Carol Cleveland

Carol Cleveland, often affectionately called the "Seventh Python," is an American‑English actor, comedian, dancer, and model whose career has spanned more than six decades, making her one of the most recognizable faces of British comedy. Born Carol Gillian Frances on 13 January 1942 in East Sheen, London, she moved to the United States at an early age with her mother and step‑father, a U.S. Air Force officer, living in Philadelphia, Lubbock, and finally Pasadena where she attended John Marshall Junior High and Pasadena High School. Her early charm and poise earned her titles such as Miss California Navy and Miss Teen Queen, with a notable appearance in the August 1958 issue of Dig magazine as Miss Teen, and a feature in MAD Magazine at age fifteen. In 1960, Cleveland returned to London with her family and refined her craft at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, launching a versatile stage and screen career that included guest spots on The Persuaders!, The Saint, and a memorable role as a lover of Peter Wyngarde’s character in the Avengers episode "A Touch of Brimstone." Her talent for comedy caught the eye of the Monty Python team, leading to appearances in 30 of the 45 episodes of Monty Python’s Flying Circus and all four of the group’s feature films, where her timing and willingness to play the “beautiful lady” added a crucial counter‑balance to the troupe’s surreal humor. Beyond Python, she contributed to post‑Python projects such as the Concert for George and Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy), and appeared in documentaries like Monty Python: Almost the Truth (Lawyers Cut). In the 1980s and 1990s she continued television work, including a cameo in Only Fools and Horses and a sketch on Fist of Fun, while the 2020s saw her on First Dates, demonstrating an enduring ability to connect with audiences across generations. Cleveland’s blend of classic beauty, comedic skill, and professional longevity cements her legacy as a beloved figure in both American and British entertainment history.