John Cleese interview (Parkinson, 2001)

Parkinson, 10/03/2001 - one of those one-guest episodes, talking about Cleese's full career in comedy.
Not my copyright, just sharing found ephemera. FILM CLIPS REMOVED - OTHERWISE THE VIDEO WOULD BE BLOCKED.

[@branka9389]

I don't remember ever enjoying an interview this much. Funny, wise, humble... An amazing interviewer too. 10/10

[@MegaMacReal]

29:45 > made me emotional for some reason

[@JJONNYREPP]

Moby Dick and His 17 Inch Super Cock, Porn 0f | xHamster 1202pm 25.7.23 he lives in new zealand now, doesnt he, john cleese? lucky him, eh? as for moby dick referenced in derek and clive re: whales uniting to fight a common foe... an obiturary is in the offing...

[@yingyang1008]

Shit, I can't believe TV used to be this good, this genuine

[@pjfee]

This is a very funny and intelligent man who can put a smile on anyone.

[@jesseklassen7463]

John Cleese is an absolute treasure. So much beyond the "funny man" that so many people know him as. Yes he's funny. He's also a deep thinker. It was a pleasure from the short 50 minute interview to get his insight on some topics. Had many laughs along the way too.

[@user-lz6dm5lk9y]

I have always enjoyed John Cleese's work. He is a very intelligent, genuine, and funny man, and this was a most enjoyable interview. We are all so blessed that Mr. Cleese is still with us.

[@Tina-di4lx]

I’m 64. Live in Canada I got the original album when I was 14. I actually wore the vinyl out. I had a friend and we could literally act those s it’s out word for word. Teachers and kids at school thought we where bonkers. They soon found our what we had discovered and liked it. Saw every movie they made. Loved Faulty towers Absolutely changed comedy.

[@gdok6088]

Two absolute legends - masters of their crafts. I've never seen such a long interview with John Cleese before. He was funny, remarkably open, down to earth and indeed genuinely intellectually curious. Michael Parkinson performed his usual magic of getting a guest to relax and reveal their true selves in an engaging and charming way.

[@stephengriffin9992]

If you watch only the last 5 minutes of this interview you will get enlightened by this supremely interesting and intelligent man. Thanks John for sharing your experience and wisdom with the rest of us.

[@elainemagson213]

Watched this with a delighted smile throughout. Huge thanks. Two utterly lovely chaps, wise and warm.

[@jimreynolds2399]

This is what happens when the best interviewer interviews the best interviewee.

[@CheerfulDragon703]

I was howling with laughter, two absolute treasures! What an interview! AND what a comic genius!

[@kapehenry7396]

Mr.Parkinson is the best interviewer ever. He makes his guests so comfortable that they open up and give genuine answers. And John Cleese is just a wonderful human being!

[@markorollo.]

I could literally watch/listen to Cleese and the other pythons all day every day. I need this kind of people in my life.

[@yoya4766]

I plan to.

[@macbuff81]

It's very touching to hear John talk about his parents, esp. his mom and her struggle with depression. I can relate in differing ways. A smart and caring man

[@spurs.-]

🤗

[@vleiratfilms2020]

Brilliant .. and so disarmingly true about the journey through celebrity. Having been down that road, the relief when the audience moves on and you can go anywhere unrecognised is a huge relief .. especially for family. What is endearing is how much we all learned from these two gentlemen.. thank you both❤️❤️

[@hopebgood]

I'm curious. What were you well known for? Nowadays people on telly and on social media are so desperate for celebrity it's like a disease. I couldn't think of anything worse than to be famous. Weird strangers coming up to you in the street? No thank you.

[@vleiratfilms2020]

@@hopebgood I had a fairly high profile career in the 60s in South Africa on radio before we got television in the 70s. I started in rock, and then folk, making records of locally written songs 24 albums in all by the 80s. As writer and presenter of a pre school children’s tv show “Harry’s House” that ran for 11 years, I ended up spending a lot of time being polite to people in the street, so retired from on camera and stage showbiz to write and direct shows for the corporate world. Doing what I love has been wonderful, and I’ve been very lucky that people have always been very polite in their recognition, but I infinitely prefer the anonymity of behind the scenes than being in the footlights. These days I make enviro and music videos for my VleiRatFilms KZbin channel.

