Check out these 25 comedians if you want to chuckle a bit and forget about your problems. The list includes all types of comedy, whether for males or females, political or not. They’re either American or English and famous or not, but they all have something in common: people love them and consider them hilarious.
1. Bob Newhart
| Bob Newhart | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bob Newhart |
| Birth Name | George Robert Newhart |
| Birthdate | September 5, 1929 |
| Birthplace | Oak Park, Illinois, U.S. |
| Medium | Film, stand-up, television |
| Alma Mater | Loyola University Chicago (BBA) |
| Years Active | 1958–present |
| Genres | Deadpan, satire |
| Subjects | American culture, American politics |
| Spouse | Virginia Quinn (1963-2023) |
Bob Newhart was born in 1929. He is an American actor and comedian and is one of the most recognizable comedians in history. He was very successful on stage but also on T.V., starring in several comedy shows. He’s been nominated for an Emmy Award and won numerous awards for his work.
2. Bernie Mac
| Bernie Mac | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bernie Mac |
| Birth Name | Bernard Jeffrey McCullough |
| Born | October 5, 1957 |
| Died | August 9, 2008 |
| Medium | Film, stand-up comedy, television |
| Education | Chicago Vocational High School |
| Years Active | 1977–2008 |
| Genres | Observational comedy |
| Spouse | Rhonda McCullough |
| Children | 1 |
| Notable Works and Roles | The Bernie Mac Show, Soul Men, Bad Santa, Ocean’s Trilogy |
| Career Highlights | Joined The Original Kings of Comedy tour Starred in The Bernie Mac Show Notable film roles |
| Health Struggles | Battled sarcoidosis Complications led to his passing |
| Legacy | Posthumously honored and dedicated at events and parades Recognized as a top stand-up comedian |
| Personal Life | Married his high school sweetheart Had a daughter |
| Additional Fact | Bernie Mac was known for his love of the Chicago White Sox and support for his hometown teams |
Bernard Jeffrey McCullough was born in 1957 – died in 2008. He was better known by his stage name Bernie Mac and was an American comedian and actor. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Mac gained popularity as a standup comedian. He was well known for his role in movies like Mo’ Money, Booty Call.
3. Roseanne Barr
| Roseanne Barr | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roseanne Barr |
| Birthdate | November 3, 1952 (age 70) |
| Birthplace | Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, comedian, writer, producer |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Political party | Peace and Freedom (2012–2013), Green (2008–2012) |
| Spouses | Bill Pentland, Tom Arnold, Ben Thomas |
| Partner | Johnny Argent |
| Children | 5 |
| Career Highlights | Acclaimed role in the sitcom Roseanne, Emmy and Golden Globe winner, stand-up comedian, political activism, revival and cancellation of Roseanne show, upcoming comedy special in 2023 |
| Controversies | Controversial performance of the national anthem, political controversies and support of Donald Trump, tweet leading to the cancellation of the revived Roseanne show |
| Early Life | Born in Utah, Jewish upbringing, influence of Orthodox Jewish grandmother, involvement in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bell’s palsy and miraculous cure, autism spectrum disorder |
| Career | Stand-up comedy, appearances on popular shows, successful sitcom Roseanne, author of autobiography and second book, hosting The Roseanne Show and reality show, return to stand-up comedy |
| Other Notable Work | Film debut in She-Devil, hosting MTV Video Music Awards, portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West, children’s DVD: Rockin’ with Roseanne: Calling All Kids |
Roseanne Cherrie Barr is an American actress, comedian, writer, and television producer. Barr began her career in stand-up comedy at clubs before gaining notoriety for her role in Roseanne’s television sitcom (1988–1997; 2018).
