Top 20 Legends of Comedy
comedy legends, stand-up comedy, comedians, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Robin Williams, Lucille Ball, Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld, Johnny Carson, Carol Burnett, comedy history, comedy icons, classic comedy, sitcoms, stand-up performers, comedy albums, late night television, comedy pioneers, entertainment legends, comedy hall of fame, comedy greats, comedy stars, TV, Comedy, Sitcom, Streaming, watchmojo, watch mojo, top 10, list, mojo,
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most enduring examples of classic comedy. However, acts that gained prominence as a duo will be saved for a different day.
The comedy of Redd Foxx admittedly didn’t rely upon subtlety or nuance. This was defiantly “blue” stand-up that was unapologetically raunchy, yet undeniably entertaining. At the same time, this is exactly why Foxx remains such a trailblazer today, since the future star of “Sanford and Son” did so during a time of comparative conservatism and inequality. Foxx helped smash the Las Vegas nightclub color barrier, while also recording comedy albums that remain within the cultural zeitgeist today. Then, there’s the aforementioned “Sanford and Son,” a huge sitcom hit that helped make the comic a household name from the 1970s to his death in 1991.
There was just something special about the scorched earth style of comedy that defined the career of Bill Hicks. This was a stand-up iconoclast that suffered no fools, nor did Hicks care about whether or not his audience was along for the ride. Instead, one gets the sense that his ramblings and monologues would be the same if he were out for a cup of coffee. His observations were often controversial, and didn’t see any sacred cows. There’s a frank and almost gleeful darkness to the man’s work that definitely speaks to a certain kind of comedy fan. And you can definitely count us among that proud group.
He’s considered the king of insult comedy, a legend affectionately known as “Mr. Warmth.” Don Rickles was a television mainstay that had audiences in stitches during his appearances on Dean Martin’s long-running series of celebrity roasts. He was also a routinely in-demand act on the stage, performing stand-up dates all the way to his death in 2017. Ask anybody fortunate enough to see Rickles work in person, and you’ll find someone that appreciated classic comedy. His delivery and timing were impeccable, and worked great opposite other industry icons like Johnny Carson. Yet, for many that knew him personally, Rickles’ legacy as a loyal friend and genuine human being is just as important as his undeniable influence on the comedy art form.
You don’t really need us to tell you how awesome Whoopi Goldberg is, right? Her resumé speaks for itself, having delivered the goods with both comedic and dramatic performances over the years. Her one-woman show helped Goldberg get her career off the ground back in the early ‘80s. The stage would be the comic legend’s home for years, although a successful transition into the worlds of television and film would also be in the cards. Today, her smooth and effortless delivery is instantly recognizable to comedy fans, while her observations about life, politics and more are always presented in a manner that feels totally unique to Whoopi alone.
It speaks volumes that “The Tonight Show” is still living up to the legacy forged by Johnny Carson back in the early ‘60s. The late night legend became a de facto member of his audience’s homes on a nightly basis, delivering comedy bits and celebrity interviews that would become iconic. His move from New York was even considered crucial to Los Angeles’ stand-up boom in the ‘70s. His own batting average on his show remains unbelievably strong in hindsight. Additionally, Carson’s no-rush interview style enabled him to achieve a rapport with his guests that feels like a benchmark today.
Delivery was everything when it came to the generational comedy talent of Bob Newhart. Sure, the man’s career on the small screen will forever be the stuff of television legend, but Newhart’s legacy was forged on the stand-up stage. Albums such as “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart” showcased the man’s notable stammer and impressive intelligence. Whether wacky or cerebral, he was a conversationalist that endeared millions. Then, there’s both “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart,” which broadcast this comedian’s one-of-a-kind personality into homes around the world, and made Bob Newhart a legend in the process.
The comedy work of Steve Martin resides within a number of creative spheres, including the analogue comedy album. These records, tapes and CDs likely exposed many to their first stand-up experiences, including albums like “A Wild and Crazy Guy.” Elsewhere, Martin’s comedy of the absurd would go on to grace programs like “Saturday Night Live,” as well as feature film vehicles that go back to “The Jerk.” The man is still working today, as well, often alongside friend and fellow legend Martin Short, making new generations laugh with his wit and comedic grace.
Edginess can occasionally be a double-edged sword, biting back on certain comedians if they’re not careful. Thankfully, the comedy of Chris Rock has managed to endure for decades at this point, from the man’s line-stepping early days to the elder statesman status he enjoys today. This, of course, isn’t to say that Rock is past his prime; far from it. Instead, we absolutely love going back and watching “Bring the Pain” or “Bigger and Blacker,” while at the same time anticipating what’s around the corner for this comic legend. From “Saturday Night Live” to movies like “CB4,” Chris Rock will never fail to make us laugh.