[@Kari.F.]

John Cleese is still extremely recognizable, but the hysterical fans are fewer and less hysterical than during the Monty Python/Fawlty Towers era. I have never wanted fame, or attention. I enjoy my privacy, peace and personal space way too much. I don't think I could have dealt with being recognized everywhere, all the time.

[@asdfasdf734]

@@Kari.F. Once or twice I noticed that on Twitter, John would put up a clip from the old days, and make a funny comment about it. Then 50-100 people would post replies and jokes and stories about the clip. It's good to know that he knows that we still know what he did and how it made us all laugh so hard.

[@Kari.F.]

@@asdfasdf734 "Once a circus horse, always a circus horse!" It's nice to know that what you've spent your life doing is still appreciated. But he's in his 80ies now, and peace and quiet in his day to day life is a blessing. Posting things on social media when HE wants to is okay. It's quiet recognition from a distance on demand, in a way. 😁

[@Frankincensedjb123]

He's always been one of my favorite comedians. He's not only brilliantly funny, but also always a very kind, present, engaging, humble, and authentic man.

[@paulshrew]

im 56 y/os and watched a lot of the sketches, and the films the Holy Grail, and Life of Brian, what a joy it is to see them interviewed, John Cleese does brilliant interviews, my favourite Python.

[@afulle02]

This man is a world heritage comedian.

[@FlyingScud]

A classic interview with Parky. In depth and clever.

[@petercunningham4000]

Parkinson is by far the best interviewer, Ever. He makes his guests relax and they open up to him.

[@hamzahjohnson5378]

Peter Cunningham Helen Mirren wouldn’t agree

[@potatoscone]

No. parkinson was a barely adequate interviewer: his trick was to get out of the way and let his talented subjects respond entertainingly to his staggeringly banal questions.

[@harindranvenkatesh]

@@potatoscone F off a$$hole.

[@TheLowerIntestine]

Meg Ryan wouldn't agree either. An absolute car crash.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

I enjoyed his acting work in Ghostwatch

[@noka1979]

they tried to disgrace and cancel John Cleese for having a patriotic feeling about his country

[@deecee4644]

This guy is such a class act. Fawlty Towers was hilarious!

[@andresil8330]

The funniest thing is that it was based on a real person, a real hotel owner. 😂

[@majabugarski386]

@@andresil8330 jup 😃

[@simonkevnorris]

It still is hilarious.

[@ketchup5344]

What an absolute legend.

[@aidanleahy4519]

Parkinson is king. It’s 2021 he’s still king. These interviews no longer exist

[@colinglen4505]

well, this is probably one of the best interviews I've ever seen and I've seen a few in my time. just like watching two close friends having a chat in the pub. : )

[@kirnpu]

I absolutely agree. Best John Cleese interview I've seen!

[@stigtuneback1966]

John Cleese is a great actor and given us lauhgter through the years , pure legend .

[@audreysimmonds4873]

John cheese I love this man. He personifies everything that's right for me 💛💛💛 and together with Michael Parkinson ,, best interview ever

[@rjkral]

Just PURE GOLD! Thanks for the laughs John Cleese and great interview Parkinson!

[@potatoscone]

Well yes it's gold, but Parkinson is a mediocre interviewer at best: luckily for him he got to work with interesting people like John Cleese, where all he had to do was stay out of the way.

[@johnblake3302]

A thoroughly entertaining interview! Incredibly funny and every minute was a real pleasure! Tops!

[@lloydftz65]

2 mates having a chat.. Rarely see tv like this today

[@user-zf4pu6iq1c]

This man is a world heritage comedian.. A classic interview with Parky. In depth and clever..

[@jeliarra]

Love that man. His voice alone is unmistakable to my ears.

[@ayron703]

John Cleese is amazing! Loved the interview

[@rolybling]

A comedy genius. He's a treat to follow on Twitter, hilarious as always.

[@mrmonstermunch3925]

Hardly.

[@sneaky5141]

@@mrmonstermunch3925 25 :/// bout time to visit auckland buddy?

