John Cleese named most influential British comedy icon

Thursday 13th November 2014, 1:43pm

Monty Python: The Meaning Of Live. John Cleese. Copyright: Phil McIntyre Entertainment / Python (Monty) Pictures Ltd

John Cleese has been named as the most influential British comedy icon of all time in a poll.

The actor and writer, known for his lead roles in shows such as Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, has beaten a host of other comedy greats to the accolade in a survey conducted by the TV channel Gold.

Only Fools And Horses actor David Jason was very close runner-up the poll, just ahead of Blackadder and Mr Bean star Rowan Atkinson.

The results were determined via a poll of 2,000 adults. The study was commissioned by UKTV to promote the launch of Monty Python: The Meaning Of Live. The one-off documentary, which focuses on the sketch group's live shows, airs tonight (Thursday 13th November).

Steve North from the channel says: "John Cleese is known and loved by many people both old and young. So it may not come as a surprise that he's been named as the most influential comedy icon, above other greats such as Rowan Atkinson and David Jason. Shows like Monty Python and Fawlty Towers will be watched by the nation for years to come, and the recent Monty Python live show proves how successful and popular it really is."

Roger Graef, the director of Monty Python: The Meaning Of Live adds: ''Monty Python is arguably the most influential comedy group this country has ever known and it no surprise two members of the troupe have appeared in this list. It was a delight to be working with the Pythons again. The treat of sharing their reunion and the audience's enthusiasm is caught in our footage, and shines throughout our film. Monty Python really is a classic institution and as paved the way for the stars of today."

The poll also revealed that two thirds of Brits miss the likes of Fawlty Towers and Monty Python, and that half of the adults polled felt modern comedians are not as funny as classic comedy actors.

Below is the top 20 most influential comedy icons...