John Cleese

Best known as a Supporting Actor based on credits in that role in 21 films, with $6,033,375,976 worldwide aggregate box office (rank #91)
Best-known acting roles: King Harold (Shrek 2), King Harold (Shrek the Third), King (Shrek Forever After), Nearly Headless Nick (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone), King Gristle Sr. (Trolls)
Best-known technical roles: The Croods (Story Creator), Fierce Creatures (Screenwriter), Life of Brian (Screenwriter), Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (Screenwriter), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Screenwriter)
Most productive collaborators: Nicolas Cage, Chris Columbus, Daniel Radcliffe, Kirk De Micco, Emma Stone
Born: October 27, 1939 (85 years old)
                                    

  1. Summary
  2. News
  3. Acting Credits
  4. Technical Credits

Career Summary


  MoviesDomestic
Box Office
International
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
As an ActorSupporting21$2,349,655,926$3,683,720,050$6,033,375,976
Lead Ensemble Member6$146,794,836$39,156,190$185,951,026
Leading4$19,606,548$11,484,747$31,091,295
Narrator2$33,896,984$23,933,147$57,830,131
Cameo1$262,233,381$612,720,847$874,954,228
(Unclassified)20$340,522,170$110,650,545$451,172,715
In Technical RolesScreenwriter4$48,528,487$1,967,542$50,496,029
Story Creator1$187,168,425$385,900,000$573,068,425

Career Trend

This graph shows John Cleese’s score on our annual analysis of leading stars at the box office. The Star Score represents points assigned to each of the leading stars of the top 100 movies (based on box office) in the current year and two preceding years. For appearing in the number one movie in a year a star gets 100 points, the number two movie 99 points and so on..

Latest Ranking on Selected Box Office Record Lists


RecordRankAmount
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,156 $166,401,384
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the Domestic Box Office 89 $2,349,655,926
Top Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 121 $3,152,709,845
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the International Box Office (Rank 2,301-2,400) 2,359 $50,640,937
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the International Box Office 97 $3,683,720,050
Top Stars in Cameo Roles at the International Box Office 44 $612,720,847
Top Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 101-200) 148 $4,481,665,526
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,501-1,600) 1,590 $217,042,321
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the Worldwide Box Office 91 $6,033,375,976
Top Stars in Cameo Roles at the Worldwide Box Office 68 $874,954,228
Top Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 101-200) 132 $7,634,375,371
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,901-2,000) 1,951 $48,528,487
Top Grossing Story Creator at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 301-400) 334 $187,168,425
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the International Box Office (Rank 4,601-4,700) 4,654 $1,967,542
Top Grossing Story Creator at the International Box Office (Rank 201-300) 226 $385,900,000
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 2,701-2,800) 2,770 $50,496,029
Top Grossing Story Creator at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 201-300) 241 $573,068,425

See the Acting Credits tab for all Acting Box Office Records and the Technical Credits tab for all Technical Box Office Records.


Theater counts: Eternals unseat Dune with a 4,090-location debut

November 4th, 2021

Eternals

After two weeks sitting atop both the theater count chart and more importantly at the box office, Dune will take a backseat this week. The film opened domestically two weeks ago and has earned just north of $75 million. This week it drops down to 3,546 theaters, which is not enough to keep at the top of our list, but still widely available to see on the big screen. There’s no surprise that the honor of widest release this week goes to Walt Disney’s Eternals. The latest MCU feature, directed by Chloé Zhao and carrying a $200-million budget is set to launch in 4,090 locations across North America. The superhero blockbuster amassed $7.6 million from 14 international territories from rollouts beginning on Wednesday. Hitting theaters on Wednesday next week, the family-friendly film, Clifford the Big Red Dog is set to open in 3,400 locations. The animated-live action hybrid stars veteran actor John Cleese and Darby Camp and of course the amiable Clifford. Also making its way to the big screen this week is the biographical psychological drama Spencer. The movie from Neon Films which stars Kristen Stewart as Lady Diana will debut in a confirmed 996 locations. More...