[@majabugarski386]

@@sneaky5141 Why auckland ? Meaning of ... ?

[@bubisav123]

What an interview and what amazing people they are....

[@victorformosa2825]

This is just sublime. parky such a great interviewer. John Cleese so witty and down to earth, many thanks for posting.

[@rilledulu]

This is such a delicious interview.. Interplay is awesome.

[@adriannorris1486]

One of the finest celebrity interviewers ever.......lots of them on here.......his interviews with Muhammad Ali are legendary.

[@roadwarrior8560]

Celebrity pondlife, what a perfect decription of what goes on nowadays, John and Michael are pure class.

[@georgepayne9895]

I don't believe in an after life, but if asked I would spend it listening to Parkinson, Sellars, Cleese & Mtchael Caine. Perfect!

[@simonkevnorris]

Don't forget Robin Williams.

[@vangroover1903]

I never knew he had Parkison's. It was very brave of him to do an interview about it.

[@jairkerker2821]

The man is a treasure. My two favorite movies are Life Of Brian and Dr.Strangelove. Comedy that some people want to put a warning sticker on.

[@davidnorthrop2298]

people are always afraid of the truth.

[@stevegarrod6078]

What a great interviewer Parky was. Never tried to steal the show. He always got the best from his guests.

[@totallybored5526]

He didn’t need to steal his own show

[@appledoreman]

Good interview, both participants relaxed & John Cleese, as ever, mixing humour with lots of interesting comments. Particularly liked his reflections on The Human Face, eg the pressure on celebrities to 'put on a public face,' disadvantage of beauty, etc.

[@mart4414]

30:10 Never seen John that emotional, tremendous interview.

[@MymilanitalyBlogspot]

Lovely engaging laugh of Cleese. Wonderful troupe and solo stuff, thanks so much!

[@rossmcl177]

2 really interesting, talented guys, just talking. And having the time and space to talk. No music, no audience participation, no planned gags or 'games.' Maybe some TV commissioner will see this and realise this is the way to do it.

[@wrmty56413]

I like the Mark Lawson approach best of all. Dark room, no audience and provocative questions. I can't stand Graham Norton's show either (I assume that's who you're talking about) but I saw him interviewed by Lawson and found him very interesting (because he wasn't just playing up to a studio audience)

[@cotswoldseeker5609]

Well said my friend! Television at its best :)

[@rossmcl177]

Jim X - yes I was thinking about Graham Norton, but also Jonathan Ross. The thing is I actually like both of them, but their 'interview' shows are just awful, and in fact are not real interviews at all. I agree about Mark Lawson, an there are lots of good radio interviews, e.g. on the BBC. But Parky will always be the king. I don't actually mind there being an audience: the show should be entertaining as well as interesting. But it comes down to whether you actually get to LISTEN to the person.

[@jamesparker9354]

You no I like the original comment from rossmcl because Ross is totally right. In many ways than one. You no what I really respect People who have views like this and the way they can turn it funny when its normally life. Arent they really nice?

[@danielberry8491]

rossmcl177 is

[@garyhallford7422]

An absolutely marvelous talent!

[@davidwhyberd7612]

What a great interview! Michael is not using notes. He knows what questions to ask John is relaxed and charming throughout. What a highly intelligent and interesting man. It is very true when he talked about fame and being recognised. I worked in a classical sheet music shop in London in the eighties, where celebrities, such as Edward Fox and Sir Anthony Hopkins bought music. They were treated like any other customer. You can be famous in classical music and jazz, but most of the public will not recognise you. But as a film actor or pop star, you will be pointed out and approached for a photograph. He certainly has a gift for comedy. The vocal timing, and physical comedy was utterly brilliant in "Fawlty Towers".

[@younghanrahan]

Parkinson has known Cleese personally for years David. That's why the familiarity and warm camaraderie. If anyone's well placed to draw from Cleese Michael's better placed than most. Imagine pressing a celebrity - anyone - for the age - and circumstances in which they lost their virginity. Imagine most people - let alone a celeb.- coming forward with this candour. Most would clam up.

