John Cleese, beloved for his iconic role as Basil Fawlty in the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers, has recently spoken candidly about his worries concerning his children’s inheritance following his divorce from Alyce Eichelberger. Despite the show’s enduring success and perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Cleese’s personal life has been far from smooth.
The comedy legend, now 85, has expressed frustration over the financial outcome of his divorce with Eichelberger, who reportedly walked away significantly wealthier. When they met in 1990, Alyce was living modestly in a third-floor London council flat with two sons from a previous marriage. Yet the divorce settlement left her with around £15 million in cash and assets, plus an annual payment of £600,000 for seven years.
“What I find so unfair,” Cleese said, “is that if we both died today, her children would get much more than mine.” He added wryly, “Think what I’d have had to pay her if she had contributed anything to the relationship like children. Or a conversation!”
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The divorce was conducted under California law, which tends to favor the spouse who may have contributed less financially but shared the marital lifestyle. High-profile divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton represented Eichelberger, who argued that during their 16-year marriage she was accustomed to a high-caliber social life, often entertaining royalty and dignitaries.
Financial expert Julia Whittle explained that under Californian law, Eichelberger was entitled to half of Cleese’s earnings during the marriage, as well as spousal support. In contrast, Cleese’s earlier divorces had been reportedly more straightforward and less costly.
Close friend and film director Michael Winner described the settlement as “defying human belief,” empathizing with Cleese’s anger after a prolonged legal battle.
John’s romantic history includes marriages to Connie Booth, his Fawlty Towers co-creator, and actress Barbara Trentham. Despite ending in divorce, he maintains amicable relations with both. Since 2012, he has been married to jewellery designer Jennifer Wade, who is 31 years his junior.
Cleese attributes some of his relationship challenges to his upbringing, particularly his complex relationship with his mother. He shared with Candis magazine, “I developed an ingrained habit of walking on eggshells when dealing with her. If you start life like that, you’re likely to make bad choices with women when you’re an adult.”