New on Disc: A Treasure Map of Entertainment

September 1st, 2020

The Goonies

The flood of TV-on-DVD releases has ended and we have no major first-run releases, which is no surprise. That said, there are a lot of catalog titles that are worth picking up coming to DVD and Blu-ray this week. Evil Under the Sun and two other Agatha Christie films will satisfy fans of mysteries. Horror buffs have Blood Quantum and Z. Fans of anime should check out Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind Part One and Nichijou: My Ordinary Life. Meanwhile, if you have a 4K setup, Beetlejuice, Pitch Black, and The Goonies are all worth owning. In fact, The Goonies is this week’s Pick of the Week. More...

Featured Blu-ray / DVD Review: Planes

November 17th, 2013

Planes started out as a direct-to-DVD sequel, but sometime during production, someone decided the script was good enough to be made into a theatrical release. This isn't the first time this has happened. Return to Neverland took the same route. That film wasn't loved by critics, but it did well for its production budget. Planes was huge at the box office, pulling in more than $200 million worldwide, which is much more than a lot of people thought it would pull in. Did it do so well because it was also better than expected? Or did it thrive because it was the last animated film of the summer, so it had no competition? More...

All Acting Credits



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Release
Date
TitleRoleDomestic
Box Office
International
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Dec 5, 2023Daddy Daughter Trip $301,859$301,859
May 12, 2023Rally Road Racers $711,005$1,952,708$2,663,713
Nov 10, 2021Clifford the Big Red Dog Mr. Bridwell $48,947,356$29,478,145$78,425,501
Dec 11, 2020The Very Excellent Mr.… John
Nov 1, 2019Arctic Dogs Otto Von Walrus $5,801,249$5,483,905$11,285,154
Aug 2, 2019Charming $6,919,968$6,919,968
Nov 4, 2016Trolls King Gristle Sr. $153,856,089$188,975,620$342,831,709
Nov 1, 2016A.C.O.R.N.S.: Operatio… Mr. Bellwood $1,353,287$1,353,287
Aug 9, 2013Disney Planes Bulldog $90,282,580$147,776,989$238,059,569
Nov 2, 2012A Liar's Autobiography… Himself $5,102$5,102
Oct 14, 2011The Big Year Historical Montag… $7,204,138$480,386$7,684,524
Jul 15, 2011Winnie the Pooh Narrator $26,692,846$23,452,761$50,145,607
May 21, 2010Shrek Forever After King $238,736,787$517,507,886$756,244,673
Nov 20, 2009Planet 51 Professor Kipple $42,194,060$66,802,053$108,996,113
Feb 6, 2009The Pink Panther 2 Chief Inspector C… $35,922,978$34,100,000$70,022,978
Dec 12, 2008The Day the Earth Stoo… Professor Barnhardt $79,366,978$158,003,372$237,370,350
Sep 19, 2008Igor Dr. Glickenstein $19,528,602$11,484,747$31,013,349
May 17, 2007Shrek the Third King Harold $322,719,944$484,610,992$807,330,936
Feb 13, 2007Man About Town Dr. Primkin
Dec 15, 2006Charlotte's Web Samuel the Sheep $82,985,708$61,000,000$143,985,708
Aug 19, 2005Valiant Mercury $19,478,106$44,710,281$64,188,387
Jun 16, 2004Around the World in 80… Grizzled Sergeant $24,004,159$48,000,000$72,004,159
May 19, 2004Shrek 2 King Harold $441,426,807$494,027,731$935,454,538
Nov 14, 2003Looney Tunes: Back in … Waiter $20,950,820$33,589,842$54,540,662
Jun 27, 2003Charlie's Angels: Full… Alex's Father $100,814,328$126,348,945$227,163,273
Dec 25, 2002Pinocchio (voice - US version) $3,681,811$28,000,000$31,681,811
Nov 22, 2002Die Another Day Q $160,942,139$271,000,000$431,942,139
Nov 15, 2002Harry Potter and the C… Nearly Headless Nick $262,233,381$612,720,847$874,954,228
Aug 16, 2002The Adventures of Plut… James $4,411,102$2,683,893$7,094,995
Nov 16, 2001Harry Potter and the S… Nearly Headless Nick $317,871,467$645,766,367$963,637,834
Aug 17, 2001Rat Race Donald Sinclair $56,607,223$30,000,000$86,607,223
Jan 28, 2000Isn't She Great Henry Marcus $2,954,405$2,954,405
Nov 19, 1999The World is Not Enough R $126,930,660$234,800,000$361,730,660
Apr 2, 1999The Out-of-Towners Mr. Mersault $28,544,120$28,544,120
Oct 31, 1997The Wind in the Willows Mr. Toad's Lawyer $72,844$72,844
Jul 16, 1997George Of The Jungle An Ape Named 'Ape' $105,263,257$69,200,000$174,463,257
Jan 24, 1997Fierce Creatures Rollo Lee $9,254,184$9,254,184
Dec 25, 1994The Jungle Book Dr. Plumford $44,342,956$9,165,400$53,508,356
Nov 18, 1994The Swan Princess Jean-Bob (voice) $9,771,658$9,771,658
Nov 4, 1994Frankenstein Mentor, Dr. Waldeman $22,006,296$90,000,000$112,006,296
Apr 30, 1993Splitting Heirs Raoul P. Shadgrind $3,246,063$3,246,063
Nov 22, 1991An American Tail: Fiev… Cat R. Waul $20,218,664$20,218,664
Sep 22, 1989Erik the Viking Halfdan the Black $1,932,642$1,932,642
Sep 15, 1989The Big Picture Bartender Frankie $117,463$117,463
Jul 15, 1988A Fish Called Wanda Archibald 'Archie… $63,493,000$63,493,000
Oct 10, 1986Clockwise Brian Stimpson $1,476,356$1,476,356
Jul 10, 1985Silverado Sheriff John Lang… $33,200,000$33,200,000
Jun 24, 1983Yellowbeard Harvey "Blind" Pew $4,300,000$4,300,000
Mar 31, 1983Monty Python's The Mea… Various roles $14,929,552$14,929,552
Jun 25, 1982Monty Python Live at t… Various Roles $327,958$327,958
Nov 6, 1981Time Bandits Robin Hood $37,400,000$37,400,000
Jun 26, 1981The Great Muppet Caper Nevil $31,206,251$31,206,251
Aug 17, 1979Life of Brian Various Roles $20,182,359$366,290$20,548,649
May 10, 1975Monty Python and the H… Various roles $4,162,392$1,601,252$5,763,644
 
