John Cleese Reveals Financial Struggles Despite Successful Career

John Cleese, the renowned British comedian known for his work on 'Fawlty Towers' and with Monty Python, has revealed that he is "surprisingly poor" despite his five-decade career in entertainment. The 84-year-old actor has been candid about his financial situation, attributing much of it to a costly divorce settlement in 2008.

Cleese's divorce from his third wife, Alyce Faye Eichelberger, resulted in a $20 million payout that has left him working into his eighties to rebuild his finances. "The divorce settlement was absurd," Cleese said, noting that he had to set out on an "Alimony Tour" to make up for the lost funds.

Despite an estimated net worth of around £20 million, primarily stemming from his long-standing involvement with Monty Python, Cleese admits that he does not own a car or property. He has even transferred the short lease of his flat to his current wife, jewelry designer Jennifer Wade, who is 30 years his junior.

Cleese has been undergoing expensive stem cell therapy treatments, costing £17,000 every 12-18 months for the past 20 years, in an effort to combat the effects of aging. "I don't look bad for 84," he quipped, crediting the treatments for his youthful appearance.

The comedian remains active in his career, currently working on adapting the beloved sitcom 'Fawlty Towers' for the stage and developing a new TV series with his daughter, stand-up comedian Camilla Cleese. However, the revival of 'Fawlty Towers' has been met with controversy, as Cleese's first wife and co-creator of the original series, Connie Booth, claims she was not informed about the project.

Cleese maintains a philosophical perspective on wealth, emphasizing that the most important thing is to have enough money for a comfortable lifestyle, including good food, clothing, and holidays. His continued work in the entertainment industry, despite his age and financial challenges, serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.

Key Takeaways

• John Cleese, 84, is "surprisingly poor" despite 50-year career.
• $20M divorce settlement in 2008 left him financially strained.
• Cleese doesn't own a car or property, leases flat to wife.
• Spends £17K every 12-18 months on stem cell therapy to combat aging.
• Cleese's financial struggles highlight challenges celebrities face post-success.