6 Best All Time Comedians, Ranked

Best All Time Comedians, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Comedy is one of the most beloved genres of media. From comedy specials, books, movies, and shows, adding a bit of laughter throughout your day is healthy and beneficial. So which are the best all time comedians that you should look for when you need a laugh?

With so many iconic names today, like Kevin Hart and John Mulaney, it’s time to branch out to some of the big stars. The ones that started it all with their groundbreaking routines and fearless conversations. These are the best all time comedians that will make you laugh for hours.

6. Richard Pryor

6 Best All Time Comedians, Ranked — Credit: Wiki Commons

One of the best all time comedians is Richard Pryor, a stand-up comedian and actor who reached a broad audience with his observations and storytelling style. He’s widely regarded as one of the best, winning a Primetime Emmy Award and five Grammy Awards. In 2017, he was even ranked first on the Rolling Stone comedian list.

Some of his most famous acting roles include Superman III in 1983 as Gus Gorman, or Bustin’ Loose in 1981 as Joe Braxton. He grew in popularity thanks to his honest storytelling about race, relationships, and his own personal life experiences that broke new ground in stand-up comedy.

5. Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle is next on the list of best all time comedians. Some of his most well-known work includes Chappelle’s Show which ran from 2003-2006 with a total of 33 episodes, as well as A Star is Born as Goerge ‘Noodles’ Stone. During his show, he created satirical comedy sketch episodes. He then had a hiatus, in which he returned to performing more stand-up around the U.S.

He’s received several accolades, like six Emmy Awards, five Grammy Awards, and even two Primetime Emmy Awards for hosting Saturday Night Live in 2016 and 2020. Chappelle is known for his unapologetic humor and groundbreaking sketch series, along with multiple Netflix specials that make him one of the most influential comedians ever.

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4. Sacha Baron Cohen

Sacha Baron Cohen is one of the best all time comedians, as well as an actor, screenwriter, and film producer. He’s best known for his fictional satirical characters Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev, and Admiral General Haffaz Aladeen.

Sacha is regarded as one of the best comedians and most influential and was named the best newcomer at the 1999 British Comedy Awards. Thanks to his amazing creations with Da Ali G Show, which ran from 2000 to 2004, as well as his iconic movie, Borat, he’s one of the most influential comedians of our time.

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3. Robin Williams

Probably one of the most iconic comedians and actors of all time is Robin Williams. Known for his improvisational skills and the wide variety of characters he creates on the spur of the moment and portrayed in films, such as dramas and comedies, Williams is regarded as one of the best all time comedians.

He’s received numerous awards, such as an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and so many more. He’s most known for his work in Good Will Hunting (1997) Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Night at the Museum (2006), and Good Morning, Vietnam (1987). His high energy and quick thinking make him unparalleled in the comedy industry.

2. Jim Carrey

Another one of the most recent comedians is Jim Carrey or James Eugene Carrey. The Canadian-American actor and comedian is known for his energy, similar to Robin Williams, and his slapstick performances.

He spent the 1980s honing his stand-up talent and soon jumped into acting for outrageous and brilliant performances. His most well-known performances include Ace Ventura, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber, all released in 1994. He’s also known for some dramatic roles like The Truman Show.

1. George Carlin

When it comes to the best all time comedians, George Carlin is number one. The pioneer in observational comedy, Carlin’s career spanned five decades and included HBO specials, comedy albums, and television roles. He earned a reputation for being a fearless truth-teller during his routines because of his thoughts on controversial subjects, such as politics and religion.

He’s won five Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album and was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2008. He’s most well-known for his frequent hostings on The Tonight Show and HBO special George Carlin at USC.