Irritate People* (1969), Writer
- *The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom* (1968), as Post Office Clerk
- *Interlude* (1968), as Television public relations man
- *Misleading Cases* (1967), series, as Mr. Partridge
- *At Last the 1948 Show* (1967), series, Writer, Creator
- *ABC Stage 67* (1966), series, Writer
- *The Frost Report* (1966), series, Actor
- *Doctor Who* (1963), series, as Art Gallery Visitor — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who.md)
- *That Was the Week That Was* (1962), series, Writer
- *The Avengers* (1961), series, as Marcus Rugman — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-avengers-1961.md)
- *Monty Python: Live at Aspen*, series, Creator
- *Taking The Wheel*, as Nathan
- *The Splendid Thing*, Actor
- *How to Make Her Cheat*, as Terry
- *Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python*, Writer

## Gallery

- ![John Cleese at GalaxyCon Richmond in 2023](https://film.one/media/person/60061/gallery-7d05a2c7fa5f.jpg) John Cleese at GalaxyCon Richmond in 2023 — John Manard for Galaxy Con, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/John_Cleese_%2852817232216%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![John Cleese](https://film.one/media/person/60061/gallery-95f36086a161.jpg) John Cleese — Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/John_Cleese_2026.jpg/1280px-John_Cleese_2026.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![John Cleese at GalaxyCon Richmond in 2023](https://film.one/media/person/60061/gallery-d832ad12a67c.jpg) John Cleese at GalaxyCon Richmond in 2023 — Pedro Heshike for Galaxy Con, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/John_Cleese_%2852826609907%29.jpg/1280px-John_Cleese_%2852826609907%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Aug 17, 2024 GalaxyCon San Jose](https://film.one/media/person/60061/gallery-ff3bf23783d7.jpg) Aug 17, 2024 GalaxyCon San Jose — John Manard, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/John_Cleese_%2854020963297%29.jpg/1280px-John_Cleese_%2854020963297%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![John Cleese](https://film.one/media/person/60061/gallery-06e580d824da.jpg) John Cleese — Image via TMDB
- ![John Cleese](https://film.one/media/person/60061/gallery-9fa89ad1a049.jpg) John Cleese — Image via TMDB
- ![Aug 17, 2024 GalaxyCon San Jose](https://film.one/media/person/60061/gallery-ab19dddf18b2.jpg) Aug 17, 2024 GalaxyCon San Jose — John Manard, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/John_Cleese_%2854020962977%29.jpg/1280px-John_Cleese_%2854020962977%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- 1989: Best Writing, Original Screenplay (nominated), for *A Fish Called Wanda*

### BAFTA Film Awards — 1 won

- 1989: Best Actor in a Leading Role (won), for *A Fish Called Wanda*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won

- 1987: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (won), for *Cheers*

### Other awards — 3 won

- honorary doctorate 2016: honorary doctorate (won)
- Rose d'Or 2016: Rose d'Or (won)
- European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award 2001: European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

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