4. Norm Macdonald
| Norm Macdonald | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Norm Macdonald |
| Birth Name | Norman Gene Macdonald |
| Birthdate | October 17, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Quebec City, Quebec, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Stand-up comedian, actor, writer |
| Style | Deadpan delivery, folksy, old-fashioned turns of phrase |
| Known For | Chaotic yet understated style of comedy |
| Medium | Stand-up, television, film, literature |
| Years Active | 1985–2021 |
| Genres | Observational comedy, deadpan, anti-humor, non sequitur, black comedy, insult comedy, shaggy dog story, satire |
| Spouse | Connie Vaillancourt (m. 1988; div. 1999) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Neil Macdonald (brother), Joyce Napier (sister-in-law) |
Norman Gene Macdonald was born in 1959 – died in 2021. He was a Canadian standup comedian, actor, and writer. Norman Macdonald is famous for his role as Scott Ian Montgomery in the 1990s Canadian sketch comedy show. This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Macdonald is also known for his appearances as a guest comedian and panelist on the late-night talk shows Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and David Letterman’s talk show.
If you’re a fan of the late Norm Macdonald, you might want to check out our article on the 28 Celebrities who were Banned from Saturday Night Live (SNL) . As one of the show’s most beloved cast members and writers, Norm’s controversial comments and humor sometimes got him in hot water with the show’s executives.
5. Jim Carrey
| Jim Carrey | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jim Carrey |
| Birthdate | January 17, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Newmarket, Ontario, Canada |
| Citizenship | Canadian-American |
| Occupations | Actor, Comedian, Author, Producer |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Notable Works | Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, The Truman Show, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind |
| Spouses | Melissa Womer (m. 1987; div. 1995), Lauren Holly (m. 1996; div. 1997) |
| Partner | Jenny McCarthy (2005–2010) |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Golden Globe Awards |
| Comedy Career Medium | Stand-up, film, television |
| Comedy Career Genres | Observational comedy, physical comedy, surreal humor, character comedy, satire, slapstick |
| Published Works | How Roland Rolls (children’s book), Memoirs and Misinformation (novel) |
James Eugene Carrey, Jr. was born in 1962. He was a Canadian-American artist and actor known for his comedy and dramatic roles. Jim is best known for his comedic roles, such as Dumb and Dumber and The Mask. He received an Academy Award nomination for the film “Dumb & Dumber”, and two Golden Globe nominations for the same role, one of which he won. He was nominated for an Emmy Award (1998) for his function in The Truman Show.
6. Bill Cosby
| Bill Cosby | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Cosby |
| Birthdate | July 12, 1937 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Education | Temple University (BS) University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA, EdD) |
| Occupations | Comedian, actor, media personality |
| Years active | 1961–2018, 2021 |
| Spouse | Camille Hanks (m. 1964) |
| Children | 5, including Erika and Ennis |
| Awards | List of awards |
| Honors | List of honorary degrees |
| Comedy career | Stand-up comedy, film, television |
| Notable Shows | The Cosby Show, I Spy, The Bill Cosby Show, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids |
| Notable Achievements | First African American to win an Emmy Award for acting Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient |
| Controversies | Sexual assault allegations and legal issues |
William Henry Cosby, Jr. was born in 1937. He was an American comedian, actor, and writer. Bill is best known for his character Ed Huxtable on the television sitcom “The Cosby Show”, for which he won five Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Bill also starred in the NBC sitcoms The New WKRP in Cincinnati and A Different World, as well as the short-lived T.V. Land sitcom The Bill Cosby Show.
If you’re a fan of Bill Cosby’s comedy, you might also enjoy our list of the funniest black comedians of all time. From Richard Pryor to Chris Rock, these hilarious stand-up comedians have made their mark on the comedy world. Take a look and see if your favorite comedian made the list!
