John Cleese has made it clear: if the British Honours Committee and King Charles ever offered him a knighthood, he would politely say no.
The Monty Python icon, now 85, has no interest in being called “Sir John Cleese” and says he simply doesn’t want or need the recognition.
Speaking to Candis magazine, Cleese explained his reasoning with his trademark bluntness: “I would. I simply don’t need that sort of validation. It’s enough for me to know because people often tell me that I’ve helped them through difficult times by making them laugh.”
Cleese, best known for his roles in Fawlty Towers and Monty Python’s Flying Circus, said fans often share how his comedy lifted their spirits. That, he says, is all the reward he’s ever needed.
“People come home, turn on an episode of Fawlty Towers and the world doesn’t seem quite so bleak,” he said. “That’s my reward. Frankly, I think those things are rather silly.”
This isn’t the first time Cleese has turned down a prestigious honour. He previously declined a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) and a peerage. Now, he finds himself in a unique club of respected figures who have done the same, including the late David Bowie, actor Albert Finney, playwright Michael Frayn, and writer Alan Bennett.
“I have respect for them,” Cleese said. “Just look at those men who have turned down awards and titles I’m proud to be in their company.”
Interestingly, Cleese’s longtime Monty Python colleague Michael Palin took a different path. Palin accepted a knighthood and became Sir Michael in 2019. Still, there’s no tension between the two.
“Good luck to him,” Cleese said warmly. “I was genuinely pleased. I call him Sir Mickey that’s how I always address my emails to him. He’s a lovely guy.”
Though he’s recently appeared on right-wing news channel GB News, Cleese insists his political leanings remain left of center. “I’m more to the left economically,” he explained. “I think greed is in danger of killing everyone. People should be paid good salaries, where possible. We should be generous, not try to save money so billionaires can get richer.”
What matters most to Cleese now, it seems, is keeping the world laughing not titles or honours. “I think we need much more laughter in the world,” he said. “I’m not advocating mean teasing. Just good old-fashioned laughter. There’s nothing to beat it.”
In the end, John Cleese refuses a knighthood not out of spite, but because his idea of success doesn’t involve medals or letters before his name. For him, laughter and the joy it brings others is more than enough.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