This queen of comedy was another icon whose career took off during the halcyon era of the comedy album. Joan Rivers was even nominated for a Grammy in 1984 for her LP, “What Becomes a Semi-Legend Most?”. She truly honed her craft on “The Tonight Show,” however, appearing and even filling in as host for Johnny Carson. Meanwhile, younger viewers will likely point to Rivers’ late-career resurgence on the E! Network, where her fearlessness endeared her to a whole new generation of admirers. This was one truly funny lady that helped blaze a trail for women in comedy, shattering glass ceilings with her authentic self at every turn.
There are many out there who believe that the scandal surrounding Bill Cosby negates the art he put out into the world. This is a fair and valid point, one that often comes up when discussing the separation of art from artist. Yet, there are also many comedians who probably wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing without Cosby’s influential work on stage, screen and television. “The Cosby Show” in particular changed the dynamic of how African-American families were portrayed on television. Additionally, his comedy albums and live performances from this classic era remain similarly groundbreaking and dynamic. In essence, Bill Cosby’s importance to comedy is undeniable, even though his crimes remain reprehensible.
There was arguably no other comedian of his day that embraced a catchphrase like Rodney Dangerfield did. Yet, to dilute this legend’s career to simply getting “no respect” wouldn’t be entirely fair. Instead, it’s remarkable to rewatch Rodney Dangerfield’s rapid-fire delivery and quips to this end. The man could take this very simple bit of self-deprecation and turn it into an art form, building skyscrapers of funny with building blocks of jokes. Dangerfield also had a huge acting career, appearing in such comedy hits as “Caddyshack” and “Back to School.” We think that just about everybody respects this comic legend now.
The term “legend” doesn’t necessarily refer to the days of black-and-white television anymore. Instead, comparatively modern voices such as that of Tina Fey also earn that title, as well as the respect of their peers. Fey probably first caused a comedic stir with her writing, specifically on “Saturday Night Live.” She became that show’s first female head writer, and eventually parlayed her success into both film and television. Fey remained grounded throughout it all, and remarkably consistent. From “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” to “Mean Girls,” she has been undefeatable and undeniable.
His is a name that will always be part of discussions about the best comedians of all time. Jerry Seinfeld is basically synonymous with the art form, an endlessly influential comedian whose stand-up and sitcom have gone on to influence the cultural zeitgeist. Seinfeld’s explosive success during the 1990s would see scores of clones attempt to replicate his observational style, but none could quite achieve comedy about “nothing” in quite the same way. So yeah, Seinfeld is unequivocally one of the GOATs, a man with a microphone and a seemingly endless imagination.
He helped save a floundering “Saturday Night Live” during its infamous sixth season. He delivered one of stand-up comedy’s most popular and influential specials with “Delirious.” Oh, and then he just managed to become one of cinema’s biggest movie stars. Eddie Murphy was just a bad man, a comic that defined “cool” and “hip” for the 1980s. The man’s career wasn’t just about hits like “Beverly Hills Cop” or “Trading Places,” however, but rather a perfect storm of material and delivery. Eddie Murphy’s swagger was uncompromised and impossible to tie down. He’s a comedy rock star with endless talent and style to spare.
There are some pieces of art that fail to transcend generations, and wind up forgotten by the passage of time. The comedy of Carol Burnett is NOT one of those things. Her sketch comedy show was insanely groundbreaking for the time and is still very, very funny to watch today. Burnett served as a pioneer for women in comedy, while “The Carol Burnett Show” featured a bevy of funny co-stars, including Vicki Lawrence and Tim Conway. Burnett’s knack for physical comedy was amazing, but of equal historical value was her memorable question-and-answer sessions with her studio audience. Trust us when we tell you that rewatching “The Carol Burnett Show” is mandatory for a balanced comedic diet.
We often wonder what would’ve become of icons whose careers were cut short at a young age. Lenny Bruce influenced generations of comedians that grew up on the man’s work during the 1950s and ‘60s. His reputation as a fearless firebrand was notable for the time, since his material would eventually go on to move the cultural needle of stand-up. These were sets that didn’t rely on schtick, but rather thought-provoking wordplay with a side of envelope pushing dialogue that some saw as “vulgar.” Today, the idea of a comedian actually being arrested for obscenity seems beyond the pale, but it was Bruce that paved the way for the allowances afforded to stand-up purveyors today.
