John Cleese talks stardom, marriages, the future and what makes him laugh most

There aren’t too many comedians who could boast that they have changed the face of comedy, but John Cleese can, even if he is far too modest to make such a claim.

From Monty Python to Fawlty Towers, Cleese has created some of the funniest and most enduring characters of our time.

At the age of 75, he is showing no signs of retiring, having just written an autobiography. While the book explains a lot about Cleese, he cannot explain why he makes us laugh.

“The loveliest thing anyone ever said … was when I watch Monty Python, I cannot then go on and watch the evening news, I cannot take it seriously,” Cleese said.

After more than 50 years in the business, Cleese said he is still unsure why some things are just funny.

“I think it’s lovely when you can do things that have no meaning that are still funny,” he said.

It is a brand of humour that has propelled Cleese to international stardom.

He has played everything from 007’s sidekick to a bumbling barrister in A Fish Called Wanda.

He has been a writer, actor and comedian, but right from the start Cleese has used humour to make a point, sending up the very world he lived in.

“If you want to see how to behave as an upper class person, go and watch the baboons,” he said.

“They’re not startled, they move very, very slowly all the time.”

After Cleese’s third marriage ended he was forced to undergo what he called his “Alimony Tour”.

“I’ve had to pay her $20 million, it’s not fair,” he said.

At 75, Cleese is still going strong, but his legendary role with Monty Python is now done.

He said the reunion made him realise that.

“I remember thinking ‘how extraordinary that I don’t feel excited’,” he said.

“I’m much happier writing.”

For Liz Hayes’ full interview with John Cleese, watch in the player above.