[@scottgordon1781]

Brilliant the part about his Mom , mine is now 97 . Just want to make her feel happy and have some laughs . I was lucky to have grown up able to listen and see some of the comedy greats . From 'Round The Horn ' The Goons ' Python , happy days !

[@markpearson8184]

Love this especially the personal conversation John has with Michael at the end of the interview when the mics are down

[@robonez]

What an amazing guy, that John Cleese! Kickass Interview! \m/

[@brynteelingtheriverthieves3266]

What an interesting man just curious about life and learning.... used to love Parkinson

[@Deanetts]

Great interview. Michael really put John at ease.

[@desursins]

thanks for posting this. I wish I had watched Mr. Parkinson earlier; he's a fantastic interviewer.

[@joannamallory2823]

This man is a genius. The scene in A Fish Called Wanda where he is forced into a barrel of vile water next to a plane and he affects an American western accent to taunt someone about the Vietnam war.....breaks me up EVERY time. “They WHOOPED your ass REAL good”!

[@simonkevnorris]

There are so many funny scenes in that movie for all characters. I quite like all of Otto's scenes (don't call me stupid).

[@Ingens_Scherz]

Beautiful interview. I've never seen a potentially guarded guest (John Cleese has always seemed very guarded, which is his human right) so relaxed and happy. As a member as I am of the "stranger-public" it's just nice to glimpse what looks like the real guy, who I have absolutely no right to see or know in any world beyond the one he creates for my entertainment.

[@robocop6444]

As soon as I read, 'which is his human right' I thought, Guardian reader. Or maybe someone aware of how every small thing on the internet can be misconstrued. It's ok to say he's guarded, just go for it :)

[@hakukuze7947]

John’s curious nature is enlightening for the rest of us watching and always leaves us learning something new too. As an American I just love Parkinson interviews, even the lack of table that helps make it so much more intimate.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

A wonderful interview. I always enjoy watching intelligent people talking.

[@TheLionInWinter07]

Apart from being a great writer and performer I think John is a remarkable intellect. Really interesting hearing him talk about the 'losing' of the more authentic aspect of ones character that public figures can sometimes have, in 2022 it seems we are seeing that a great deal with political and media figures, I feel it myself after a few hours socialising that's for sure! 😅

[@Cml725]

Love John Cleese!

[@compwizard328]

watched him when i was young im 53 now saw everyhing he was in. loved it

[@rneal710]

I've been looking for this for ages! Thankyou

[@jamietrev]

A master craftsman at work

[@Ben-xx6cg]

Thank you so much for uploading you're a legend!

[@TheCitroenCX]

Great upload! Thx.

[@MichaelSHartman]

Such an intelligent, and interesting person.

[@andypianoman2732]

oh how i adore J Cleese!

[@tobortine]

There has never been a finer talk show host than Mr Parkinson.

Merv Griffin.

[@SpokenSimple]

Thanks for the upload!

[@BritishComedyUK69]

thanks for sharing :)

[@jonwilliams23]

Awesome interview

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Just brilliant...

[@alanwann9318]

I enjoyed this thanks,Parkinson ,s the best interviewer.

[@martynnash6904]

Had a beer Alan ?

[@gerrymcglynn7390]

Well, what amazing interview. John Cleese, was ABSOLUTELY brilliant 👏 thank you Sir ❤😂. Rest in peace, Michael 😢.

[@shauntrailskinner9645]

*MONDAY JUNE 22 2020 1:41 PM CDT* This was a fantastic show. I thought Michael Parkinson did a great job interviewing this lovely man, John Cleese. John is a warm-hearted, delightful, and witty person. ⚠ Stay safe out there folks, during this COVID-19 crisis. 😷 Tony 59-year-old Black Air Force VET 🇺🇸✈

[@shauntrailskinner9645]

*MONDAY JUNE 22 2020 2:00 PM CDT* I love "Monty Python" and "BENNY HILL". They are considered British treasures to me. 😃 Tony 59-year-old Black Air Force VET 🇺🇸✈

[@michelefritze3988]

Such a funny man and the interview was a scream. I watched John in a series of videos on sales and how to. I laughed my way to knowledge. Wonderful!❤❤❤❤

[@chrisbooth128]

So wonderful, nothing beyond xx

[@BiRDiEHere]

62 here and now he's 80.