Boss Lady, thy name be Lucy. Lucille Ball wasn’t just a pretty face. Or a funny face. Or anything that the Hollywood system deemed “appropriate” for women prior to the explosion of the women’s rights movement. Ball was firmly in control of her destiny as the first woman to run a major television studio, but her determination and skill never bogged down her sense of humor. “I Love Lucy” remains ridiculously funny, even today, while Ball’s work as a physical comedian laid the groundwork for so many funny people to emerge in her wake. They call them “legends” for a reason, after all; and Lucille Ball was truly one of the best.
The comedic voice of Robin Williams is one that’s still missed on a daily basis by his fans all around the world. His body of work is much more than just feature films like Disney’s “Aladdin” or his hit sitcom, “Mork & Mindy.” His stand-up was also hugely influential, a controlled sort of chaos that possessed boundless energy and unique enthusiasm. Audiences loved holding on for dear life as Williams took them on a journey into his mind, delivering performances that remain utterly rewatchable to this day. His transition into acting may have made those stand-up dates fewer and further between, but the legacy of Robin Williams within the world of comedy remains utterly secure.
There have been few comedians as skilled in the art of wordplay as George Carlin. The man made a career out of constantly pushing forward the exploration of language, how it’s utilized, and how we interpret these words. Carlin could at once be both intelligent and profane, political and silly. He was unafraid to wallow in the muck of potty humor, while at the same time getting high-minded about topics of religion and sociology. This dichotomy is one of the reasons why studying Carlin’s comedy is so funny, but also why it was so influential to those comics that wanted to move beyond schtick into something with a bit more bite.
We can’t bear to keep the number one entry to ourselves any longer! Wocka-Wocka!
The history of comedy would be incomplete without Richard Pryor. The man’s influence on the art form is immeasurable, while the tragedies of his own personal life made Pryor a fascinating performer to watch on stage. His comedy never avoided the elephant in the room, and often referenced Pryor’s stumbles and struggles with humility and, of course, humor. His delivery was conversational, like he was at a small party. But he could also project that massive personality with ease. Pryor, like many comedians, transitioned into TV and film projects, but it’s his stand-up that put him in the history books.
Who’s on your Mount Rushmore of comedy? Let us know in the comments!
#20: Redd Foxx
The comedy of Redd Foxx admittedly didn’t rely upon subtlety or nuance. This was defiantly “blue” stand-up that was unapologetically raunchy, yet undeniably entertaining. At the same time, this is exactly why Foxx remains such a trailblazer today, since the future star of “Sanford and Son” did so during a time of comparative conservatism and inequality. Foxx helped smash the Las Vegas nightclub color barrier, while also recording comedy albums that remain within the cultural zeitgeist today. Then, there’s the aforementioned “Sanford and Son,” a huge sitcom hit that helped make the comic a household name from the 1970s to his death in 1991.
#19: Bill Hicks
There was just something special about the scorched earth style of comedy that defined the career of Bill Hicks. This was a stand-up iconoclast that suffered no fools, nor did Hicks care about whether or not his audience was along for the ride. Instead, one gets the sense that his ramblings and monologues would be the same if he were out for a cup of coffee. His observations were often controversial, and didn’t see any sacred cows. There’s a frank and almost gleeful darkness to the man’s work that definitely speaks to a certain kind of comedy fan. And you can definitely count us among that proud group.
#18: Don Rickles
He’s considered the king of insult comedy, a legend affectionately known as “Mr. Warmth.” Don Rickles was a television mainstay that had audiences in stitches during his appearances on Dean Martin’s long-running series of celebrity roasts. He was also a routinely in-demand act on the stage, performing stand-up dates all the way to his death in 2017. Ask anybody fortunate enough to see Rickles work in person, and you’ll find someone that appreciated classic comedy. His delivery and timing were impeccable, and worked great opposite other industry icons like Johnny Carson. Yet, for many that knew him personally, Rickles’ legacy as a loyal friend and genuine human being is just as important as his undeniable influence on the comedy art form.
#17: Whoopi Goldberg
You don’t really need us to tell you how awesome Whoopi Goldberg is, right? Her resumé speaks for itself, having delivered the goods with both comedic and dramatic performances over the years. Her one-woman show helped Goldberg get her career off the ground back in the early ‘80s. The stage would be the comic legend’s home for years, although a successful transition into the worlds of television and film would also be in the cards. Today, her smooth and effortless delivery is instantly recognizable to comedy fans, while her observations about life, politics and more are always presented in a manner that feels totally unique to Whoopi alone.
