Published on December 2, 2025 – 7:30 pm
John Cleese has said he believes people laugh less today than they did decades ago.
The comedy icon appeared on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X this morning and spoke openly about why he thinks laughter is essential, why he values audiences who react freely, and why he believes the world has become a little less joyful.
In the conversation, he reflected on humour, its benefits, and the way it shapes how we think.
Cleese responded with genuine appreciation when Chris Moyles thanked him for decades of comedy.
“Oh, that’s so nice,” he said. “When people say ‘Thanks for making me laugh,’ I always feel so good, because laughter’s so good for us.”
He explained that previous generations understood this instinctively. “My parents’ generation used to say ‘Laughter’s the best medicine.’ And it’s actually true. If we laugh, all sorts of good things happen in our system, and it changes people’s attitudes.”
He also shared a favourite moment from interviewing the Dalai Lama. “He said what he liked about laughter was that when people laugh, they could have new ideas,” Cleese said. “When we’re defensive, we cling on to our ideas. When we’re relaxed and happy and having a good time, we can be more flexible in our thinking.”
He added that he feels humour has become scarcer. “There’s less laughter now than there used to be 20, 30 years ago.”
Moyles admitted he often enjoys comedy without laughing out loud. He said he can watch something silently, think it is brilliant, and only later realise the humour had landed.
Cleese was surprised, though he agreed that laughter itself spreads quickly. When Moyles mentioned that he laughs more easily when others are laughing, Cleese replied simply: “It’s very infectious.”
Tune into The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X weekdays from 6.30am – 10am and on Global Player.
