The Monty Python icon moaned he’s only now able to choose what he wants to do rather than going for the best paid gigs after a “terrible” battle paying off ex-wives
Comedy legend John Cleese admits he still needs to work aged 85 because he “doesn’t have much money”.
The Monty Python icon moaned he’s only now able to choose what he wants to do rather than going for the best paid gigs after a “terrible” battle paying off ex-wives.
On his split from American ex Alyce Faye Eichelberger, 80, he told the Radio Times: “You know how much I had to pay? Just under £20m.
“Have you ever given anyone £20m? I had five properties; three had to be sold and she got the other two. It’s been a terrible struggle to get back.
“It’s only now, this year, when I can start to do things because I’m interested in them, rather than because I need the money.”
John, who played Basil Fawlty in hit show Fawlty Towers, insisted he isn’t poor, adding: “But I gave my wife my London flat, I don’t have a car.
“I don’t have much money… but I don’t want it anyway. Wanting it is an illness.”
The actor also launched a fresh swipe at the BBC, claiming it is letting the public down with its dire modern comedy shows.
“They’re not nurturing talent,” he said.
“Young writers go and see this clown and assume, as he is the one who commissions the programmes, he knows what he’s doing.
“The people in charge now have no idea at all. The writers deserve better than this. The British people deserve better than this.”