#16: Johnny Carson
It speaks volumes that “The Tonight Show” is still living up to the legacy forged by Johnny Carson back in the early ‘60s. The late night legend became a de facto member of his audience’s homes on a nightly basis, delivering comedy bits and celebrity interviews that would become iconic. His move from New York was even considered crucial to Los Angeles’ stand-up boom in the ‘70s. His own batting average on his show remains unbelievably strong in hindsight. Additionally, Carson’s no-rush interview style enabled him to achieve a rapport with his guests that feels like a benchmark today.
#15: Bob Newhart
Delivery was everything when it came to the generational comedy talent of Bob Newhart. Sure, the man’s career on the small screen will forever be the stuff of television legend, but Newhart’s legacy was forged on the stand-up stage. Albums such as “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart” showcased the man’s notable stammer and impressive intelligence. Whether wacky or cerebral, he was a conversationalist that endeared millions. Then, there’s both “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart,” which broadcast this comedian’s one-of-a-kind personality into homes around the world, and made Bob Newhart a legend in the process.
#14: Steve Martin
The comedy work of Steve Martin resides within a number of creative spheres, including the analogue comedy album. These records, tapes and CDs likely exposed many to their first stand-up experiences, including albums like “A Wild and Crazy Guy.” Elsewhere, Martin’s comedy of the absurd would go on to grace programs like “Saturday Night Live,” as well as feature film vehicles that go back to “The Jerk.” The man is still working today, as well, often alongside friend and fellow legend Martin Short, making new generations laugh with his wit and comedic grace.
#13: Chris Rock
Edginess can occasionally be a double-edged sword, biting back on certain comedians if they’re not careful. Thankfully, the comedy of Chris Rock has managed to endure for decades at this point, from the man’s line-stepping early days to the elder statesman status he enjoys today. This, of course, isn’t to say that Rock is past his prime; far from it. Instead, we absolutely love going back and watching “Bring the Pain” or “Bigger and Blacker,” while at the same time anticipating what’s around the corner for this comic legend. From “Saturday Night Live” to movies like “CB4,” Chris Rock will never fail to make us laugh.
#12: Joan Rivers
This queen of comedy was another icon whose career took off during the halcyon era of the comedy album. Joan Rivers was even nominated for a Grammy in 1984 for her LP, “What Becomes a Semi-Legend Most?”. She truly honed her craft on “The Tonight Show,” however, appearing and even filling in as host for Johnny Carson. Meanwhile, younger viewers will likely point to Rivers’ late-career resurgence on the E! Network, where her fearlessness endeared her to a whole new generation of admirers. This was one truly funny lady that helped blaze a trail for women in comedy, shattering glass ceilings with her authentic self at every turn.
#11: Bill Cosby
There are many out there who believe that the scandal surrounding Bill Cosby negates the art he put out into the world. This is a fair and valid point, one that often comes up when discussing the separation of art from artist. Yet, there are also many comedians who probably wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing without Cosby’s influential work on stage, screen and television. “The Cosby Show” in particular changed the dynamic of how African-American families were portrayed on television. Additionally, his comedy albums and live performances from this classic era remain similarly groundbreaking and dynamic. In essence, Bill Cosby’s importance to comedy is undeniable, even though his crimes remain reprehensible.
#10: Rodney Dangerfield
There was arguably no other comedian of his day that embraced a catchphrase like Rodney Dangerfield did. Yet, to dilute this legend’s career to simply getting “no respect” wouldn’t be entirely fair. Instead, it’s remarkable to rewatch Rodney Dangerfield’s rapid-fire delivery and quips to this end. The man could take this very simple bit of self-deprecation and turn it into an art form, building skyscrapers of funny with building blocks of jokes. Dangerfield also had a huge acting career, appearing in such comedy hits as “Caddyshack” and “Back to School.” We think that just about everybody respects this comic legend now.
#9: Tina Fey
The term “legend” doesn’t necessarily refer to the days of black-and-white television anymore. Instead, comparatively modern voices such as that of Tina Fey also earn that title, as well as the respect of their peers. Fey probably first caused a comedic stir with her writing, specifically on “Saturday Night Live.” She became that show’s first female head writer, and eventually parlayed her success into both film and television. Fey remained grounded throughout it all, and remarkably consistent. From “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” to “Mean Girls,” she has been undefeatable and undeniable.
