Favorite Comedians?

unknown—when I was considering putting someone under number 10, "your suggestion"—I found myself thinking of Woody Allen, whom I’ve always viewed more as a complete auteur and director than just a comedian. Whoopi Goldberg also comes to mind from "Jumping Jack Flash"... especially as that witness hiding out as a nun in the sequels...

I’ve also placed the Monty Python fans in a league of their own—including John Cleese, the dear Michael Palin, and Eric Idle...

Bill Murray was definitely on my radar, and I’d add that Kevin Kline and Johnny Depp have massive potential as comedians.

It seems comedy is a great sanctuary for guys who used to play dangerous roles. Take John Lithgow—he was a total maniac and villain in those Palin-esque films, and in Russell Mulcahy’s standout film "Ricochet," where he played pure evil trying to destroy a certain version of Washington—yet he found his peace in the Television series "3rd Rock from the Sun"...

Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi were also under consideration...
I’d split the comedians into two camps... the loquacious, depressive types—led by the potentially suicidal Jim Carrey, /with Robin Williams taking second place/—on one hand, and then the slapstick and gag comedians who rely on physical comedy, led by Nanni Moretti... on the other.
Steve Martin would sit somewhere right in the middle...

There is one thing I’ve noticed in theaters lately—there is less laughter. Audiences just don't laugh like they used to. Or maybe that's just my imagination. Back when I watched Finneas's comedies about his policeman, I was dying of laughter along with everyone else, or watching Fernandel frantically trying to hide "evidence" in those murder scenes, or seeing the gags that Benny Hill shamelessly lifted later from Jacques Tati’s "Vacation" ...

Honestly, Lewis Black is easily the funniest guy out there right now. Just grab one of his specials online and you'll see exactly what I mean. Sure, he’s primarily a stand-up comedian—he hasn't really done much in movies yet—but I wouldn't be surprised if that changes soon. In a few years, everyone in the States will have him on their radar. If you're into that unapologetic, politically incorrect style of humor, he's a must-watch.

If he actually made the cut, Chris Rock would be my top pick for a biopic... 😁

Look, Chris Rock absolutely kills it live. Yeah, he swears his head off, but the guy actually says funny, smart stuff.

Yahoo, definitely Rock music or Bernie Mac. But Eddie Murphy and Jim Carrey are also top-notch.

Benjamin Gray66 said:I was actually thinking about Bill Murray for this, though I’d also say that Kevin Kline and Johnny Depp both have that incredible knack for being hilarious.

Honestly, I feel like Kevin Kline really finds his comedic stride whenever he's sporting a mustache; once he shaves it off, he just settles right back into those heavy, serious dramatic roles.

But wait, why on earth was Gene Wilder left out?!

was that actually Peter Sellers?

George Carlin
Billy Connolly

Scott Vaughn54 said:Why on earth did they leave out Gene Wilder?!

Probably because he isn't even filming movies anymore. At that point, we might as well have included Charlie Chaplin in the poll.

Besides, he was a killer combo when paired with Richard Pryor. 👍

nostalgicar said:Seinfeld😕

🙏 🙏

Scott Vaughn54 said:But wait—why isn't Gene Wilder on this list?!

And what about Peter Sellers?

I really just wanted to highlight the "younger" icons that everyone recognizes immediately... though I see you guys clearly remember Sellers too. 😁 It’s funny how those generations align—if I were to include Wilder and Sellers, I’d probably have to bring in De Funès, Tati, and Jerry as well...

If we’re actually considering the younger demographic here, then we definitely need to ditch Adam Sandler—I mean, seriously, is there anyone left on this planet who actually finds that guy funny?? Instead, let's bring in Ben Stiller; he is quite literally the perfect comedic embodiment of the modern-day loser.

I personally voted for Eddie Murphy. I realize he isn't everyone's cup of tea—some people find his humor way too self-centered or over-the-top—but I think his ability to slip into different characters and truly inhabit them is just fantastic. Take a ridiculous comedy like The Clumps, for instance; it makes absolutely zero sense, but that’s only because it exists to let Eddie show off his genius at portraying a massive range of personalities.
Rock music, for example, unsuccessfully tries to mimic his witty, exaggerated style but just ends up sounding like irritating hysteria.

Exactly, I just caught that too. This idiot put Whoopi Goldberg on the list but left out Ben Stiller. 😕

nimblemarlin17 said:Exactly—I just caught that myself. This list includes Whoopi Goldberg, yet somehow missed Ben Stiller... 😕

Why don't you two just take Ben Stiller home with you then... and have all the fun you want.

Why on earth is Ben Stiller even in this? He’s not funny at all—I can't even look at him🤮

Personally, I think Chris Tucker is awesome. It's not like he's doing these massive, complex stunts or anything, but man, his delivery is lightning fast. I caught 'Money Talks' on ABC the other day and was laughing my head off

So, we had "Rush Hour" and "Rush Hour 2"... and now they're actually filming a third one?

Whether Ben Stiller is actually funny—well, that’s really a matter of opinion...
:

Just wanted to throw Jerry Lewis into the mix, too. Wouldn't want to leave out anyone who isn't part of that "old school" generation...👍

Jose Chase2 said:Why on earth is Benigni even in this? He isn't funny at all, I can't even watch him.🤮

I think Chris Tucker is awesome. He might not have the craziest plots, but man, he talks a mile a minute. I saw 'Money Talks' on ABC the other day and was laughing my head off.

Chris Tucker is great. I'm actually watching 'Rush Hour 2' right now (again)—the part where they're on the boat and Lee realizes the guy isn't dead. That scene is absolutely hilarious.

I can't remember his full name, but that "Frasier" guy is something else.