7. Bill Hicks
| Bill Hicks | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Hicks |
| Birth Name | William Melvin Hicks |
| Born | December 16, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Valdosta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | February 26, 1994 |
| Place of Death | Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Medium | Comedian, musician |
| Years Active | 1978–1994 |
| Genres | Dark comedy, political satire, observational comedy |
| Subject(s) | American culture, American politics, current events, recreational drug use, conspiracy theories |
| Early Career | Began performing at the Comedy Workshop in Houston, Texas at age 16 |
| High-Profile TV Appearances | Rodney Dangerfield’s Young Comedians Special, Late Night with David Letterman |
| Success in the UK | Developed a significant fan base in the UK during his 1991 tour |
| Musical Endeavors | Recognized as a guitarist and songwriter |
| Posthumous Acclaim | Gained a substantial cult following after his death |
| Critical Rankings | Ranked highly on lists of the greatest stand-up comedians |
| Personal Beliefs | Tackled social issues including religion, politics, and philosophy in his controversial material |
| Battle with Cancer | Passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 32 |
| Plagiarism Controversy | Engaged in a dispute over alleged stolen material with comedian Denis Leary |
| Influence on Tool | Band Tool dedicated their album Ænima to Hicks and referenced his work in their music |
William Melvin Hicks was born in 1961 – died in 1994. He was an American standup comedian and satirist. He is best known for his unique brand of observational comedy and dark, often disparaging social commentary. His performances were characterized by exaggeration, extended metaphor, and non-sequiturs. Hicks was also known for his extensive use of props such as anti-comic books and magic tricks in his routines.
8. Steven Wright
| Steven Wright | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Alexander Wright |
| Birthdate | December 6, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television |
| Years Active | 1978–present |
| Genres | Anti-humor, deadpan, one-liners, |
| Notable Achievements | Ranked 15th Greatest Comedian by Rolling Stone |
| Education | Middlesex Community College (associate degree) |
| Influences | George Carlin, Woody Allen |
| Notable Works | Comedy album “I Have a Pony” |
| Additional Talents | Musician with non-comedy song recordings |
Steven Alexander Wright was born in 1955. He is an American standup comedian, actor, writer, and film producer. Wright was ranked as the 15th Greatest Comedian on its 2017 list of the 50 Greatest Stand-Up Comics. His accomplishments include winning the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for his work on the short film The Appointments of Dennis Jennings, which he also wrote, directed, and produced.
9. Ricky Gervais
| Ricky Gervais | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ricky Dene Gervais |
| Birthdate | June 25, 1961 (age 62) |
| Birthplace | Reading, Berkshire, England |
| Medium | Stand-up, television, film, books |
| Alma Mater | University College London (BA) |
| Years Active | 1982–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, black comedy, cringe comedy, insult comedy, musical comedy, satire |
| Partner(s) | Jane Fallon (1982–present) |
| TV Sitcoms | The Office, Extras, An Idiot Abroad, Life’s Too Short |
| TV Series | Derek, After Life |
| Awards | 7 BAFTA Awards, 5 British Comedy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, 3 Golden Globe Awards, 2 Rose d’Or Awards |
| Comedy Rankings | Named one of the 50 funniest performers in British comedy |
| Stand-Up Performances | Ranked among the top stand-up comedians on Channel 4’s lists |
| Influential List | Included in Time 100 list of World’s Most Influential People |
| Music Career | Former pop star as the singer of Seona Dancing |
| Books | Author of the Flanimals book series |
| Film Career | Starred in various films including For Your Consideration, Night at the Museum series, Ghost Town, Muppets Most Wanted |
| Film Direction | Directed and starred in David Brent: Life on the Road, Special Correspondents |
| Golden Globe Awards | Hosted the Golden Globe Awards five times |
| Podcast | Co-creator and producer of The Ricky Gervais Show and spin-offs |
| Radio Show | Hosted Ricky Gervais Is Deadly Sirius on Sirius XM |
Ricky Dene Gervais was born in 1961. He is an English actor, comedian, director, and writer. He is most known for playing David Brent, the main character in the comedy series “The Office,” as well as its worldwide spinoffs and an American remake.
