John Cleese And Jennifer Wade: 5 Shocking Facts About Their 31-Year Age Gap Love Story In 2025

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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The enduring marriage of comedy legend John Cleese and his fourth wife, Jennifer Wade, continues to capture public fascination, proving that a significant age difference is no barrier to a deep, shared connection. As of late 2025, the couple remains a fixture in the entertainment world, frequently seen together at major events, most recently celebrating the enduring legacy of Cleese's work.

Their relationship, founded on a shared "playful personality" and a mutual understanding, has been a source of stability for the Monty Python star, who has been candid about his previous marital struggles. This article dives into the freshest details of their life together, Jennifer's background, and why Cleese has controversially called her his "first love," despite three prior marriages.

John Cleese and Jennifer Wade: Essential Biographical Profiles

To fully appreciate the dynamic of this celebrated couple, it is crucial to understand their individual journeys. Jennifer Wade is a successful professional in her own right, while John Cleese's career spans over six decades, cementing his status as a British comedy icon.

John Cleese: A Comedy Titan

Full Name: John Marwood Cleese
Born: October 27, 1939
Age (as of late 2025): 86
Birthplace: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England
Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer
Education: Clifton College; Downing College, Cambridge (Law)
Notable Works: Co-founder of Monty Python (Monty Python's Flying Circus, Life of Brian), Co-writer/Star of Fawlty Towers, A Fish Called Wanda, *James Bond* (Q), *Harry Potter* (Nearly Headless Nick)
Marriages: 4 (Connie Booth, Barbara Trentham, Alyce Eichelberger, Jennifer Wade)
Children: 2 (Cynthia Cleese, Camilla Cleese)

Jennifer Wade: Model and Designer

Full Name: Jennifer Wade
Born: c. 1971
Age (as of late 2025): c. 54
Birthplace: Unknown (British)
Occupation: Model, Jewellery Designer, Entrepreneur
Relationship Status: Married to John Cleese (since 2012)
Known For: Her successful jewellery line; her supportive role in John Cleese’s later career and health struggles.
Key Quote: Has stated the 31-year age difference is "not a cause for concern" and that they are "kindred spirits."

The Story of Their 'Kindred Spirit' Connection

John Cleese and Jennifer Wade met in 2009, three years before they tied the knot. Cleese was recovering from a particularly acrimonious and financially draining divorce from his third wife, Alyce Eichelberger, which he has publicly stated cost him an astronomical sum. Jennifer, a woman over 30 years his junior, entered his life and provided what he later described as unprecedented emotional support and stability.

The couple married in August 2012 in a private, intimate ceremony on the Caribbean island of Mustique. At the time, Cleese was 72 and Wade was 41. Despite the noticeable gap in age, which is often a subject of media scrutiny, Jennifer Wade has consistently dismissed any concerns, describing their bond as one of "kindred spirits."

Their shared sense of humour is a cornerstone of their relationship. Cleese has praised Jennifer’s "wicked sense of humour," which aligns perfectly with his own comedic sensibilities honed over decades of performing with *Monty Python* and creating classic sitcoms like *Fawlty Towers*. This mutual playfulness is what Cleese credits with making their marriage different from his previous attempts.

Fact Check: The 31-Year Age Difference

The 31-year age difference is arguably the most talked-about aspect of their union. Cleese, now in his mid-80s, and Wade, in her early 50s, represent a significant generational divide. However, the couple has turned this narrative on its head. They emphasize that their emotional and intellectual connection far outweighs the chronological disparity. Jennifer, who previously worked as a model and now runs a successful jewellery business, is described as being "superfit," often encouraging Cleese to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Why Cleese Called Jennifer His 'First Love'

Perhaps the most controversial and widely reported statement Cleese has made regarding his current wife is his claim that Jennifer Wade is his "first love." This comment, which naturally created headlines, was seen as a sly but direct dig at his three previous marriages.

In a candid interview, the *Life of Brian* actor explained that he had never truly been in love before meeting Jennifer. He suggested that his previous relationships, including his creative partnership with first wife Connie Booth on *Fawlty Towers*, lacked the deep, soul-level connection he shares with Jennifer. This assertion speaks volumes about the depth of their bond and Cleese's perception of true companionship in his later years. It is a powerful, if slightly dramatic, declaration that elevates Jennifer's role in his life above all others.

This emotional support has been particularly vital as Cleese has dealt with health issues in his mid-80s. Reports from 2024 and 2025 noted that the comedian, who is now 86, has occasionally been seen using a wheelchair for mobility, highlighting the importance of Jennifer’s care and presence during this phase of his life.

2025 Updates: A Year of Celebration and Legacy

The year 2025 has been a significant period for the couple, marking both a celebration of Cleese's career and a public demonstration of their enduring partnership.

The Fawlty Towers Play Gala

In July 2025, John Cleese and Jennifer Wade were prominently featured at the Gala Night for *Fawlty Towers - The Play* at the Apollo Theatre in London. Cleese, who adapted his iconic 1970s sitcom for the stage, was supported by Jennifer at the event. This outing demonstrated their continued visibility in the public eye and their shared commitment to his creative legacy. The play's success is a testament to the timeless nature of Cleese's comedic genius, a genius Jennifer is now a key part of supporting.

The Financial Impact of Divorce

While their current life is stable, recent interviews with Cleese have brought up the lasting financial repercussions of his previous divorces. He has been open about how the settlements, particularly the one with his third wife, have left him in a position where he is "without a house or a car." He has humorously, and sometimes bitterly, discussed the cost of alimony, making it a recurring topic in his stand-up and public appearances. Jennifer Wade's presence and stability are seen as a quiet counterpoint to this financial turmoil, offering emotional wealth over material security.

A 60-Year Career Milestone

Jennifer Wade herself took a leading role in celebrating her husband's career, throwing a surprise party to mark his 60 years in show business. The event was attended by high-profile friends, including Ronnie Wood and Hugh Laurie, underscoring their connections within the British entertainment elite. This gesture highlights Jennifer's role not just as a wife, but as a proactive partner in managing and celebrating Cleese's monumental career.

The Topical Authority of John Cleese's Wives

To understand Jennifer Wade's unique place, one must consider the historical context of John Cleese's four marriages. Each wife played a distinct role in his life and career, but Cleese maintains that Jennifer is the ultimate partner.

Connie Booth (1968–1978): A creative partner; co-writer and co-star of *Fawlty Towers* (as Polly Sherman).
Barbara Trentham (1981–1990): An American actress and model; mother of his daughter Camilla.
Alyce Eichelberger (1992–2008): An American psychotherapist; the divorce was notoriously expensive and publicly discussed by Cleese.
Jennifer Wade (2012–Present): Model and jewellery designer; described by Cleese as his "soulmate" and "first love."

The stability of the Cleese-Wade marriage, now well over a decade strong, offers a compelling narrative of finding profound love later in life. Their relationship, despite the 31-year age gap, continues to thrive on mutual respect, shared humour, and Jennifer’s unwavering support for the legendary comedian.

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