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John Cleese Reveals Financial Situation: ‘I Don’t Have a House or a Car’
Comedy icon John Cleese has made a surprising revelation about his financial state. After gifting his final property to his wife, Jennifer Wade, the renowned comedian admits, “I don’t have a house or a car.” The Monty Python star’s earlier divorce from his third wife, Alyce Faye Eichelberger, reportedly cost him £15 million, significantly impacting his assets. Cleese’s transparency about his financial status offers an honest look into the challenges faced even by successful entertainers.
Property and Possessions
Cleese recounted his asset distribution to The Times, stating, “The third wife got two properties, one was in London and one was in New York, and we had to sell the other three. I’ve actually given the flat behind Peter Jones to Jennifer, so I don’t have a house, I don’t have a car.” He lightheartedly compared his earnings to those of famous singers, quipping, “What’s the difference between a famous singer and a famous comedian? About $200 million.”
- Lost multiple properties in divorce settlements.
- Gifted his last remaining flat to his current wife for security.
- Currently without a personal residence or vehicle.
Providing Security
Cleese explained his decision to hand over the keys to the flat to Jennifer, 53, emphasizing her need for stability. “I think if they [women] have a property, they know that I can’t kick her out… it’s taken anxiety away from her that I think she wasn’t totally aware of,” he noted, highlighting his sensitivity to her well-being.
Lifestyle and Net Worth
The actor acknowledged that he currently “lives in hotel rooms” due to his extensive touring and work commitments worldwide. He confessed to having “lost his nest egg” around the age of 70. Despite an estimated net worth of £8 million, the 85-year-old star recognizes the necessity of continued work to sustain his preferred lifestyle.
Divorce Costs
John Cleese’s multiple divorces have been financially draining, reportedly costing him around £25 million in settlements. He was previously married to Connie Booth (1968-1978), Barbara Trentham (1981-1990), and Alyce Faye Eichelberger (1992-2008).
Maintaining Youthfulness
Despite his financial setbacks, Cleese openly discusses his investment in maintaining his health and appearance. He spends £17,000 annually on stem cell treatment, aiming to prolong his vitality. As he told Saga Magazine last year “These cells travel around the body and when they discover a place that needs repair, they’ll then change into the cells that you want for repair, so they might become cartilage cells or liver cells. So I think that’s why I don’t look bad for 84.”
Financial Advice for the Future
Cleese has been candid about his past financial challenges, admitting to ShowTALK, “I never understand money and I don’t find it very interesting, which is a real disadvantage in the world that we live in. I advise anybody who is a bit vague about it to become less vague because it has cost me a lot.”
He continued, “I never knew how much money I had. I remember in America someone asked me where my investments were and I said,‘I have no idea at all.’ I have just relied on people and in one or two cases that has been very good, but in one or two others, it has been disastrous.” His experiences serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of financial literacy and careful management.