10. Lewis Black
| Lewis Black | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lewis Black |
| Birth Name | Lewis Niles Black |
| Born | August 30, 1948 (age 74) in Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Medium | Film, stand-up, television |
| Education | University of Maryland, College Park; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (BA); Yale University (MFA) |
| Years Active | 1970s–present |
| Genres | Black comedy, news satire, observational comedy, political satire |
| Subject(s) | American culture, American politics, current events, pop culture |
| Notable Work | Hosted Comedy Central series “Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil” |
| Residence | Manhattan, New York and Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
| Family | Parents: Jeannette Black (teacher) and Samuel Black (artist and mechanical engineer) |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Influences | George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, Bob Newhart, Shelley Berman |
| Awards | Grammy Award for “Best Comedy Album” |
| Notable Specials | HBO stand-up special “Black on Broadway” |
| Acting Credits | Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Big Bang Theory, Duck Dodgers, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Inside Out, SpongeBob SquarePants, and more |
Lewis Niles Black was born in 1948. He is an American standup comedian, author, playwright, and social critic. He is widely known for his aggressive comedic rants and rising vocal pitch. He has hosted a weekly radio show on the Air America Radio network and spent four seasons as the star of “The Root of All Evil”, also on Air America.
11. Don Rickles
| Don Rickles | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Don Rickles |
| Birth Name | Donald Jay Rickles |
| Born | May 8, 1926 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 6, 2017 |
| Resting Place | Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television, books |
| Years Active | 1955–2017 |
| Genres | Insult comedy, observational comedy, musical comedy, improvisational comedy |
| Subject(s) | American culture, racism, self-deprecation, everyday life, religion, current events |
| Spouse | Barbara Sklar (married in 1965) |
| Children | Larry Rickles and one more |
Donald Jay Rickles was born in 1926 – died in 2017. He was an American standup comic, actor, and retired boxing referee, nicknamed “Mr. Warmth”. He is known for his catchphrases such as “It’s good to be the king”, “You look like a million dollars,” and “I never forget a face, but in your case, I’ll make an exception.
12. Jim Gaffigan
| Jim Gaffigan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jim Gaffigan |
| Birthdate | July 7, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Elgin, Illinois, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Georgetown University (BS) |
| Years Active | 1991–present |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television, books |
| Genres | Observational comedy, clean comedy, deadpan, sarcasm, satire |
| Spouse | Jeannie Gaffigan (m. 2003) |
| Children | 5 |
| Relative | Richard F. Mitchell (Maternal Grandfather) |
| Notable Comedy Specials | Mr. Universe, Obsessed, Cinco, Quality Time |
| Books | Dad Is Fat, Food: A Love Story |
| TV Show | The Jim Gaffigan Show (co-created and starred, based on his life) |
| Religious Affiliation | Catholic |
| Awards | Grammy nominations for comedy specials |
| Influences | David Letterman, Bill Murray, Richard Pryor |
| Comedic Style | Largely observational, clean comedy |
| Commercial Success | Featured in over 200 TV commercials |
James Christopher Gaffigan was born in 1966. He is an American standup comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Gaffigan’s brand of humor focuses primarily on fatherhood and observations about life, such as eating and obesity. On December 15, 2016, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
13. Kevin Hart
| Kevin Hart | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin Darnell Hart |
| Birthdate | July 6, 1979 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television |
| Education | Community College of Philadelphia |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, stand-up comedy, black comedy, surreal humor, insult comedy, sarcasm, satire |
| Subject(s) | African-American culture, everyday life, human sexuality, marriage, parenting, pop culture, race relations, racism, self-deprecation |
| Spouse | Torrei Hart, Eniko Parrish |
| Children | 4 |
| Notable Achievements | – Named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world |
Kevin Darnell Hart was born in 1979. He is an American standup comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Kevin is best known for his comedic rants, as well as for creating and starring in the MTV series “The Real Husbands of Hollywood” as well as the BET reality show “For their Own Good”. He has since appeared in Scary Movie 3, Soul Plane, Little Fockers, Paper Soldiers, and Scary Movie 3.
