Famed Comic Actor

John Cleese is known by many personae but is perhaps best loved as the snobbish misanthrope Basil Fawlty in the immensely popular Fawlty Towers. Prior to this, Monty Python’s Flying Circus series gave John international stardom as he flexed his comedic and acting ability to conceive several, well-loved characters. Today, John injects his innate sense of humour into presenting on corporate skills, training and customer service.

John Cleese is both a versatile comedic actor and a leading business motivator. With the legendary Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers and A Fish Called Wanda, he created a unique comedic style that has inspired countless writers and comedians. John Cleese’s influence is also felt in the corporate world as the founder of Video Arts, the world’s largest provider of business training programs. Established in 1972 with three fellow British actors, Video Arts gained an international reputation as the premier source for business know-how.

Cleese attributes his success at making hit training programs to his fascination with psychology and his love for teaching and making people laugh. He believes that “humour in training increases retention and decreases anxiety. When the training point is surrounded with humour, it can be readily digested, remembered and applied." On the lecture stage, Cleese brings his award-winning series of videos to life. His boundless energy and inimitable sense of humour create a hilarious exploration of business basics, from corporate etiquette and customer service to creative thinking and problem solving.

“The world’s funniest man" first made his mark as a member of the legendary Monty Python troupe in the 1960s, and has gone on to write, produce, direct and star in some of the greatest comedic hits of the last forty years, even receiving an Oscar nomination for best screenplay for A Fish called Wanda. But John is far from your garden variety entertainer.

From the beginning of his career John has continually parlayed his enormous talents into advancing the political causes he believes in (he is a vocal supporter of the UK’s Labour Party); promoting education (a former Rector of the University of St. Andrews, he is presently professor-at-large at Cornell University); and teaching business skills (the training videos created by his Video Arts production company are viewed by millions of people in the UK and abroad).

Cleese enthrals packed audiences worldwide. Whether he’s coaching novice comedians, discussing his liberal politics, or imparting his formulas for success in education, business and life, Cleese always leaves audiences clamouring for more.

Presentation Topics Include

• What's So Funny:
   Tips for Success in Education, Business and Relationships

• Creativity in Business:
   How Making your Workplace Fun can Improve your Bottom Line

• John Cleese on Business and Life:
   And You Thought You'd Figured It Out!