Monty Python’s John Cleese Cheers On Utah Jazz In Matchup Against Suns

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Actor and comedian John Cleese showed up to cheer on the Utah Jazz in their game against the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns hosted the Jazz at Phoenix Suns Arena on Wednesday, April 7.

On game day, the Monty Python actor discussed his Jazz fandom during the Suns’ broadcast.

The @JohnCleese Jazz fandom origin story ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Tvx08do3Nx

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) April 8, 2021

Two days before the contest, Cleese tweeted that he’d like to attend the game in Phoenix with his daughter.

.@utahjazz I would love to come see you Wednesday in Phoenix with my daughter, can we make this happen? pic.twitter.com/12LtBQD2sx

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) April 5, 2021

Cleese said he was able to purchase and would be cheering on the Jazz in Arizona.

“Thanks to all who gave me advice about the Jazz,” Cleese posted. “But I’d made a mistake ! I assumed that with limited capacity and the two best teams playing, all the tickets would have long gone. Not so ! So I BOUGHT two tickets Sorry.”

Thanks to all who gave me advice about the Jazz

But I'd made a mistake !

I assumed that with limited capacity and the two best teams playing, all the tickets would have long gone.

Not so !

So I BOUGHT two tickets

Sorry

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) April 5, 2021

Prior to tip-off, Cleese said that he’d be looking for “riffs from Rudy and Joe.”

Going to watch the Utah Jazz play the Phoenix Suns tonight @ Bally Sports AZ Extra @Suns

I'll be looking for some Mormon riffs from Rudy and Joe

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) April 7, 2021

John Cleese: Long-time Jazz Fan

On Valentine’s Day, Cleese’s fandom became a topic of conversation for Jazz Nation.

The actor had a series of exchanges with the Jazz Twitter page where he expressed his support for the team.

Cleese, who has over 5.7 million followers on the site began the interaction by proclaiming his love for the team in his typical absurdist fashion.

After criticizing the United States political system and impeachment trial against former president Donald Trump, Cleese acknowledged his love for the Jazz.

Take aways from the Impeachment

1. Inciting to riot falls short of inciting to riot
2. 43 Republicans know that if they lose their primaries, the only chance of their making real money is gone for ever
3. Trump's dead, but he won't lie down
4. I adore the Utah Jazz

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) February 14, 2021

The tweet received over 300 retweets and 3000 likes before Cleese doubled-down his adoration for the team in later posts.

Allan Broce, a former executive at ESPN tweeted at Cleese, pointing out the Jazz team-first approach to basketball.

The BAFTA Award winner proved his above-average knowledge of the team by mentioning the Jazz recent win over the Milwaukee Bucks when four players on the roster scored at least 25 points in the game.

4 players, each over 25 points ! https://t.co/BNJxSAbe2g

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) February 14, 2021

The interactions eventually found their way to the Jazz official Twitter account which reached out to Cleese during his celebration of the franchise.

In honor of the holiday weekend, the account asked Cleese if he’d consider being their valentine, an invitation he gladly accepted.

“Yes!” Cleese tweeted. “I love you all to Venus and back.”

Yes ! I love you all to Venus and back https://t.co/Hi19kaLVJU

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) February 15, 2021

It’s fitting that Cleese’s love for the Jazz has once again taken center stage as the team owns the best record in the NBA.

The legendary actor first found his fondness for the Jazz the last time they held one of the league’s best rosters. With Cleese’s daughter living in Chicago in the late 1990s, Cleese began to root for the Jazz in their Finals matchups against the Chicago Bulls to take a contrarian stance against his daughter.

Cleese revealed the origin story of his interest in the team in 2017.

“We used to watch together that great series when the [Bulls] beat the Jazz,” Cleese said. “She was supporting the Bulls, and I thought I’d support the Jazz to make it more interesting.”

Please welcome our next FanX Spring 2019 Guest, John Cleese! Best known for his roles in Monty Python, A Fish Called Wanda, the Harry Potter Film Series and more! Meet John Cleese in April! Learn more: https://t.co/P8uSlzk8Ly Get your pass: https://t.co/5Di7LqVDbo #johncleese pic.twitter.com/54oLGiDdgS

— FanX® Salt Lake Comic Convention™ (@fanxsaltlake) April 1, 2019

While appearing at FanX at the Salt Palace Convention center in 2019, the actor said he’s also a fan of the team’s Monty Pythonesque name.

“I love silly names,” Cleese told fans. “And there has never, ever been a sillier name than the Utah Jazz.”

Regardless of Cleese’s sardonic approach to his fanship, the team appeared to appreciate his support.

🥺

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) February 15, 2021

After accepting their Valentine’s Day invitation, the Jazz responded to the star with a puppy dog eyed emoji, showing their adoration for the comedy genius.

Utah’s game against Phoenix is broadcast on ESPN, AT&T SportsNet, and 97.5 FM.