While Kevin Hart is known for his stand-up comedy, did you also know that he has his own line of cross-training shoes? Check out Kevin Hart’s Nike shoes and step up your workout game with the same energy and determination as this iconic comedian.
14. Mitch Hedberg
| Mitch Hedberg | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mitchell Lee Hedberg |
| Birthdate | February 24, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Death | March 30, 2005 (aged 37) |
| Medium | Stand-up |
| Years Active | 1989–2005 |
| Genres | Observational comedy, surreal humor, word play, non sequitur, one-liner, deadpan |
| Subject(s) | Recreational drug use, everyday life, American culture, self-deprecation, drinking culture, food |
| Spouse | Lynn Shawcroft (married in 1999) |
| Notable Works and Roles | Strategic Grill Locations, Mitch All Together, Do You Believe in Gosh? |
| Comedy Style | Surreal humor, deadpan delivery, short one-liners, absurd elements, non sequiturs |
| Cult Following | Dedicated cult following, fans often shouting punchlines during performances |
| Education | Attended Harding High School in Saint Paul |
| Breakthrough | Late Show with David Letterman appearance in 1996 |
| Albums | Strategic Grill Locations, Mitch All Together, Do You Believe in Gosh? |
| Comedy Festival | Montreal Just for Laughs in 1998, 2001, and 2004 |
| Recognitions | Dubbed “the next Seinfeld” by Time magazine |
| Unique Style | Distinctive speech patterns, abrupt delivery, unusual stage presence |
| Material | Based on wordplay, non sequiturs, paraprosdokians, object observations |
| Comedy Central Album | Posthumous release: “Do You Believe in Gosh?” in 2008 |
| Personal Life | Married to Canadian comedian Lynn Shawcroft |
| Drug Use | Mentioned drug use in jokes, struggled with substance abuse |
| Cause of Death | Found dead in hotel room due to multiple drug toxicity, including cocaine and heroin |
Mitchell Lee Hedberg was born in 1968 – died in 2005. He was an American standup comedian, actor, and writer. He is known for his “slurred, stammering” delivery of ironic observations about everyday life and popular culture. In his act, Hedberg’s material was almost entirely improvised, consisting of observational humor.
15. Rodney Dangerfield
| Rodney Dangerfield | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rodney Dangerfield |
| Birth Name | Jacob Rodney Cohen |
| Nickname | “I don’t get no respect!” |
| Birthdate | November 22, 1921 |
| Birthplace | Deer Park, New York, U.S. |
| Death | October 5, 2004 (aged 82) in Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up comedy, film, television |
| Genres | Self-deprecation, observational comedy, insult comedy, black comedy, surreal humor, one-liners |
| Spouse | Joyce Indig, Joan Child |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Works | Caddyshack, Easy Money, Back to School |
| Career Beginnings | Started as a stand-up comic at the Fantasy Lounge in New York City |
| Career Highlights | Mainstay on late-night talk shows, headlined Las Vegas casino circuit |
| Grammy Award | Won a Grammy Award for the comedy album “No Respect” in 1980 |
| Legacy | Inducted into the Smithsonian Institution; influential figure in Jim Carrey’s career |
Rodney Dangerfield was born in 1921 – died in 2004. He was an American comedian, actor, producer, and writer. Known for his sharp and biting humor, he is probably best known for his comedy routines about his weight problems and alcohol abuse. He was known for his self-deprecating one-liner humor, his catchphrase “I don’t get no respect!” and his monologues on that theme.
