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Veteran Comedian John Cleese Finds Solace in Nervous Breakdown After Divorce
13 Nov
Summary
- John Cleese, 86, experienced a nervous breakdown after his third divorce in 2008
- Cleese says the breakdown gave him a "more realistic grasp of what was important in life"
- Cleese is currently married to his fourth wife, Jennifer Wade, 52
In a candid revelation, veteran entertainer John Cleese, now 86 years old, has admitted that he was "glad" to have experienced a nervous breakdown following his third divorce in 2008. Cleese, best known for his work on the iconic sitcom Fawlty Towers, recalled the three-month period of depression that followed his split from his ex-wife Alyce Faye Eichelberger, stating that it gave him a "much more realistic grasp of what was important in life."
Despite the unpleasantness of the experience, which included suicidal thoughts, Cleese believes the breakdown was ultimately a positive turning point. "I think I'm glad it happened to me, because it gave me a much more realistic grasp of what was important in life, because we can certainly get distracted," he explained.
Cleese's personal struggles are now the subject of a new documentary, John Cleese Packs It In, which was released on November 13, 2025. The film offers an intimate look at the 86-year-old's life, including his current marriage to his fourth wife, 52-year-old Jennifer Wade, who makes several appearances throughout the 80-minute feature.