Averages $64,341,017$131,813,692$146,814,911
Totals 54 $3,152,709,845$4,481,665,526$7,634,375,371


Leading or Lead Ensemble Roles


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Release
Date
TitleOpening
Weekend
Maximum
Theaters
Domestic
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Domestic
Share
May 12, 2023Rally Road Racers $419,7171,228$711,005$2,663,71326.7%
Dec 11, 2020The Very Excellent Mr.…
Nov 1, 2019Arctic Dogs $2,901,3352,844$5,801,249$11,285,15451.4%
Nov 1, 2016A.C.O.R.N.S.: Operatio… $1,353,287
Nov 2, 2012A Liar's Autobiography… $5,1024$5,102$5,102100.0%
Sep 19, 2008Igor $7,803,3472,341$19,528,602$31,013,34963.0%
Aug 17, 2001Rat Race $11,662,0942,551$56,607,223$86,607,22365.4%
Oct 31, 1997The Wind in the Willows $72,84465$72,844$72,844100.0%
Jul 15, 1988A Fish Called Wanda $115,4181,223$63,493,000$63,493,000100.0%
Aug 17, 1979Life of Brian $140,044125$20,182,359$20,548,64998.2%
 
Averages $2,889,9881,298$20,800,173$24,115,81375.6%
Totals 10 $166,401,384$217,042,321


