John Cleese

Born:October 27, 1939

Place of Birth:Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England, UK

Known For:Acting

Biography

John Cleese, born on October 27, 1939, in England, is a multi-talented individual known for his contributions to the entertainment industry as an actor, comedian, writer, and film producer. His career took off at the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe and further blossomed as a scriptwriter and performer on The Frost Report. However, Cleese truly solidified his place in comedy history when he joined the legendary Monty Python group in the late 1960s.

As a pivotal member of Monty Python, Cleese co-created and starred in the groundbreaking sketch show "Monty Python's Flying Circus" and featured in the iconic Monty Python films, including "Holy Grail" and "Life of Brian." His wit, impeccable timing, and knack for absurd humor made him a standout in the comedy world. Beyond Monty Python, Cleese, alongside his first wife Connie Booth, crafted the beloved British sitcom "Fawlty Towers," showcasing his versatility as both a writer and actor.

In the realm of film, Cleese's talent shone brightly in movies such as "A Fish Called Wanda" and its sequel "Fierce Creatures," where he shared the screen with esteemed actors like Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis. His comedic prowess and ability to bring characters to life with charm and humor have made him a sought-after talent in the industry. Cleese's filmography boasts a diverse range of roles, from the bumbling yet endearing Nearly Headless Nick in the Harry Potter series to the memorable voice of King Harold in the animated "Shrek" films.

Not limiting himself to acting, Cleese co-founded the production company Video Arts with esteemed writer Antony Jay. This venture allowed Cleese to explore the intersection of entertainment and education by creating engaging training films. His dedication to both entertainment and innovation speaks volumes about his passion for the craft and his desire to push boundaries in the industry.

Throughout his career, Cleese has showcased his comedic genius and acting prowess, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a comedic legend. His ability to seamlessly blend humor with intelligence and wit has captivated audiences worldwide and solidified his status as a true icon of comedy. John Cleese's contributions to the entertainment world continue to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of comedy and film.

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John Cleese
John Cleese
John Cleese
John Cleese

Filmography

Acting

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Nearly Headless Nick

2001

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Nearly Headless Nick (Sir Nicholas)

2002

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Shrek 2

King Harold (voice)

2004

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Trolls

Roi Gristle (voice)

2016

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Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Second Swallow-Savvy Guard / The Black Knight / Peasant 3 / Sir Launcelot the Brave / Taunting French Guard / Tim the Enchanter

1975

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Die Another Day

Q

2002

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The World Is Not Enough

R

1999

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Life of Brian

Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur

1979

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The Day the Earth Stood Still

Professor Barnhardt

2008

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Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle

Mr. Munday

2003

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Planes

Bulldog (voice)

2013

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Clifford the Big Red Dog

Mr. Bridwell

2021

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Charlotte's Web

Samuel the Sheep (voice)

2006

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George of the Jungle

An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)

1997

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The Pink Panther 2

Dreyfus

2009

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Rat Race

Donald P. Sinclair

2001

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A Fish Called Wanda

Archie Leach

1988

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Winnie the Pooh

Narrator (voice)

2011

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Around the World in 80 Days

Grizzled Sergeant

2004

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Silverado

Sheriff John T. Langston

1985

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Planet 51

Professor Kipple (voice)

2009

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An American Tail: Fievel Goes West

Cat R. Waul (voice)

1991

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Absolutely Anything

Chief Alien (voice)

2015

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Time Bandits

Robin Hood

1981

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Valiant

Mercury (voice)

2005

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Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Prof. Waldman

1994

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The Swan Princess

Jean-Bob (voice)

1994

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Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

Various Roles

1983

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The Jungle Book

Dr. Julius Plumford

1994

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The Big Year

Historical Montage Narrator (voice)

2011

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And Now for Something Completely Different

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

1971

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Fierce Creatures

Rollo Lee

1997

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The Great Muppet Caper

Neville

1981

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The Big Picture

Bartender

1989

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Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl

Various Roles

1982

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Splitting Heirs

Raoul P. Shadgrind

1993

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Time Warp Vol. 3: Comedy and Camp

Self

2020

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Monty Python Live (Mostly)

Self, others

2014

Production

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The Croods: A New Age

Characters

2020

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The Croods

Story

2013

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Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Writer

1975

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Life of Brian

Screenplay

1979

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A Fish Called Wanda

Writer

1988

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Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

Screenplay

1983

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And Now for Something Completely Different

Screenplay

1971

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Fierce Creatures

Producer

1997

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Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl

Writer

1982

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Monty Python Live (Mostly)

Writer

2014