John Cleese, the legendary British comedian known for his work in Fawlty Towers and Monty Python, has made waves again, this time by seemingly announcing his departure from the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, now called X. Cleese’s farewell message caught the attention of his followers, sparking a flood of reactions and speculations.
Cleese, at 84, is no stranger to stirring up conversation, and his latest move didn’t disappoint. His goodbye note to Twitter was brief but pointed, reading: "Goodbye, Twitter. And thanks for dinner, Elon." With this, Cleese joins a growing list of high-profile celebrities who have stepped away from X following Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform. Stars like Elton John, Stephen Fry, Whoopi Goldberg, Gigi Hadid, and The Wire creator David Simon have all made their exits, citing concerns about the platform's direction and leadership under Musk. It appears Cleese has decided to follow suit, though his reasons for leaving remain somewhat vague.
A Farewell to Social Media
Cleese’s decision to leave X comes at a time when many are reconsidering their social media presence. For Cleese, a man whose career has spanned five decades and who has experienced the evolution of media firsthand, this could be seen as a reflection of broader frustrations with the changing landscape of communication and entertainment. But if you’re wondering whether this is truly the end of Cleese’s social media journey, his daughter, Camilla Cleese, isn’t so sure.
Camilla, herself a comedian and daughter of Cleese's second wife, Barbara Trentham, cheekily responded to her father's announcement, tweeting: “This won’t age well. See you in the morning!” Her comment suggests that Cleese might not be done with the platform for good, or at least leaves the door open for a potential return.
The Changing Face of Comedy
What makes Cleese’s departure especially interesting is the context in which it occurs. The comedian has been vocal about his views on modern society, particularly when it comes to comedy and how it’s being received. In recent years, Cleese has frequently expressed concern that the art of comedy is being stifled by overly "literal-minded" audiences. He believes that many people today fail to understand the nuance of humor, especially when it comes to satire, which has always been a cornerstone of his comedic style.
During a press event promoting a West End play based on three episodes of Fawlty Towers, Cleese delved into his frustrations with the current state of comedy. He mentioned that in the new stage production, racial slurs and offensive language had been deliberately removed. This, he said, was a necessary step to avoid offending people who “only have one interpretation of what’s been said.” Cleese argued that these individuals, who take jokes at face value without understanding the context or the humor behind them, are making it increasingly difficult for comedians to push boundaries and engage in the type of biting social commentary that has defined much of his work.
In fact, Cleese went so far as to question whether any of today’s sitcoms would stand the test of time. “I don’t know that people can name more than one or two,” he remarked, implying that many modern shows lack the lasting impact or wit of classics like Fawlty Towers or Monty Python.
The Reboot of Fawlty Towers
Speaking of Fawlty Towers, fans of the iconic sitcom will be excited to know that Cleese isn’t ready to let go of Basil Fawlty just yet. Along with his daughter Camilla, Cleese is currently working on a reboot of the series. This updated version promises to explore how Cleese’s over-the-top, cynical, and often abrasive character, Basil Fawlty, navigates the complexities of the modern world. While specific details about the reboot remain under wraps, it’s clear that Cleese still has plenty to say about the state of society, and this new project could provide the perfect outlet for his unique brand of humor.
Given the success of the original Fawlty Towers, which ran for only 12 episodes but has remained a beloved cultural touchstone for decades, there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding the reboot. Cleese himself has acknowledged that comedy has changed significantly since the show first aired, and he’s expressed concern about whether modern audiences will appreciate the biting satire and sharp wit that made the original so iconic. Nevertheless, Cleese seems determined to bring Basil back into the spotlight, with Camilla by his side.
A Reflection on Change
At the heart of Cleese’s recent comments, both about his departure from X and his critiques of modern comedy, is a broader reflection on change—both personal and societal. Cleese has openly admitted that he finds the rapid pace of change in today’s world to be overwhelming. "What stresses people is change. Whether it’s good change or bad change, it doesn’t matter – it’s change," he said during the Fawlty Towers press event. He went on to explain that constant change is leading to a more anxious and, in his view, more literal-minded society.
This anxiety, according to Cleese, is manifesting itself in the way people respond to comedy. As he sees it, the internet and social media have played a significant role in this shift. The immediacy of online outrage and the pressure to conform to certain social norms have created an environment where comedians are often reluctant to take risks or tackle controversial topics for fear of backlash. In Cleese’s mind, this is a troubling trend that threatens the future of comedy itself.
With typical Cleesian flair, he joked that the solution to this problem might be to "uninvent the internet." While obviously said in jest, there’s a kernel of truth in the comment. Cleese has long been a critic of how social media, particularly Twitter, has affected public discourse, and his decision to leave X can be seen as a continuation of this critique.
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for John Cleese? While he may be done with X, it’s clear that he’s far from done with making people laugh and think. Between the Fawlty Towers reboot and his ongoing public commentary, Cleese remains as sharp and relevant as ever. And while the world around him continues to change at a dizzying pace, Cleese’s wit, wisdom, and willingness to challenge the status quo ensure that he’ll always have an audience, whether they’re tuning in to his latest project or reflecting on his decades of groundbreaking work.
In the end, Cleese’s farewell to Twitter is just another chapter in a long and illustrious career that has seen him navigate the evolving landscape of comedy, culture, and communication. Whether or not he returns to the platform remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: John Cleese will continue to make his voice heard, both on and off the screen. And in a world that often takes itself too seriously, we need voices like his more than ever.
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