16. Bill Burr
| Bill Burr | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Burr |
| Birth Name | William Frederick Burr |
| Born | June 10, 1968 (age 55) |
| Birthplace | Canton, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Genres | Sketch comedy, observational comedy, insult comedy, sarcasm |
| Spouse | Nia Hill (m. 2013) |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Stand-up Specials | You People Are All the Same (2012), I’m Sorry You Feel That Way (2014), |
| Notable Awards | Grammy Award nomination for Paper Tiger (2019), Primetime Emmy Award |
| Notable Acting Roles | F Is for Family (Netflix animated sitcom, 2015–2021), Chappelle’s Show, |
| Notable Podcast | Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast (since 2007) |
| Notable Achievements | Ranked No. 17 in Rolling Stone’s “50 Best Stand Up Comics of All Time”, |
| Political Views | Supports gun control and abortion rights, criticizes political correctness |
| Personal Life | Married to Nia Renee Hill, with two children, resides in Los Angeles |
William Frederic Burr was born in 1968. He is an American standup comedian. Burr was a finalist on the fifth season of the reality television series “Last Comic Standing”, and his hour-long standup special “Let It Go” aired on Comedy Central in 2006. He performed in a Comedy Central Presents special in April 2006.
If you enjoy watching the hilarious Bill Burr, then you might also be interested in learning about celebrities who support Johnny Depp and his ongoing legal battle. Many of these celebrities, like Bill Burr, have publicly spoken out in support of Depp and his character.
17. Steve Martin
| Steve Martin | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steve Martin |
| Birth Name | Stephen Glenn Martin |
| Born | August 14, 1945 (age 77) |
| Birthplace | Waco, Texas, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television, music, books |
| Education | Santa Ana College, California State University, Long Beach, University of California, Los Angeles |
| Years Active | 1966–present |
| Genres | Improvisational comedy, musical comedy, physical comedy, sketch comedy, word play, satire |
| Subject(s) | American culture, current events, pop culture, human sexuality |
| Spouse | Victoria Tennant (m. 1986; div. 1994), Anne Stringfield (m. 2007) |
| Children | 1 |
| Musical Career | Bluegrass, folk revival, pop, country, musical comedy |
| Instrument(s) | Banjo, vocals |
| Labels | Rounder, Warner Bros. |
Steven Allan “Steve” Martin was born in 1945. He is an American actor, writer, comedian, and musician whose career has spanned seven decades as a standup comic and film/television actor. He is known for his improvisational comedy style and his deadpan demeanor. He has won five Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an Honorary Academy Award in 2013.
18. Jerry Seinfeld
| Jerry Seinfeld | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jerry Seinfeld |
| Birthdate | April 29, 1954 (age 69) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Medium | Stand-up comedy, television, film |
| Education | Queens College, City University of New York (BA) |
| Famous For | Co-creating and starring in the sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998) |
| Stand-up Specials | “Stand-Up Confidential” (1987), “I’m Telling You for the Last Time” (1998) |
| Notable Films | “Bee Movie” (2007) |
| Awards | 20 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, 4 Grammy Award nominations |
| Web Series | “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” (2012–2019) |
| Spouse | Jessica Seinfeld (m. 1999) |
| Children | 3 |
Jerry Allen Seinfeld was born in 1954. He is an American standup comedian and television personality. He is best known for creating several comedic characters and playing a version of himself in the sitcom “Seinfeld”. Seinfeld has received twenty Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on Seinfeld and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee and four Grammy Awards nominations for his comedy albums.
If you are curious about the net worth of Jerry Seinfeld, check out the article on the top 50 richest actors in the world and see where he ranks. Seinfeld’s influence in comedian circles is undeniable, and his show Seinfeld acted as a cornerstone of 90s comedy.
