Have you ever wondered who the funniest stand-up comedians were? We have presented a brief list of some veterans and all-time greats who are not only funny but extremely hilarious in multiple ways. They have a personality that can tickle your funny bone even with their slight presence or expression. Just like Jack Nicholson makes you scream with his wide-smile expression, these comedians are not that far away either. And, one does not have to forget that many from this list made their way up to stardom. They worked in lower-level circuits of stand-ups back in the day and eventually landed multiple gigs with Comedy Central.
1. Bob Newhart
George Robert Newhart, referred to as Bob, is one of the American actors and comedians. He rose to popularity in the early 1960s when his monologue album was released. Not only was ‘The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart’ a bestseller, but he also took the top spot on the Billboard pop chart.
2. Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac was an American voice artist, stand-up comedian, and actor who hailed from Chicago. He had appeared in multiple movies in minor roles, out of which his most noted performance was as ‘Frank Catton,’ when the Ocean’s Eleven was done.
3. Redd Foxx
John Elroy Sanford, aka Redd Foxx, is best remembered for one of his explicit comedy records. Moreover, he also appeared on the 1970 sitcom ‘Sanford and Son.’
4. Jim Carrey
Now, who doesn’t remember his iconic character from the movie ‘The Mask.’ He is one of the modern-day legends who has given a unique name to comedy. With endless dynamics and comic reach, he can do no wrong. Moving on, his first professional stand-up came in the Toronto comedy club. And, ever since, he, along with all his fans, hasn’t looked back.
5. Bill Cosby
The all-time great Bill Cosby is considered the best. Moreover, he is also an actor, stand-up comedian, activist, and author.
6. Bill Hicks
Unlike several comic artists, Bill’s work comprises an array of politics, religion, and philosophy. What’s more? He has also criticized consumerism, superficiality, banality, and mediocrity through popular culture and media.
7. Ricky Gervais
The legendary Ricky Gervais is one of the English actors, comedians, musicians, and producers. Initially, he started working in the music industry, attempting to build his career as a pop star in the late 1980s. He was pretty famous for his Seona working and dancing before he turned to comedy.
8. Don Rickles
Donald Jay Rickles was a veteran author, comedian, and actor in his day. If you did not know, Donald became a comedian after throwing a new comic genre, insult comic. Not only did he comically insult many individuals, he often landed jokes on himself. Moreover, he received worldwide exposure on numerous talk shows like ‘The Tonight Show,’ ‘The Dean Martin Show,’ and ‘Late Show with David Letterman.’
9. Kevin Hart
Well, if you’re from the 21st century, you very well know who Kevin is by now. No, we aren’t talking about Home Alone here. It’s KEVIN HART, people! Known for his comical shots and acting alongside Dwayne Johnson, he started as an amateur comedian, who made his way to the glory and became a renowned comedian and producer.
10. Bill Burr
When it comes to Bill Burr, he is an American voice actor, stand-up comedian, writer, and musician. To date, he has released around six stand-up specials and is best known for his hosting skills and style at the Monday Morning Podcast. Moreover, he also co-founded a network called All Things Comedy. Many rate him in the list of top 10 greats who adorned the comical mic.
11. Steve Martin
Steve ‘The Glenn’ Martin! Many 1990s kids have grown up referring to him as the cringy and furiously funny Pink Panther cop doing the Hohoba dance. Well, that’s not an excuse. He’s hilarious and is known for his offbeat comedy routines. He started in the 1970s and has become a successful actor, producer, writer, banjo player, and pianist.
12. Eddie Murphy
From ‘Coming To America’ to ‘Shrek,’ we have seen all forms of Eddie Murphy. Back in the early 1980s, he was a regular member of Saturday Night Live and broke through the scene ever since. With his range and style, not many can walk with him with their chins high.
13. Robin Williams
Robin McLaurin Williams is what his true fans call him. Even though he’s no more with us, his words, various pieces of speech from Dead Poets Society, and Patch Adams, awe-inspiring acting, live on. Starting in the 1970s, he had incredible improvisational skills in stand-ups and films. Pick up any of his movies, and you will know what we’re talking about. Take Mrs. Doubtfire and Jumanji, for instance; it’s not his body language or style. It’s just the way he delivers his dialogues.
Featured Image Credits: Pixabay
