Celebrating his 86th birthday today, John Cleese remains one of Britain’s most towering comedic minds — both literally and figuratively. Born in Weston-super-Mare in 1939, Cleese rose from the hallowed halls of Cambridge University’s Footlights to become one of the most influential figures in modern comedy. Known for his sharp intellect, impeccable timing, and delightfully unfiltered wit, Cleese redefined what it meant to make people laugh, turning absurdity into a sophisticated, satirical weapon.

In the late 1960s, Cleese and his fellow comedians formed Monty Python’s Flying Circus, a sketch show that would forever change British humor. With its surreal scenarios, intellectual wordplay, and gleeful disregard for convention, the show became a global phenomenon. Whether he was performing the “Dead Parrot” sketch, executing the “Ministry of Silly Walks,” or playing one of countless eccentric characters, Cleese’s performances radiated a manic brilliance that left audiences both bewildered and in stitches.

By the 1970s, Cleese had already become a cultural icon, but he wasn’t done yet. He co-created and starred in Fawlty Towers, one of the most acclaimed sitcoms of all time. As the perpetually frustrated hotel manager Basil Fawlty, Cleese delivered a masterclass in physical comedy and controlled chaos. The show’s biting humor, impeccable pacing, and sharp social commentary made it a timeless classic, influencing generations of writers and performers around the world.

Beyond Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, Cleese’s career has spanned film, stage, and academia. He appeared in A Fish Called Wanda, earning an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay, and lent his voice to projects like Shrek and Harry Potter. Known for his articulate defense of free speech and his often controversial honesty, Cleese has continued to speak his mind — and entertain — well into his later years, proving that true wit never ages.

As John Cleese celebrates his 86th birthday, he stands as a living testament to the power of intelligent comedy. His work has not only made the world laugh but has inspired countless others to look at absurdity with a knowing smile. From silly walks to philosophical sketches, Cleese has shown that humor, when done right, can be both ridiculous and profoundly human — and that’s why he remains a comedy legend.