by Jerry Corley – Founder of the Stand Up Comedy Clinic
I was asked recently if I would post who I thought were the top comedians of all time. At first I thought, “No problem!” Then as I began to put together my list I realized that it was an impossible task. There are so many great comedians. They are great for so many different reasons. I would just make the list anyway and post it, but it’s by no means an accurate list. I’ll also add an honorable mention. I have to because when I first scribbled my list, I lost it. Then I made a new list. I found the old list and they were different so this is by no means an official list. I would love to hear your thoughts, as comedy is an art and art is subjective. Everyone has different tastes. Feel free to contribute.
1. George Carlin
George was my Mentor. I grew up listening to George. I studied him and actually got to share a limo with him to the airport while in New York. He was both a socio-political comedian and an observational/word-play comedian. His “Seven Words You Can’t Say On Television” is classic. He, in my view, was the best, but then again, he gave me the best advice. He said, “Take the shit that drives you absolutely crazy and make it funny!
2. Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby is, of course, on the list. Here’s another comedian I grew up listening to. Bill wasn’t just a stand up. He was also a sit-down. He was a story teller. His inflections and stories about family and human behavior were so familiar we laughed because we had experienced the “same thing.” in our homes.
Despite his issues and being accused of sexual assault, it doesn’t mean he didn’t do anything for comedy. I might drop him from the list soon, but for now, he stays.
One of my favorite routines is “Kids Are Brain Damaged!”
3. Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor was a favorite and yes, another one of the comedians I grew up listening too. My parents used to play his albums, alongside Carlin and Cosby. The language was never a big deal. My parents used to say, “If you have any questions about the words, just ask.” You could imagine the dinner table discussions that inspired. In general, human behavior sense, there are two types of performers: Givers and Takers. Pryor was a giver. He shared his pain, admitted his faults and pleaded with the audience to like him. And we did!
4. Lenny Bruce – 
What else could you say about Lenny Bruce. He took the bullet for all comedians. Some say he paved the way for just the comedians who use profanity in their routines. But Lenny was grander than that. He paved the way to allow “free speech” in entertainment. Even though his life was short (he lived to 41), his effort and love for the art form and to be able to speak freely in this country, allowed all who followed to do the same.
5. Bob Hope – People forget that when Bob Hope was 75, he was still at the top of his game. He continued to shoot 
television specials and tour the world. Hell, he ran NBC. When he wanted to do a special, he would call the head of N.B.C. and say, “Fred, we want this Sunday.” The head of N.B.C. would say, “Okay, Bob.” And reprogram the network’s entire Sunday evening lineup to accommodate Bob Hope. He was loved all over the world and gave millions to charities. He never did a re-run, EVER! He always wanted his material to be fresh. The only thing that would leave him off this list is that he didn’t write all his own material. He had a well-paid writing staff that was available 24/7.
6. Jerry Seinfeld – Some people would say, “What’s the deal with putting Jerry Seinfeld on the top 10 list?” That’s pure and simple, Jerry Seinfeld took observational material to a whole new level. So much so that he spawned a T.V. show that was nearly canceled in its first airing. It was entitled “The Seinfeld Chronicles.” The show was brought back as “Seinfeld.” It had a very successful run of 9 seasons. Jerry, decided to end the run, not the network. Then despite being set for 6 lifetimes, Jerry went back to doing stand up. Now that’s a comedian. Jerry is worth over 2 billion dollars. So when you ask why Jerry? I got 2 billion reasons. Here’s a clip of Jerry’s first appearance on H.B.O. He was doing the Smothers Brothers special.
7. Paula Poundstone – I had to get a female in here. I know there
are a lot of funny gals out there, but Paula is one of my favorites. Who else can make fun of her suicide attempt and make it funny. She’s quirky and likeable. I always enjoy watching me some Paula Poundstone. I could have put in work-a-holics like Joan Rivers or Phyllis Diller, but, to me, they seemed more like volume contributors rather than substance contributors. Plus, Paula wrote all her own material. Paula is also one who is a “giver” in the Richard Pryor sense. She shares her pain and struggles. The best part of that is that she does it in a way that makes me laugh!
