# Why did John Cleese stop being funny? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 8, 2005, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563 "2005-03-08T19:21:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Busy\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d78d45/32.png) [@Busy\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Busy_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/1 "2005-03-08T19:21:23Z")
John Cleese was presenting a lame show on channel 5 the other night, and I got to thinking that you’ve basically got to go back to 1975 to find convincing evidence of this guy being funny. This would be unremarkable, nearly all comedians have a short shelf-life afterall, but we’re talking about the man who wrote and starred in two of the greatest comedy shows of all time: Monty Python and Fawlty Towers. So he set the bar way, way high early on, but then appears to have called it a day, at least TV-wise. I know he’s had plenty of supporting roles in films, but he can do that stuff in his sleep. Anyone know if he ever tried writing a TV series again? ---
**Author:** ![a35362](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/2 "2005-03-08T19:27:58Z")
For the same reason they _all_ stop being funny: they stop being angry. They have success and acclaim, they make some money, they make friends, they have leisure time, they participate in charity events, sports events, they have hobbies…and they just don’t have anything _driving_ them any more. They lose their edge. _See also:_ Bill Murray, Janeane Garofalo, etc., etc., etc… ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/3 "2005-03-08T19:29:29Z")
1975? Since 1975, he’s made _Life of Brian_, _Time Bandits_, _Privates on Parade_ and _A Fish Called Wanda_. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/4 "2005-03-08T19:54:55Z")
> [@Little Nemo](#): > > 1975? Since 1975, he’s made _Life of Brian_, _Time Bandits_, _Privates on Parade_ and _A Fish Called Wanda_. And is brief but memorable role in _Silverado_. “Today, my jurisdiction ends here…pick up my hat.” ---
**Author:** ![Morbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morbo/32/389_2.png) [@Morbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morbo)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/5 "2005-03-08T20:00:48Z")
> [@Little Nemo](#): > > 1975? Since 1975, he’s made _Life of Brian_, _Time Bandits_, _Privates on Parade_ and _A Fish Called Wanda_. To clarify, he WROTE those films as well as had supporting roles in them. He also wrote, since 1975, _Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl_, _Meaning Of Life_, and _Fierce Creatures_ (which I liked, although most people didn’t). For TV, he wrote a 4-Part Miniseries for BBC in 2001 called “The Human Face” which I happened to see on TLC at the time, and which was extremely good. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/6 "2005-03-08T20:11:21Z")
John Cleese nothing. What the hell is up with Graham Chapman? That guy hasn’t been funny in _years_. [sub]Yes, I know. It’s a joke.[/sub] Also, I strenuously object to any mention of Bill Murray in this thread. If anything, he’s gotten funnier as he’s gotten older. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/7 "2005-03-08T20:15:42Z")
One too many requests to do a Silly Walk, I’d wager. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Tan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/charlie_tan/32/12582_2.png) [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/8 "2005-03-08T20:29:53Z")
As I remember it, he went throughwome pretty rough times after Fatty Owls, the 2nd series, divorcing Connie Booth, doubting his talent + I don’t think he was the most stable of the original Python, Monties, to begin with. He did a nice little comedy called Clockwise, too, which basically was Basil Fawlty as headmaster. And he has that company that makes educational films and earns him a bundle. And I agree - Bill Murray ages like good wine or cheese. His early 80’s comedies are awful, on par with the Porky’s or Police Academy franchises. Now his genuinely funny and a good dramatic actor too. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/9 "2005-03-08T20:31:27Z")
Is that the John Cleese that was on 3rd Rock? The scenes between Him and Dick defined comedy. ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/10 "2005-03-08T20:36:55Z")
I think he’s still funny. He’s just funny in a different style. Most people’s senses of humor changes as they get older anyway. I imagine he only has to work when he wants to now. I’m sure that Python and his numerous corporate training films made him a pretty wealthy guy. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/11 "2005-03-08T21:01:43Z")
I think he’s managed to stay consistently funny longer than most of his Python-mates. What was the last genuinely funny thing you saw (performance-wise) from Terry Jones or Michael Palin. I know the latter has moved on to other things, and Gilliam has a directorial career, but if you compare the only other semi-active Python, Eric Idle, there really is no comparison–Cleese eclipses him easily. ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/12 "2005-03-08T21:07:54Z")
