Charles Crichton’s heist comedy movie “A Fish Called Wanda” was a huge critical and commercial success. It earned over $62 million from a $7.5 million budget in the United States lone (per Box Office Mojo), was nominated for three Academy Awards (winning one), and boasts an impressive 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
It follows a gang of jewel thieves who double-cross each another in an attempt to retrieve stolen diamonds their jailed leader hid. Said leader’s barrister becomes a key figure in the story, as he’s seduced by the femme fatale Wanda in her efforts to find the gems.
The film stars John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline (he won the movie’s only Oscar — Best Supporting Actor — for his performance), and Michael Palin, with an equally talented supporting cast.
Released in the United States on July 15, 1988, “A Fish Called Wanda” will turn 38 years old this year. So how are its cast looking today compared to how they looked when it hit theaters? Let’s find out…
John Cleese (Archie Leach)
GettyMonty Python member John Cleese played Archie Leach in “A Fish Called Wanda.” Archie is an uptight, married British barrister who becomes entangled in the movie’s heist and love story.
Age when “A Fish Called Wanda” released: 48.
Selected movie credits before “A Fish Called Wanda”: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979), Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983).
GettyAge now: 86.
Selected movie credits after “A Fish Called Wanda”: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994), Fierce Creatures (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jamie Lee Curtis (Wanda Gershwitz)
GettyAcademy Award winner and scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis played Wanda Gershwitz in “A Fish Called Wanda.” Wanda is the seductive femme fatale and cunning con artist who plays a major part in the movie’s double-crosses and romances.
Age when “A Fish Called Wanda” released: 29.
Selected movie credits before “A Fish Called Wanda”: Halloween (1978), The Fog (1980), Trading Places (1988).
GettyAge now: 67.
Selected movie credits after “A Fish Called Wanda”: My Girl (1991), True Lies (1994), Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Kevin Kline (Otto West)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Kevin Kline in “A Fish Called Wanda.”
Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Kline played Otto West in “A Fish Called Wanda” (the role for which he won his Oscar). Otto is Wanda’s jealous lover and an arrogant, philosophy-quoting thief.
Age when “A Fish Called Wanda” released: 40.
Selected movie credits before “A Fish Called Wanda”: Sophie’s Choice (1982), The Pirates of Penzance (1983), The Big Chill (1983).
GettyAge now: 78.
Selected movie credits after “A Fish Called Wanda”: Chaplin (1992), Wild Wild West (1999), Last Vegas (2013).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Michael Palin (Ken Pile)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Michael Palin behind the scenes on the set of “A Fish Called Wanda.”
Another Monty Python member, Michael Palin, played Ken Pile in “A Fish Called Wanda.” Ken is a bizarrely kind-hearted, animal-loving hitman, known for his hilarious animal-related mishaps and stutter.
Age when “A Fish Called Wanda” released: 45.
Selected movie credits before “A Fish Called Wanda”: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979), Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983).
Above is a 2025 social media post with a recent picture of Michael Palin.
Age now: 82.
Selected movie credits after “A Fish Called Wanda”: Fierce Creatures (1997), Arthur Christmas (2011), The Death of Stalin (2017).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Maria Aitken (Wendy Leach)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Maria Aitken (R) in “A Fish Called Wanda.”
Irish-born British theatre director, teacher, actress, and writer Maria Aitken played Wendy Leach in “A Fish Called Wanda.” Wendy is Archie’s wife, who discovers his affair and adds some domestic chaos to the movie.
Age when “A Fish Called Wanda” released: 42.
Selected movie credits before “A Fish Called Wanda”: Doctor Faustus (1967), Mary, Queen of Scots (1971), Half Moon Street (1986).
Above is a social media post with a picture of Maria Aitken (L) in 2011. Sadly, since her most recent screen credit came in 2005, she hasn’t been seen much in public.
Age now: 80.
Selected movie credits after “A Fish Called Wanda”: The Fool (1990), The Grotesque (1995), Fierce Creatures (1997).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Tom Georgeson (George Thomason)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Tom Georgeson (extreme right) in “A Fish Called Wanda.”
Prolific television actor Tom Georgeson played George Thomason in “A Fish Called Wanda.” George is a gangster who orchestrates the movie’s diamond heist.
Age when “A Fish Called Wanda” released: 50.
Selected movie credits before “A Fish Called Wanda”: Up the Chastity Belt (1972), Sky Pirates (1980), No Surrender (1985).
GettyTom Georgeson’s most recent screen credit was in 2014, and he hasn’t been seen much in public since.
Age now: 88.
Selected movie credits after “A Fish Called Wanda”: The Treasure Seekers (1996), Fierce Creatures (1997), The Land Girls (1998).
Filmography info per IMDb.
That the core cast of “A Fish Called Wanda” are all still around is great to see. They created a fantastic, hugely intelligent, and rib-tickling funny movie that will long be remembered fondly. If you’re looking for a great heist comedy, there’s still really nothing better out there.
