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13 Funniest Comedians Everyone Must Know About

13 Funniest Comedians Everyone Must Know About

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

Jim Carrey

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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

Kevin Hart

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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 Williams

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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

How to Compose & Write Stand-Up Comedy in Simple Steps

How to Compose & Write Stand-Up Comedy in Simple Steps

So, do you think you have a funny bone every time you crack a punchline? Well, if you have been thinking about it for a long time, this would be the best time to gear up and do full-time standup comedy. But, how do I get started? Get a paper and pen, and a lot of paper. Oh yes, you need a pack of A4 sheets with you at all times. As any successful comic artist will narrate, writing funny jokes requires a lot of effort and commitment.

Even though you have an idea of the subject you will speak on, shaping those jokes and making them sound funny requires a lot of hard work. But, before we get to our primary subject, here is the comedy set you need to be aware of.

What do you need to know about a Stand-Up Comedy Set?

A stand-up comedy set is your entire stand-up routine, from when you set the stage to when you come off. It is structured from the starting point, middle sections, and end. However, the set’s length depends on whether it is the headliner or an opening act. And, if you are one of the featured acts, be prepared to stand on the stage for more than an hour. Besides, here are some vital elements that make the entire comedy routine.

Stand-up Comedy

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  • Opening – The event’s opening tends to dictate the entire juncture of the show. Here, you can begin with a great joke, making the audience laugh from the first minute itself to get the ball rolling.
  • Bits – Have you ever heard what bits are? Comedians call them jokes. Bits often are specific setups around situations and characters, followed by a punch line towards the end, called the conclusion. This is the funniest part of the entire slot and is against what the audience understands will happen.
  • Transitions – These are short bridges of conversations that allow the comedian to connect one joke with another.
  • Closer – The closer is yet another vital phase of your entire stage show. Just like the opening, this needs to be well-versed with a great joke. So, wrap the set with a solid close, leaving the audience helpless while laughing.

1.Watch and learn.

The best way to begin is by watching other comics. Start with legends, such as Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock. Try watching their early standups, followed by the recent ones. Observe the development their styles have adhered to. Then, after you have achieved a personal milestone, consider visiting a comedy club to attend a live show. Sit at the back and observe how the crowd reacts and what they react and respond to.

2.Gather material.

Aren’t you prepared and composed yet? Well, that may be because your material is not ready yet. So, start with your personal experience and jot down what you know. What’s the culture that defines you? What was your childhood like? Do some thinking and analyze every tiny detail of your life and what you see around you. Moreover, you can also emphasize one of the prominent relationships of your life, be it with a child, partner, employee, boss, or friend. When the material you have prepared is relatable, the audience will respond to it.

3.Start writing jokes.

Everything requires sheer dedication. So, write every day until you think the set can go out. Pick an approach and idea and form a story out of it. In addition, you’ll have to find the narrative arc and flesh it up.

  • Where’s the setting?
  • Who are the characters?
  • What’s the situation or conflict?

4.Assemble your act.

The Comedy Store

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Once you have sheets full of jokes that can last for more than an hour-long show, choose those you’d like to include in your 10-minute set. Arrange and assemble your act to see what suits the act. Remember, cramming too many jokes can hinder the productivity of your set. Leave room for laughter while you’re on the stage.

5.Write the open and close.

If you didn’t know, the opening is an asset of every comedian. It is the essential component of your set. So, do not squander the approach. If you’re new to the audience, they want something to remember you, or else you’ll be another brat who wants to grab attention. Show the audience what you’re capable of and carve the ending to receive accolades and mic drops. And, if you are unsure of the finale, look in the middle for the material. Through such a method, you can offer cohesion.

6.Rehearse in front of people.

Stand-up Comedian

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The only way to determine your stage effectiveness is by providing a show to an audience. Gather your family, friends, and aspiring comics and see if you’ve got what it takes to stage the set on fire.


Featured Image Credits: Pixabay