If you are anything like me, John Cleese is a big part of your life. I remember seeing Monty Python and the Holy Grail for the first time and having my mind blown open by its comedy. From the scientific reasoning for a swallow to carry a cocoanut to the Black Knight, I had never seen a film like this before. Digging into the Python’s other work was just as much a joy. Then there is all the stuff Cleese did separate from Python that shaped my sense of humor, like A Fish Called Wanda and “Fawlty Towers“. He is an undeniable genius and legend. I said undeniable. So, if you deny this, you are wrong.
Well, I have some unfortunate news for all the Cleese fans out there. He has decided he is done making movies. At the age of 74, Cleese would rather make better use of his remaining time on this earth than working on motion pictures.
It is two-and-three-quarter years, and I am too old for that process. If I started on it now, I would die.
It makes me very sad we will not hear Cleese’s distinct voice on the big screen anymore. What does make happy is how okay he is with knocking on death’s door. His perspective on it certainly helps me cope with that fear.
I have only got five or six years left and I will be gone – I won’t have to worry about ISIS or Ebola, I am looking forward to it.
As long he is in good spirits about it and it’s what he wants to do, I am okay with it. Of course I would rather him work until the very last second, but you can’t always get what you want. And John Cleese deserves what he wants way more than I do.
Original report from The Mirror