19. Louis C.K
| Louis C K | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Louis Alfred Székely |
| Birth Name | Louis C.K. |
| Born | September 12, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, Television, Film |
| Nationality | American, Mexican |
| Years Active | 1984–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, Black comedy, Blue comedy, Insult comedy, Cringe comedy, Surreal humor, Satire, Deadpan |
| Spouse | Alix Bailey |
| Children | 2 |
Louis Alfred Székely was born in 1967, known professionally as Louis C.K. He is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director. He began his career writing for comedians, including David Letterman and Conan O’Brien, on their shows before gaining notoriety for his online comedy skits as part of the web series The Louis C.K. Project from 2001 to 2010. He formerly hosted the NBC series Lucky Louie and the F.X. sitcom Louie and currently co-stars in the F.X. series SNL Korea.
20. Chris Rock
| Chris Rock | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chris Rock |
| Birth Name | Christopher Julius Rock |
| Birthdate | February 7, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Andrews, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television |
| Years Active | 1984–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, black comedy, sketch comedy, insult comedy, sarcasm, racial humor, satire |
| Spouse | Malaak Compton (m. 1996; div. 2016) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relative(s) | Tony Rock (brother) |
| Notable Achievements | Three Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, four Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Award nomination |
| Stand-Up Ranking | Ranked as one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time |
| Film and TV Career | Notable films include “Beverly Hills Cop II,” “New Jack City,” “Boomerang,” “CB4,” and TV series like “Fargo” |
| Broadway Debut | Made Broadway debut in the play “The Motherfucker with the Hat” |
| Netflix Specials | Released stand-up comedy specials “Tamborine” and “Selective Outrage” on Netflix |
| Television Success | Created, wrote, produced, and narrated the sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris” |
| Emmy Awards | Three-time Emmy Award winner for his television work |
| Voice Acting | Provided the voice for Marty the zebra in the Madagascar film franchise |
| Stand-Up Legacy | Recognized as one of the funniest and most influential stand-up comedians |
| Educational Journey | Earned a General Educational Development (GED) after dropping out of high school |
| Political Commentary | Served as a commentator during the 1996 Presidential elections |
| Leading Film Roles | Starred in films such as “Nurse Betty,” “Down to Earth,” “Head of State,” and “Top Five” |
| Live Event | Hosted the first-ever live event on Netflix, “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage” |
Christopher Julius Rock was born in 1965. He is a comedian, actor, screenwriter, producer, and director from the United States. After working as a standup comedian and playing tiny parts in movies, Rock gained more notoriety in the early 1990s when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. He later had several notable film appearances and produced several critically praised comedy specials on HBO.
If you’re curious about how tall the iconic American comedian Chris Rock is, check out this Chris Rock Height article. It lists his height, as well as some other interesting trivia about this funnyman.
21. Eddie Murphy
| Eddie Murphy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eddie Murphy |
| Birth Name | Edward Regan Murphy |
| Born | April 3, 1961 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television, music |
| Years Active | 1976–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, musical comedy, blue comedy, black comedy, insult comedy, sketch comedy, racial humor, satire |
| Subjects | African-American culture, race relations, racism, marriage, sex, everyday life, pop culture |
| Spouse | Nicole Mitchell (1993-2006) |
| Partner(s) | Melanie Brown (2006), Tracey Edmonds (2008), Paige Butcher (2012-present) |
| Children | 10 |
| Relative(s) | Charlie Murphy (brother) |
| Musical Career | Genres: R&B, funk, synth-pop, comedy |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | Sony BMG, CBS, Columbia, Motown |
Edward Regan Murphy was born in 1961. He is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, singer, and director. He is best known for his standup comedy and his comedic and musical film roles, including such hits as 48 Hrs., The Nutty Professor, Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop. In an acting role, he portrayed himself in the semi-autobiographical Dr. Dolittle series of films.
