John Cleese is to write book on what makes people laugh

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London (dpa) - John Cleese, the British star comedian of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, has said he wants to write a book on the history of comedy to ensure that future generations continue to see the funny side of life.

In a rare interview, Cleese told the Times Monday: "I'm too tired to write new comedy, I can never do better than Fawlty Towers whatever I do. Now I very much want to teach young talent some rules of the game."

Cleese, 66, who now lives in the US, will act as a "comedy professor," holding masterclasses with students. Their set text will be insights gleaned from a lifetime in the business of making people laugh.