About
Legendary English actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer who co-founded the world-renowned comedy troupe Monty Python. He co-wrote and starred in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian, the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers, and the 1988 comedy hit A Fish Called Wanda.
Before Fame
Studied law at Downing College, Cambridge, where he joined the prestigious Cambridge Footlights dramatic club and met his future writing partner Graham Chapman.
Trivia
Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for A Fish Called Wanda (1988) and portrayed Nearly Headless Nick in the Harry Potter film franchise.
Family Life
Born John Edward Cheese; his father legally changed the family surname from Cheese to Cleese when enlisting in the army in 1915. He has been married four times, most recently to jewelry designer Jennifer Wade since 2012.
Associated With
Collaborated for decades with Monty Python comedy partners Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam.
