Within some circles, “A Fish Called Wanda” has always been celebrated for its humour, leaving audiences in stitches with its witty dialogues and impeccable comedic timing. Critics have long hailed the 1988 film, starring the comedic genius John Cleese alongside Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis, as a timeless masterpiece that continues to amuse generations.
However, on his GB News segment, “The Dinosaur Hour,” John Cleese disclosed a shocking incident that unfolded during a screening of “A Fish Called Wanda.” The 84-year-old British icon claimed that he and co-star Kevin Kline unintentionally caused the death of a man in Denmark. Cleese, known for his candid and often controversial remarks, spilt the details of this tragic event with a surprising lack of remorse.
Cleese Admits Cinema Goer Laughed Himself To Death
“We killed a man… Kevin Kline and I killed a man in Denmark,” Cleese confessed, recounting the bizarre incident. The victim, a dentist known for his infectious laughter, attended the screening in Aarhus. “He went to see Wanda and started laughing about two minutes in and never stopped. They carried him out dead, he’d had a heart attack,” Cleese explained.
The dark humour of Cleese’s confession adds a unique twist to the legacy of “A Fish Called Wanda.” The film was a massive success, grossing $62.5 million in the United States and £12 million in the UK. Furthermore, it earned accolades such as an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Kevin Kline and a BAFTA for John Cleese’s leading role.
Cleese’s lax attitude towards the incident echoes his knack for pushing boundaries. This is even more evident in his recent jabs at fellow broadcasters and even his iconic creations. On a live panel discussion, he diverted a conversation about “Fawlty Towers” with a sly remark about co-host Waleed Aly’s name.
Former Monty Python Star Never Afraid Of Pushing Boundaries
“We can’t let you go without talking about “Fawlty Towers” – at least I can’t, because I think it’s one of the greatest shows …” Aly began before Cleese piped in.
“I don’t want to talk about Fawlty Towers,” he said.
“Yeah but, you know what – it’s not all about you, is it? I mean, I can ask you about Fawlty Towers?” Aly quipped. Cleese replied, “You can talk about ‘Fawlty Towers. What kind of a name is Waleed, anyway? Is it an anagram?“
“No. It’s just Arabic. I take it your Arabic’s not great?” Aly replied in shock.
In another segment, Cleese discussed the impact of his comedic career, emphasising the profound effect laughter can have on people. “Making people laugh is kind of doing more than just making them laugh,” he remarked.
While Cleese’s confession might sound like an elaborate dark joke, it sheds light on the unexpected consequences of comedy. Laughter, often considered the best medicine, took an unexpectedly tragic turn in Aarhus that day.