John Cleese Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Cleese.

John Cleese is a renowned British comedian, actor, and writer, born on October 27, 1939, in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England. He is best known for co-founding the iconic comedy group Monty Python and for his work in the critically acclaimed sitcom "Fawlty Towers."

Cleese's comedic journey began in the 1960s when he joined the Cambridge Footlights, a theater club at the University of Cambridge. It was there that he met future collaborators, including Graham Chapman and Eric Idle. Together, they went on to create Monty Python's Flying Circus, a groundbreaking sketch comedy series that revolutionized British humor.

Apart from Monty Python, Cleese has had a successful solo career, writing and starring in various films and television shows. Notable works include his role as the bumbling hotel owner, Basil Fawlty, in "Fawlty Towers," and his performances in iconic comedies like "A Fish Called Wanda" and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

Cleese's unique comedic style blends wit, satire, and absurdity, earning him international recognition and numerous awards throughout his career. He is highly regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time, known for his impeccable timing, physical comedy, and his sharp, observational humor.

Beyond his comedic prowess, Cleese has also been involved in writing and teaching, co-authoring books on psychology and delivering lectures on creativity and management. His contributions to comedy and entertainment have left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing generations of comedians and making John Cleese a beloved figure in popular culture.

My compulsion to always be working has become less strong an

My compulsion to always be working has become less strong and my current business is purely down to this enormous alimony. If I wasn't doing this I'd be making documentaries about wildlife and other subjects that interest me.

I can't tell you how scary it can be walking onto a movie an

I can't tell you how scary it can be walking onto a movie and suddenly joining this family, it's like going to somebody else's Christmas dinner, everyone knows everyone, and you're there and you're not quite sure what you're supposed to be doing.

Family

I think that money spoils most things, once it becomes the p

I think that money spoils most things, once it becomes the primary motivating force.

Money

Michael Palin decided to give up on his considerable comedy

Michael Palin decided to give up on his considerable comedy talents to make those dreadfully tedious travel shows. Have you ever tried to watch one?

Travel

I want to write a book which is the history of comedy.

I want to write a book which is the history of comedy.

History

If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.

If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.

Work

If God did not intend for us to eat animals, then why did he

If God did not intend for us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?

God

I find it rather easy to portray a businessman. Being bland,

I find it rather easy to portray a businessman. Being bland, rather cruel and incompetent comes naturally to me.

Business

If I can get you to laugh with me, you like me better, which

If I can get you to laugh with me, you like me better, which makes you more open to my ideas. And if I can persuade you to laugh at the particular point I make, by laughing at it you acknowledge its truth.

Truth

I was always a sports nut but I've lost interest now in whet

I was always a sports nut but I've lost interest now in whether one bunch of mercenaries in north London is going to beat another bunch of mercenaries from west London.

Sports

Reporters used to be blue-collar at the Globe now, it's prac

Reporters used to be blue-collar at the Globe now, it's practically required that you have a trust fund.

Life

I had a very, very difficult relationship with my mother, wh

I had a very, very difficult relationship with my mother, who was supremely self-centred. She was hilariously self-centred. She did not really take interest in anything that didn't immediately affect her.

Relationship

I was very sad to hear of the death of Ronnie Barker, who wa

I was very sad to hear of the death of Ronnie Barker, who was such a warm, friendly and encouraging presence to have when I started in television. He was also a great comic actor to learn from.

Death

I just think that sometimes we hang onto people or relations

I just think that sometimes we hang onto people or relationships long after they've ceased to be of any use to either of you. I'm always meeting new people, and my list of friends seems to change quite a bit.

Change

You don't have to be the Dalai Lama to tell people that life

You don't have to be the Dalai Lama to tell people that life's about change.

Change