Supporting Roles


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Release
Date
TitleOpening
Weekend
Maximum
Theaters
Domestic
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Domestic
Share
Dec 5, 2023Daddy Daughter Trip $301,859
Nov 10, 2021Clifford the Big Red Dog $16,627,4913,700$48,947,356$78,425,50162.4%
Aug 2, 2019Charming $6,919,968
Nov 4, 2016Trolls $46,581,1424,066$153,856,089$342,831,70944.9%
Aug 9, 2013Disney Planes $22,232,2913,716$90,282,580$238,059,56937.9%
May 21, 2010Shrek Forever After $70,838,2074,386$238,736,787$756,244,67331.6%
Nov 20, 2009Planet 51 $12,286,1293,035$42,194,060$108,996,11338.7%
Feb 6, 2009The Pink Panther 2 $11,588,1503,245$35,922,978$70,022,97851.3%
Dec 12, 2008The Day the Earth Stoo… $30,480,1533,560$79,366,978$237,370,35033.4%
May 17, 2007Shrek the Third $121,629,2704,172$322,719,944$807,330,93640.0%
Dec 15, 2006Charlotte's Web $11,457,3533,745$82,985,708$143,985,70857.6%
Aug 19, 2005Valiant $5,914,7222,016$19,478,106$64,188,38730.3%
Jun 16, 2004Around the World in 80… $7,576,1322,801$24,004,159$72,004,15933.3%
May 19, 2004Shrek 2 $108,037,8784,223$441,426,807$935,454,53847.2%
Nov 14, 2003Looney Tunes: Back in … $9,317,3712,903$20,950,820$54,540,66238.4%
Jun 27, 2003Charlie's Angels: Full… $37,634,2213,485$100,814,328$227,163,27344.4%
Nov 22, 2002Die Another Day $47,072,0403,377$160,942,139$431,942,13937.3%
Nov 16, 2001Harry Potter and the S… $90,294,6213,672$317,871,467$963,637,83433.0%
Nov 19, 1999The World is Not Enough $35,519,0073,165$126,930,660$361,730,66035.1%
Nov 4, 1994Frankenstein $11,212,8892,177$22,006,296$112,006,29619.6%
Nov 22, 1991An American Tail: Fiev… $3,435,6251,698$20,218,664$20,218,664100.0%
 
Averages $36,828,1423,323$123,666,101$287,303,61843.0%
Totals 21 $2,349,655,926$6,033,375,976