#8: Jerry Seinfeld
His is a name that will always be part of discussions about the best comedians of all time. Jerry Seinfeld is basically synonymous with the art form, an endlessly influential comedian whose stand-up and sitcom have gone on to influence the cultural zeitgeist. Seinfeld’s explosive success during the 1990s would see scores of clones attempt to replicate his observational style, but none could quite achieve comedy about “nothing” in quite the same way. So yeah, Seinfeld is unequivocally one of the GOATs, a man with a microphone and a seemingly endless imagination.
#7: Eddie Murphy
He helped save a floundering “Saturday Night Live” during its infamous sixth season. He delivered one of stand-up comedy’s most popular and influential specials with “Delirious.” Oh, and then he just managed to become one of cinema’s biggest movie stars. Eddie Murphy was just a bad man, a comic that defined “cool” and “hip” for the 1980s. The man’s career wasn’t just about hits like “Beverly Hills Cop” or “Trading Places,” however, but rather a perfect storm of material and delivery. Eddie Murphy’s swagger was uncompromised and impossible to tie down. He’s a comedy rock star with endless talent and style to spare.
#6: Carol Burnett
There are some pieces of art that fail to transcend generations, and wind up forgotten by the passage of time. The comedy of Carol Burnett is NOT one of those things. Her sketch comedy show was insanely groundbreaking for the time and is still very, very funny to watch today. Burnett served as a pioneer for women in comedy, while “The Carol Burnett Show” featured a bevy of funny co-stars, including Vicki Lawrence and Tim Conway. Burnett’s knack for physical comedy was amazing, but of equal historical value was her memorable question-and-answer sessions with her studio audience. Trust us when we tell you that rewatching “The Carol Burnett Show” is mandatory for a balanced comedic diet.
#5: Lenny Bruce
We often wonder what would’ve become of icons whose careers were cut short at a young age. Lenny Bruce influenced generations of comedians that grew up on the man’s work during the 1950s and ‘60s. His reputation as a fearless firebrand was notable for the time, since his material would eventually go on to move the cultural needle of stand-up. These were sets that didn’t rely on schtick, but rather thought-provoking wordplay with a side of envelope pushing dialogue that some saw as “vulgar.” Today, the idea of a comedian actually being arrested for obscenity seems beyond the pale, but it was Bruce that paved the way for the allowances afforded to stand-up purveyors today.
#4: Lucille Ball
Boss Lady, thy name be Lucy. Lucille Ball wasn’t just a pretty face. Or a funny face. Or anything that the Hollywood system deemed “appropriate” for women prior to the explosion of the women’s rights movement. Ball was firmly in control of her destiny as the first woman to run a major television studio, but her determination and skill never bogged down her sense of humor. “I Love Lucy” remains ridiculously funny, even today, while Ball’s work as a physical comedian laid the groundwork for so many funny people to emerge in her wake. They call them “legends” for a reason, after all; and Lucille Ball was truly one of the best.
#3: Robin Williams
The comedic voice of Robin Williams is one that’s still missed on a daily basis by his fans all around the world. His body of work is much more than just feature films like Disney’s “Aladdin” or his hit sitcom, “Mork & Mindy.” His stand-up was also hugely influential, a controlled sort of chaos that possessed boundless energy and unique enthusiasm. Audiences loved holding on for dear life as Williams took them on a journey into his mind, delivering performances that remain utterly rewatchable to this day. His transition into acting may have made those stand-up dates fewer and further between, but the legacy of Robin Williams within the world of comedy remains utterly secure.
#2: George Carlin
There have been few comedians as skilled in the art of wordplay as George Carlin. The man made a career out of constantly pushing forward the exploration of language, how it’s utilized, and how we interpret these words. Carlin could at once be both intelligent and profane, political and silly. He was unafraid to wallow in the muck of potty humor, while at the same time getting high-minded about topics of religion and sociology. This dichotomy is one of the reasons why studying Carlin’s comedy is so funny, but also why it was so influential to those comics that wanted to move beyond schtick into something with a bit more bite.
#1: Fozzie Bear
We can’t bear to keep the number one entry to ourselves any longer! Wocka-Wocka!
#1: Richard Pryor
The history of comedy would be incomplete without Richard Pryor. The man’s influence on the art form is immeasurable, while the tragedies of his own personal life made Pryor a fascinating performer to watch on stage. His comedy never avoided the elephant in the room, and often referenced Pryor’s stumbles and struggles with humility and, of course, humor. His delivery was conversational, like he was at a small party. But he could also project that massive personality with ease. Pryor, like many comedians, transitioned into TV and film projects, but it’s his stand-up that put him in the history books.
Who’s on your Mount Rushmore of comedy? Let us know in the comments!
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