From Laughter to Heartache: The Perils of ‘A Fish Called Wanda’

Los Angeles, CA — In a rather peculiar twist of fate, the 1988 comedy classic “A Fish Called Wanda” garnered not only accolades but also a bizarre medical phenomenon. The film starred Jamie Lee Curtis as the titular character and was co-written by Monty Python alum John Cleese, who acted alongside Curtis. While the film was celebrated for its humor and clever script, it also earned infamy when, shortly after its release, an audience member endured a fatal heart attack induced by laughter.

The tragic incident involved Dr. Ole Bentzen, a 56-year-old Danish audiologist who was reported to have been in good health at the time. According to witnesses, Dr. Bentzen’s laughter escalated throughout the showing until he collapsed in the theater. Cleese reflected on the event during a 2018 interview with Stephen Colbert, quipping, “I think laughing is probably the best way to go,” contrasting it against conventional methods of departure.

Eyewitnesses recounted that Dr. Bentzen’s laughter began approximately 15 minutes into the film and never ceased as the plot unfolded. It’s been suggested that Kline’s antics in the film, particularly a scene where he comically attempts to stuff French fries up Michael Palin‘s nose, might have contributed to the man’s overwhelming mirth. Regarding this incident, Cleese noted, “I think it is the ultimate compliment. We tried to contact his widow… but decided it was in poor taste to use it for publicity.” He related the incident to a Monty Python sketch about a man dying from laughter, demonstrating a striking case of art imitating life.

Despite the tragedy, “A Fish Called Wanda” has thrived as a staple in comedic cinema. It currently holds a 96% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its smart writing and solid casting. Critics describe it as a “brainy comedy with widespread appeal,” showcasing Cleese’s ability to blend highbrow wit with slapstick humor. Cleese’s character Archie Leach and Curtis’s character Wanda offer stark contrasts, unearthing both the absurdities of crime and the quirkiness of love.

What sets this film apart is its successful charm over both British and American audiences, a notable feat considering the cultural divides in humor. Cleese commented on his efforts to balance the various comedic elements, stating, “There were times when I was trying too hard to make Archie funny, and I had to take the character down a bit.” This careful crafting resulted in a relatable interplay between the characters that viewers found endearing.

Curtis’s performance in “A Fish Called Wanda” laid the groundwork for her later success, culminating in an Academy Award win for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” in 2022. Cleese had famously been impressed by her abilities as far back as 1983, after seeing her in “Trading Places.” He approached her directly, stating, “I’m writing this movie for you, and Michael Palin, and Kevin Kline, and myself. I’d like you to do it. I promise you it’ll be very funny and very successful.” Curtis’s evolution as an actress showcases her range, capturing both comedic prowess and heartfelt nuance.

Kline’s portrayal of Otto West, a dim-witted conman, earned him an Academy Award nomination, a rarity for comic roles. Cleese based Otto on a Zen Buddhist mentor, contrasting his superficiality with depth, which Kline brought to life brilliantly. Cleese’s observation of Kline captures what viewers experienced: “He is not smart enough to realize how stupid he is.” This clever depiction underscores the film’s overall brilliance.

The legacy of “A Fish Called Wanda” continues as it celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018. Although the cast reunited for the follow-up “Fierce Creatures,” it failed to evoke the same magic as its predecessor. Nonetheless, the original film remains a celebrated classic that underscores the fine line between comedy and tragedy.