> [@ArchiveGuy](#): > > I think he’s managed to stay consistently funny longer than most of his Python-mates. What was the last genuinely funny thing you saw (performance-wise) from Terry Jones or Michael Palin. I know the latter has moved on to other things, and Gilliam has a directorial career, but if you compare the only other semi-active Python, Eric Idle, there really is no comparison–Cleese eclipses him easily. Just wait until Eric Idle begins his hip-hop career as Muff Daddy… ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/13 "2005-03-08T21:08:13Z")
I thought Cleese peaked in the original MP series. There was a synergy in the group that was lost when he left, but even the later series seemed more forced, and their reunion projects, while good, aren’t quite as good. Nothing he’s done since MP has been quite as funny. Well, except for the Germans episode of Fawlty Towers, and there he reprised his Silly Walk in an absolutely inspired move. Perhaps they wrote that episode just for that. You can hear him on BBC7 online in the series “I"m Snrry, I’ll Read That Again” which overlapped MP. His best stuff there is as good as MP, and it’s a must-listen for Cleese fans. I’ve seen one episode of “At Last the 1948 Show” online, and I’d like to see more for comparison. > [@Dooku](#): > > For TV, he wrote a 4-Part Miniseries for BBC in 2001 called “The Human Face” which I happened to see on TLC at the time, and which was extremely good. Well, he was his average funny self, but I wouldn’t call the series “extremely good”. > [@ArchiveGuy](#): > > I think he’s managed to stay consistently funny longer than most of his Python-mates. That I can agree with wholeheartedly. > [@a35362](#): > > For the same reason they _all_ stop being funny: they stop being angry. They have success and acclaim, they make some money, they make friends, they have leisure time, they participate in charity events, sports events, they have hobbies…and they just don’t have anything _driving_ them any more. They lose their edge. _See also:_ Bill Murray, Janeane Garofalo, etc., etc., etc… You can’t be serious about Garofalo. I’d say she’s even angrier than she was at first. And in Murray’s case, his schtick hasn’t really changed since SNL, so perhaps like me you’ve just gotten bored with him. George Carlin? He’s only gotten angrier and less funny. For me, anger can be funny, but only in limited amounts and only if it’s creative and not self-righteous. You have to be super-good to get noticed, but once you’re successful, you don’t filter your stuff as much because you don’t have to. I think it’s that the risks and fears of your early career (monetary and otherwise), not anger, are no longer driving you and your creative process. Also, the best ideas are usually presented first, so there’s naturally a drop-off. And I think eventually everyone runs out of good new ideas. And you can get bored with even the best performer. ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/14 "2005-03-08T21:08:51Z")
When they released that non-sequel to _Wanda_, he appeared on _The Daily Show_. He offered a great line, something like, “It is the goal of every Englishman to make it all the way to his grave without becoming embarrassed”. And one absolutely immortal ad lib, in response to one of the Five Questions: Kilborn: Why does British food suck? Cleese: We had an _empire_ to run! Any guy who can come up with that off the cuff (and his shock at the question was painfully obvious) is still funny in my book. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/15 "2005-03-08T21:18:40Z")
I must disagree with the OP. **A Fish Called Wanda** was just comedic gold, no matter which way you slice it. ---
**Author:** ![Morbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morbo/32/389_2.png) [@Morbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morbo)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/16 "2005-03-08T21:25:03Z")
> [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > Well, he was his average funny self, but I wouldn’t call the series “extremely good”. What would you call it? I really enjoyed it and thought it was very well-written and delivered. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/17 "2005-03-08T21:34:42Z")
I don’t think he’s stopped being funny, but I do think he’s had a lot of trouble getting good roles lately. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/18 "2005-03-08T21:39:40Z")
Don’t forget his picth perfect comedic timing with Pierce Brosnan in the two most recent Bond movies. ---
**Author:** ![roger\_thornhill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@roger\_thornhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roger_thornhill)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/19 "2005-03-08T21:54:08Z")
He started taking himself too seriously. Perhaps too he started trying to explain his humour, which is the surest way to stop being funny. _Wild Creatures_ is close to being the biggest pile of shite I’ve ever seen. It made be ashamed to be British. Did we really need to be reminded how unfunny those “comedians” we watched on the telly when we were growing up really were? Did he need a Connie Booth, a whoever-it-was-on-Python-who-criticised-his-scripts to keep his material lean and edgy? ---
**Author:** ![andymurph64](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e57/32.png) [@andymurph64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andymurph64)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-john-cleese-stop-being-funny/293563/20 "2005-03-08T22:24:11Z")
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