John Cleese's Barbie girl

John Cleese is dating a woman 42 years his junior.

The 69-year-old British actor - who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with Alyce Faye Eichelberger - has reportedly been romancing American comedienne Barbie Orr, 27.

The pair kissed and held hands when they met at the exclusive Loews Hotel in Santa Monica on Wednesday (19.11.08) before heading to the hotel's restaurant for an intimate dinner.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "They were enjoying each others company immensely.

"Cleese's booming voice turned everyone's head. His date couldn't stop laughing at him pulling funny faces. They were touching and nuzzling each other. He seemed very happy."

Earlier this year, the comic star was believed to have had a relationship with 34-year-old marketing executive Veronica Smiley.

Cleese split from third wife Alyce in January following 16 years of marriage.

The 'Monty Python' star - who stands to lose a £1.2 million New York apartment, a £2.5 million house in London and £900,000 a year to his estranged wife - recently said marriages should be like dog licences and renewed every five years.