John Cleese, the British comedian and Monty Python co-founder, is currently touring Canada with screenings and discussions of the 1975 cult classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. At 86 years old, Cleese is promoting the film through a series of live events that began in Toronto and will continue to Kitchener, Hamilton, Montreal, and Ottawa. The tour, titled Not Dead Yet!, takes its name from a memorable scene in the film where a character insists he is still alive despite being carted off plague victims.

During a recent video call from his London home, Cleese reflected on the film’s enduring cultural impact, noting the lasting popularity of its distinctive lines such as “’Tis but a scratch,” “Just a flesh wound,” and “I fart in your general direction.” These quotes remain familiar to comedy fans decades after the film’s release and are often referenced by enthusiasts around the world.

Cleese also recounted a personal health scare from a few years ago when he had a precancerous growth removed from his arm. He joked about the doctor’s use of the iconic film line “’Tis but a scratch” during the procedure, underscoring the close association he has with Monty Python’s legacy.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a satirical take on the Arthurian legend created by Cleese along with Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and the late Terry Jones and Graham Chapman. The film later inspired the successful stage musical Monty Python’s Spamalot, adapted by Idle.

In discussing the comedy landscape today, Cleese expressed a sense of nostalgia for earlier eras of British television. He suggested that the quality of comedy was higher four decades ago when fewer channels operated, contrasting it with contemporary comedy’s tendency toward extended series formats and fantastical elements such as dragons.

Cleese also briefly mentioned his personal life, stating he is currently living with his fourth wife in a modest London flat. He referenced previous tours connected to his own divorces, highlighting a period when he publicly confronted the financial challenges of marital separation through performances.

As Monty Python’s influence continues to resonate, Cleese’s current tour seeks to celebrate the film’s legacy and engage audiences with both humor and shared memories of one of comedy’s most enduring works.