22. Dave Chappelle
| Dave Chappelle | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dave Chappelle |
| Birth Name | David Khari Webber Chappelle |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, television, film |
| Education | Eastern High School, Duke Ellington School of the Arts |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, surreal humor, sketch comedy, black comedy, insult comedy, racial humor, satire |
| Notable Work | Chappelle’s Show, Half Baked, The Age of Spin, Equanimity & The Bird Revelation, Sticks & Stones, The Closer |
| Awards | 6 Emmy Awards, 4 Grammy Awards, Mark Twain Prize for American Humor |
| Spouse | Elaine Erfe |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | William David Chappelle III, Yvonne Seon |
David Chappelle is an American standup comedian, screenwriter, director, producer, and actor. He is known for using observational comedy, provocative material, and sociopolitical commentary. Chappelle is also known for his collaborations with actor/comedian Chris Rock.
23. Robin Williams
| Robin Williams | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robin McLaurin Williams |
| Birthdate | July 21, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Education | Claremont McKenna College, College of Marin, Juilliard School |
| Occupations | Actor, Comedian |
| Years active | 1976–2014 |
| Spouses | Valerie Velardi (m. 1978; div. 1988), Marsha Garces (m. 1989; div. 2010), Susan Schneider (m. 2011) |
| Children | 3, including Zelda |
| Notable Achievements | Academy Award, Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Grammy Awards |
| Stand-up Comedy Albums | Reality … What a Concept, Off The Wall, An Evening with Robin Williams, A Night at the Met |
| Significant Films | Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Mrs. Doubtfire, Aladdin |
| Cause of Death | Suicide due to “diffuse Lewy body disease” and Lewy body dementia |
| Legacy | Widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time |
| Additional Information | Known for his improvisational skills and ability to create a wide variety of characters on the spot. Battled with substance abuse and experienced mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Tragically passed away in 2014 at the age of 63, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of comedy and entertainment. |
Robin McLaurin Williams was born in 1951 and died in 2014. He is an American actor, comedian, and activist. Williams began performing standup comedy in San Francisco and Los Angeles during the mid-1970s and rose to fame playing the alien Mork in the ABC sitcom Mork & Mindy.
24. Richard Pryor
| Richard Pryor | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor |
| Birthdate | December 1, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Peoria, Illinois, U.S. |
| Death | December 10, 2005 |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television |
| Years Active | 1963–1999 |
| Genres | Observational comedy, black comedy, improvisational comedy, character comedy, insult comedy, racial humor, satire |
| Notable Works | “Live on the Sunset Strip,” “Wanted: Live in Concert,” “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert” |
| Children | 7, including Rain |
Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor Sr. was born in 1940 and died in 2005. He is an American standup comedian, actor, and entertainer. He is renowned for his controversial standup comedy routines that get audiences laughing and for his acting roles in several movies and television series.
Richard Pryor was one of the most influential stand-up comedians of the 70s. His unique perspective on race, politics, and life in general has made him a legend in the comedy world. For more about the best male stand-up comedians of the 70s, check out this article.
25. George Carlin
| George Carlin | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Denis Patrick Carlin |
| Birthdate | May 12, 1937 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Death | June 22, 2008 (aged 71), Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television, radio, literature |
| Years Active | 1956–2008 |
| Genres | Observational comedy, character comedy, surreal comedy, blue comedy, black comedy, wordplay, sarcasm, irony, satire |
| Spouse(s) | Brenda Hosbrook (m. 1961; died 1997), Sally Wade (m. 1998) |
| Children | Kelly Carlin |
| Notable Achievements | Dubbed “the dean of counterculture comedians” |
| Film Roles | Car Wash, Outrageous Fortune, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, |
| Voice Roles | Tarzan II, Cars, Shining Time Station, American dubs for Thomas & Friends segments |
| Early Life | Born on May 12, 1937, in New York City |
| Comedy Career | Formed a comedy team with Jack Burns in 1959 |
George Dennis Carlin was born in 1937 and died in 2008. He is an American standup comedian, actor, writer, and social critic. Carlin began performing at local nightclubs in Washington, D.C., gained a following as a semi-scripted television host, and was the star of the PBS series The George Carlin Show from 1982 to 1985.