12 Surprising Facts About John Cleese And Jennifer Wade’s Enduring 13-Year Marriage

The enduring marriage of comedy legend John Cleese and his fourth wife, Jennifer Wade, continues to captivate the public, proving that a significant age gap is no barrier to a strong, shared life. As of late 2025, the couple remains happily married, with Cleese often crediting the jewelry designer with bringing him a renewed sense of happiness and vitality later in life. Their relationship, which began after a challenging period in Cleese’s life, is a testament to finding a true "kindred spirit," despite the three-decade age difference that initially raised eyebrows.

The latest updates from 2024 and 2025 show the couple making rare public appearances, including a celebration of Cleese's 60 years in show business, and even a surprising confession from the Monty Python star about his current financial and property situation, which directly involves his wife. This deep dive uncovers the freshest details, surprising facts, and the true story of how the Fawlty Towers icon found his match.

John Cleese and Jennifer Wade: A Comprehensive Profile

The union of a legendary comedian and a talented jewelry designer from a different generation has been one of show business's most stable—and least conventional—marriages of the last decade. Their combined profiles paint a picture of two creative souls who found common ground.

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• John Marwood Cleese (Husband)
  • Born: 27 October 1939
  • Age (as of late 2025): 86
  • Birthplace: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England
  • Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer (Known for Monty Python's Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers, A Fish Called Wanda)
  • Marriages: 4 (Connie Booth, Barbara Trentham, Alyce Faye Eichelberger, and Jennifer Wade)
  • Children: 2 (from previous marriages)
  • Net Worth: Estimated to be around $20 million, despite significant divorce settlements.
• Jennifer Wade (Wife)
  • Born: c. 1971/1972
  • Age (as of late 2025): c. 53–54 (based on a 31-year age gap)
  • Occupation: Jewelry Designer, Former Model
  • Brand: Jennifer Wade Jewellery (known for innovative necklaces, bracelets, and earrings)
  • Marriage to Cleese: August 2012
  • Role in Cleese’s Life: Credited with helping him find happiness and stability after his costly third divorce.

12 Surprising Facts About Their Relationship and Life in 2025

Their life together is far from the typical celebrity marriage. From a massive age gap to surprising recent financial decisions, here are the most compelling facts about John Cleese and Jennifer Wade.

1. The Age Gap is Exactly 31 Years

John Cleese is 31 years older than Jennifer Wade. When they married in August 2012, Cleese was 72 and Wade was 41. This significant age difference is one of the most talked-about aspects of their relationship, yet Jennifer has publicly stated it "never bothers" them, emphasizing they are "kindred spirits."

2. She is a Successful Jewelry Designer and Former Model

Jennifer Wade is not simply a celebrity spouse; she is a professional jewelry designer. Her self-titled brand, Jennifer Wade Jewellery, is known for its innovative designs. Prior to her design career, she also worked as a model. Cleese has often praised her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

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3. Cleese Credits Her with Helping Him Find Happiness

Cleese has been vocal about how his marriage to Jennifer has positively transformed his later years. He once joked that he was "finally happy... at 75" and described Jennifer as "wonderfully playful." He has credited her with keeping him "fresh" and being "an extraordinary one off" after a tumultuous period following his third divorce.

4. They Married in the Caribbean

The couple tied the knot in a private and intimate ceremony in the Caribbean in August 2012. The wedding came after Cleese had previously joked that his friends would "knee-cap" him if he tried to marry again, making the event a truly surprising turn for the comedy legend.

5. Cleese Gave Her His Only Flat in 2024

In a surprising financial confession in 2024, John Cleese revealed that he no longer owns any property, stating he had given his only flat to Jennifer Wade. He admitted, "I don't have a house or a car" following the financial strain from his previous divorce settlements. This move highlights a deep level of trust and commitment to his current wife.

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6. She Was Key to His Show Business Celebration in 2025

In a rare public outing, Jennifer Wade threw a party to celebrate John Cleese's 60 years in show business in London, which was noted in 2025 news snippets. The event was a surprise, attended by friends like Ronnie Wood, and demonstrated her active support for his career milestones, regardless of the age difference.

7. Cleese Said She "Frightened the S*** Out of Me"

In a typically Cleese-esque moment, he once described his initial attraction to Jennifer by saying she "frightened the s*** out of me." This was meant as a compliment, suggesting her powerful, unique personality and how she stood out from his previous partners. He has called her a "very calm, very gentle person."

8. They Met After His Costly Divorce

John Cleese met Jennifer Wade in 2009, shortly after his highly publicized and financially devastating divorce from his third wife, Alyce Faye Eichelberger, which cost him a reported £12 million. Jennifer's presence in his life marked a new, stable beginning after years of financial and personal turmoil.

9. They Are "Kindred Spirits," Not Bothered by the Gap

When asked about the 31-year age difference, Jennifer Wade dismissed the concern, stating, "We're kindred spirits." This mutual feeling of deep connection suggests their bond is based on shared values and personality compatibility rather than just age or superficial factors.

10. Jennifer’s Jewellery Brand is Actively Expanding in 2025

News from 2025 suggests that Jennifer Wade Jewellery is reaching "new levels" with an innovative new range of products. This demonstrates that Jennifer is actively focused on her professional career, maintaining her own identity and success alongside her high-profile marriage.

11. They Made a Rare Red Carpet Appearance in 2024

The couple is generally private, but they made a rare red carpet appearance in July 2024, which drew media attention. These occasional outings confirm their ongoing and stable relationship status, often sparking media interest due to their longevity and age gap.

12. Cleese Reflects on His Marriage Amidst Loss

In a 2024 interview, John Cleese reflected on his marriage to Jennifer while discussing the heartbreak of losing friends. He acknowledged Jennifer as a source of stability and comfort during a reflective period in his life, highlighting the emotional depth of their bond beyond the public fascination with their age difference.

The Legacy of John Cleese's Four Marriages

Jennifer Wade is John Cleese’s fourth wife, and the stability of this relationship stands in contrast to his previous unions. His first marriage was to his Monty Python and Fawlty Towers co-star Connie Booth, which lasted from 1968 to 1978. His second marriage was to American actress Barbara Trentham (1981–1990), and his third was to American psychotherapist Alyce Faye Eichelberger (1992–2008).

The divorce from Eichelberger was particularly difficult, resulting in a massive settlement that Cleese often jokes about as a source of his financial woes. Finding Jennifer Wade represented a turning point, allowing Cleese to move past the financial and emotional fallout of his previous relationships and settle into a happy, long-term partnership in his later years. Their relationship continues to defy the odds, proving that humor, mutual respect, and a "kindred spirit" connection are the true foundations of a lasting marriage.