Latest Ranking on All Acting Box Office Record Lists


RecordRankAmount
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,156 $166,401,384
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the Domestic Box Office 89 $2,349,655,926
Top Live Action Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 401-500) 497 $1,414,952,966
Top Above the Line Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 131 $2,199,496,436
Top Below the Line Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,325 $516,838,636
Top Stars in Cameo Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 118 $262,233,381
Top Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 121 $3,152,709,845
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the International Box Office (Rank 2,301-2,400) 2,359 $50,640,937
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the International Box Office 97 $3,683,720,050
Top Live Action Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 501-600) 552 $1,784,405,365
Top Above the Line Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 101-200) 115 $3,545,572,548
Top Below the Line Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,360 $779,491,396
Top Stars in Cameo Roles at the International Box Office 44 $612,720,847
Top Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 101-200) 148 $4,481,665,526
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,501-1,600) 1,590 $217,042,321
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the Worldwide Box Office 91 $6,033,375,976
Top Live Action Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 401-500) 487 $3,199,358,331
Top Above the Line Stars at the Wordwide Box Office (Rank 101-200) 119 $5,745,068,984
Top Below the Line Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,249 $1,296,330,032
Top Stars in Cameo Roles at the Worldwide Box Office 68 $874,954,228
Top Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 101-200) 132 $7,634,375,371
Highest Grossing Stars of 1980 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 178 65
Highest Grossing Stars of 1981 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 145 65
Highest Grossing Stars of 1988 at the Domestic Box Office 93 89
Highest Grossing Stars of 1989 at the Domestic Box Office 95 89
Highest Grossing Stars of 1990 at the Domestic Box Office 89 89
Highest Grossing Stars of 2001 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 201-300) 210 58
Highest Grossing Stars of 2002 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 201-300) 213 58
Highest Grossing Stars of 2003 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 201-300) 220 58
Highest Grossing Stars of 2001 at the International Box Office (Rank 201-300) 224 47
Highest Grossing Stars of 2002 at the International Box Office (Rank 201-300) 242 47
Highest Grossing Stars of 2003 at the International Box Office (Rank 201-300) 240 47
Highest Grossing Stars of 2001 at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 201-300) 211 54
Highest Grossing Stars of 2002 at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 201-300) 218 54
Highest Grossing Stars of 2003 at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 201-300) 221 54
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 601-700) 621 $166,328,540
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Based on Movie Movies (Rank 101-200) 181 $72,844
Top International Leading Stars for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 1,401-1,500) 1,472 $50,640,937
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 917 $216,969,477
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Based on Movie Movies (Rank 201-300) 242 $72,844
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Live Action Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 958 $140,355,426
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Digital Animation Movies (Rank 401-500) 492 $26,045,958
Top International Leading Stars for Live Action Movies (Rank 2,301-2,400) 2,316 $30,366,290
Top International Leading Stars for Digital Animation Movies (Rank 601-700) 619 $20,274,647
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Live Action Movies (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,386 $170,721,716
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Digital Animation Movies (Rank 501-600) 572 $46,320,605
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 601-700) 676 $120,100,223
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Kids Fiction Movies (Rank 701-800) 727 $26,040,856
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 701-800) 715 $20,187,461
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Fantasy Movies (Rank 801-900) 889 $72,844
Top International Leading Stars for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 1,501-1,600) 1,561 $30,000,000
Top International Leading Stars for Kids Fiction Movies (Rank 701-800) 744 $20,274,647
Top International Leading Stars for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,299 $366,290
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 974 $150,100,223
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Kids Fiction Movies (Rank 701-800) 760 $46,315,503
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 922 $20,553,751
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Fantasy Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,092 $72,844
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Adventure Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,079 $26,113,700
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Comedy Movies (Rank 201-300) 276 $140,287,684
Top International Leading Stars for Adventure Movies (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,145 $20,274,647
Top International Leading Stars for Comedy Movies (Rank 601-700) 647 $30,366,290
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Adventure Movies (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,156 $46,388,347
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Comedy Movies (Rank 301-400) 383 $170,653,974
Top Domestic Leading Stars for PG-13 Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,096 $56,607,223
Top Domestic Leading Stars for R Movies (Rank 601-700) 640 $83,680,461
Top Domestic Leading Stars for PG Movies (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,202 $26,040,856
Top International Leading Stars for PG-13 Movies (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,285 $30,000,000
Top International Leading Stars for R Movies (Rank 2,501-2,600) 2,578 $366,290
Top International Leading Stars for PG Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,031 $20,274,647
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for PG-13 Movies (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,191 $86,607,223
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for R Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 967 $84,046,751
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for PG Movies (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,150 $46,315,503
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 925 $20,182,359
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Sony Pictures Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 980 $72,844
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Paramount Pictures Movies (Rank 401-500) 446 $56,607,223
Top Domestic Leading Stars for MGM Movies 38 $83,021,602
Top International Leading Stars for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 901 $366,290
Top International Leading Stars for Paramount Pictures Movies (Rank 401-500) 486 $30,000,000
Top International Leading Stars for MGM Movies 95 $11,484,747
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 980 $20,548,649
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Sony Pictures Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 998 $72,844
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Paramount Pictures Movies (Rank 401-500) 490 $86,607,223
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for MGM Movies 48 $94,506,349

All Technical Credits



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Release
Date
TitleRoleDomestic
Box Office
International
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Mar 22, 2013The Croods Story Creator $187,168,425$385,900,000$573,068,425
Jan 24, 1997Fierce Creatures Screenwriter $9,254,184$9,254,184
Mar 31, 1983Monty Python's The Meaning … Screenwriter $14,929,552$14,929,552
Aug 17, 1979Life of Brian Screenwriter $20,182,359$366,290$20,548,649
May 10, 1975Monty Python and the Holy G… Screenwriter $4,162,392$1,601,252$5,763,644
 
Averages $47,139,382$129,289,181$124,712,891
Totals 5 $235,696,912$387,867,542$623,564,454


Writer Credits


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Release
Date
TitleOpening
Weekend
Maximum
Theaters
Domestic
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
Domestic
Share
Mar 22, 2013The Croods $43,639,7364,065$187,168,425$573,068,42532.7%
Jan 24, 1997Fierce Creatures $3,759,4801,620$9,254,184$9,254,184100.0%
Mar 31, 1983Monty Python's The Mea… $1,987,853554$14,929,552$14,929,552100.0%
Aug 17, 1979Life of Brian $140,044125$20,182,359$20,548,64998.2%
May 10, 1975Monty Python and the H… 994$4,162,392$5,763,64472.2%
 
Averages $12,381,7781,472$47,139,382$124,712,89180.6%
Totals 5 $235,696,912$623,564,454