Get ready for a laugh riot as we set out to find the funniest stand up comedians in the world! They are the original funny men of showbiz and they are the live performers who have had audiences all over the world cracking up. Over the years we have witnessed some legendary stand up comedians who have advanced the art of stand-up comedy and kept it alive and kicking.
So how is stand-up comedy any different from regular comedy, you might be wondering? We have had comedy movies and other comedy performances in theater as well, but stand-up comedy is a different league altogether. For starters, it is generally a single act! So there are no supporting actors as in case of movies to create situational assistance. This generates a considerable pressure on the performers faced with the task of singlehandedly keeping the audience engaged. Though, these phenomenal artists look effortless on stage their job isn’t actually an easy one! The stand-up comedy also has greater connect with the audience and is performed in a conversational way, by talking directly to the audience by way of subtle jokes and one-liners. And, the funniest stand-up comedians in the world are veterans at that.
The art isn’t exactly a new one either. Stand-up comedy has been traditionally known to have been popular among many communities. However, the popularity in the live circuit and theaters has dwindled since then. Many might consider stand-up comedy a dying art, but the 10 Richest Stand-Up Comedians in the World would beg to differ! Some of them are even considered at par with Hollywood A-listers. And, with cafes and nightclubs opening up their doors to the artists recently, it has experienced a fresh bout of popularity. Several indie artists are exploring the genre these days.
There has been a host of stand-up comedians who have made a mark in the industry, some of them legends and old school veterans while some of the new artists on the block are creating waves recently. But, who is the funniest of them all? We are about to find out…
11. Bill Cosby
The veteran artist from The Cosby Show fame is definitely one of the first names that come to mind when you think stand-up comedy. Cosby started his stand-up comedy career at the Hungry I nightclub in San Francisco before bagging a role in the 1960 movie I Spy, and the rest was history!
10. Jerry Seinfeld
Let’s admit it we’ve all laughed our hearts out while watching Seinfeld and it definitely is one of the most widely watched sitcoms out there. So, how could we miss Jerry when we are talking about having a good laugh? The actor, writer, comedian is also a powerhouse on stage and hence earns his place on the list!
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9. Steve Martin
When it comes to stand-up comedy Steve Martin is a brand in his own rights. With his effortless and offbeat style, it can be rightly said that there can be no other quite like him. In the 1980s, he graduated to movies but still continued to provide his audience with a good laugh!
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8. Lenny Bruce
Lenny Bruce has inspired many a counterculture comedy artist with his outspoken and bold style. His acts often contained explicit content and he found himself under the radar several times for it. But, his fearless acts earned him respect among the younger generations and made him into a funnyman without par!
7. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy has had a stellar career in stand up comedy! His released two stand-up specials Delirious and Eddie Murphy Raw, both of which have been box office successes with the latter grossing over $50 million! And, with films like Nutty Professor and the Beverly Hills Cop series, he has also managed to tickle the movie goers.
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6. Richard Pryor
The legendary stand-up comedian has been known for his open-minded acts and his take on issues like racism. Jerry Seinfeld has often referred to him as he ‘Picasso of our profession’. He has won numerous awards in his career including five Grammys and an Emmy award.
5. George Carlin
Stand up-comedian and social critic, George Carlin, was known for his brand of black comedy. He extensively dealt with serious subjects like politics, religion and psychology in his satirical way and brought them to his wide audience in his signature style. He has been a frequent performer on The Tonight Show as well as being the first host of Saturday Night Live!
4. Bill Hicks
Yet another notable performer who has brought social issues to the forefront and weaved them into his acts. He has been known to oppose evils of the media and consumerism repeatedly in his pieces, while his likable and conversational style earned him a mass following.
3. Louis C.K.
He gave us the epic comedy show Louie but it is stand-up comedy that Louis C. K. totally excels in. He has performed stand-up comedy in shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Jimmy Kimmel Live and is known for bringing something fresh to the stage with every gig.
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2. Chris Rock
With his unbeatable energy on stage, Chris Rock has appeared in a number of TV shows and won several awards for his performances. His comedy albums Roll with the New and Bigger the Blacker have won him Grammies while he has also released his comedy book called Rock This!
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1. Robin Williams
The actor-comedian started his career with stand-up comedy and definitely went on to become one of the funniest stand-up comedians in the world! His improvisational skills and the natural flair for comedy makes him a stand-up comedy legend that cannot be replaced. Even though he made some exceptionally funny films as well, his live performances are going to inspire generations to come!
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