After William escapes from the burning library and greets Adso, there's a shot of a guy running up hill with a gold box. It sure looks a lot like John Cleese. I can't find any comment or credit to support this though, not even trivia or rumor, so I guess I'm just wanting it to be him. Did anyone else think that?
shareI just watched it after seeing your question and the guy looks like Cleese but it isn't him (freeze framed it too). It would have been a really small part for Cleese for one, and usually there is some tie in with the cast or producer or director when that happens. I can see why you thought so though.
shareIt isn't Cleese but looks similar.
shareInterestingly, John Cleese did in fact have a minor part in this film, playing one of the corpses interred in the abbey's graveyard.
Obviously the nature of the role meant he doesn't actually appear on-screen but he did a wonderful job by all accounts. Annaud was especially impressed by Cleese's ability to hold his breath for prolonged periods.
Níl aon scáileán mar do scáileán féin.