[@macbuff81]

I like John values lifelong curiosity in all kinds of areas. Too often it is dismissed as being a useless skill or habit in part because it does not serve the purpose of making money. I am glad John is pushing back against this notion

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

When all the great older entertainers are gone, who will be there to take their place? I'm afraid I just don't see anyone who is even fit to shine their shoes today...

[@peterreston6478]

A national treasure all over the place.

[@PrivateSi]

The Philosophy of John Cleese - The Curious Comedian.... I could just imagine him in an entertaininhly highbrow BBC 2 series about the history of philosophy and philosophers. A fair bit of humour potential too here and there.

[@retrothingz]

John's training videos are brilliant

[@bobmarsland4268]

Retro Thingz uutd

[@simonkevnorris]

Yes, I had heard about them and seen parts of them. Eventually, I did go on a course and saw the whole of one training video.

[@graxjpg]

Those natural mathematic proportions come up in fractal geometry, which is a new school of thought that is quite interesting. Nature is astonishing! And the nature of nature is something I want to know more about every day.

[@stephenmiles8424]

a total legend so funny

[@alancooper9632]

I'd just started senior school in 69 when python started, all the kids loved it,it didn't change us from the the old time comedians, it was just that little bit different, just like the goons.

[@pihoihoi]

He is absolutely right!

[@keithskegwin]

“He’s making it up as he goes along”. “Hail messiah”. Genius.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

I gave a home to a young and very funny girl who was working for me at the time, she needed a place for a few months and while she was there I asked her If she minded me putting on Faulty, she didnt know what it was, {well she was 17} , I just couldnt imagine anyone not knowing so I put the episode on where the elderly obnoxious deaf lady on. She watched it screaming with laughter, it really was that funny, We then had to watch the other 11 straight through of course. Comedy like that never really ages, only the fashions do but even they come back around. I agree with Parkie, it is possible the greatest show ever but there is competition of course from the wonderful Father Ted lol

[@ajrwilde14]

Father Ted writers were apparently inspired by Fawlty Towers

[@peterdelaforce2346]

Bloody brilliant

[@aussiechris5904]

unfortunate that copyright lawyers force them to not show any of THIS MAN'S WORK to illustrate Parky's enthusiasm

[@ppotter]

Everyone's seen them anyway, so what does it matter?

[@fionnuala3]

I totally, agree Chris! Do you (or anyone else reading) know what scene from Fawlty Towers was shown?

[@fionnuala3]

@@ppotter Yes.. we've seen them but it would still be nice to see them in context,

[@TheMarkyMarx]

@@fionnuala3 As Cleese states...The audience already knows all the lines.

[@eddierutherford4186]

"Archie Leach" = "Archibald Leach" = "Cary Grant". Inside joke … and really funny.

[@mikearchibald744]

only a little bit funny.

[@paulmorphy6187]

Legend...

[@BrianSmith-ix3ns]

me and John have so much in common...as I cower beneath my middle aged leather jacket...a month short of my 37th bidet...but it was a memorable duck-busting...considering the fact that Jan Michael-Vincent was our celebrity ride-along...saying things like "I want some" and "I'm jealous" fucking unforgoddamngettable...Thanks JMV & LAMB

[@OllyRoberton]

This is why Parky was the best. His questioning is subtle, collegiate, and unafraid to explore the nuances and niche areas. American chat shows would not probe a guest in this way. Their instinct is for uncovering drama, Parky's instinct was for uncovering things that other people hadn't uncovered...

[@46danz]

Life of Brian is my favourite,I loved Fawlty Towers.

[@snook377]

This mans humanity is not much less than it should be, very well done my boy.

[@paulmanson253]

Robert Heinlein the science fiction writer also talked of creativity. He described it as going to the well,but not knowing if there is going to be water in it. It is not a tap you can open at need. People like Graham Chapman have more ideas than they can use. In that instance it seems they never know when to stop.

[@ketchup5344]

Talent and class. Two words that sum me up. John Cleese has always had these qualities too.