8. Bill Hicks One of the most honest comedians on the face of the planet. His honesty got him notoriety but also got him in trouble. He had limited options because of his honesty and I think that’s why he’s one of my favorites. He took on everything and basically to the “nth” degree. He took George Carlin’s saying, “Take the shit that drives you crazy and make it funny.” He is one of a kind in my book.
9. Steve Martin – Like Lenny Bruce, Steve Martin changed the face of comedy. But he went the other way. His zany antics and use of props took comedy to an entirely different place. He was unique and basically dressed the part. If comedy is incongruity then his white suit, coupled with ‘happy feet’ and the arrow through the head, at the time was legendary. I don’t know how it would play now. But Steve Martin left an impression on the art form.
10. Eddie Murphy – Okay, okay… I know many of you are wondering, “Where’s so-and-so? How can you put together this list and not mention Brian Regan, Milton Berle, Henny Youngman, Jack Benny, Sam Kinnison, George Burns, Mitch Headburg, Ellen DeGenerous, Alan King and so many more? The only thing I can say is the list was not long enough and I put together a list that impacted my life. So Eddie Murphy makes the cut. His Delirious album was one of the funniest I’ve ever listened to, although I preferred Richard Pryor. Eddie sly persona was revealed through that goofy classic Eddie laugh that he carried into films…you know the good ones: Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, etc. Here’s one of my favorites: “Ice Cream”
So that’s it! Please feel free to add your own. Comedy is an amazing art form and I applaud all comedians who work hard in this business. I’m in awe of the struggle they go through to make it and the commitment it takes. To all the comedians out there: YOU ROCK!
LOVE George and still miss him
George Carlin was a philosopher. Without a doubt the best of all time. R.I.P George, we miss you.
Without a doubt, the best. Fortunately, our paths crossed more than a few times. Thanks for sharing, Mark.
It’s uncanny how George Carlin’s style could polarize, yet so many, many people love him. He was my mentor. The best. I think, one of the reasons so many people loved him despite the fact that he had such strong opinions, was the opinions were based in truth. His truth and he had an ability to shape his arguments so you couldn’t argue with them. People appreciate someone who tells their truth despite knowing that their are people who don’t share the same insight.
He could also stir up quite a debate on religion. Watch this clip. Love to hear your thoughts. He masterfully uses the Incongruity Formula and The Compare and Contrast Formula to elicit the laughter.
I just wanted to say that anyone who thinks Jerry Seinfeld doesn’t deserve to be on the top 10 list, is an idiot and understands nothing about comedy.
I am a big fan of Jerry Seinfeld and I usually respect others opinions but not when it comes to Seinfeld. His shows is the best sitcom ever and to me he is the number 1 comedian and I have seen them all to know what I am talking about.
The guy made the smartest routines ever:
– The middle finger!
– Busy doing nothing.
– detergents and bloodstains.
and others…
Not to mention the show! Oh my God the show!!!! costanza and kramer… every single episode is a masterpiece.
Finally, there is another genius in stand-up which you forgot in your list and to me his second to Jerry , Mitch Hedberg…
Thanks for your comment! I loved Mitch Hedberg, but there’s no way he was second to Jerry Seinfeld. Seinfeld put in years and years of writing and performing to get where he is. Mitch was a flash-in-the-pan in comparison. Mitch was great, but not second to Seinfeld, in my humble opinion. What are your thoughts on Louis C.K.?
JIM CARREY IS BEST _ INDEED.
Paul Mooney, Dave Chapelle, and Chris Rock should be on this list.
Russel Petters is the best and racist person.
chris rock , chris tucker, damon wayans, dave chappelle,
Pretty great list.
Kenny I think anyone who gets up and makes people laugh and forget their shit for an hour is great…. I loved Sam Kinison of course…Richard Pryor was like my idol because like Sam you could see his vulnerability under his tremendous wit and wisdom, Eddie Murphy Delerious and Raw unbelievable, some greats that weren’t mentioned like Cris Rock, I remember I memorized Howie Mandel’s routine when he used to wear that big fuck up glove purse or what ever. I used to recite that word for word to this beautiful girl for hours.. COMEDY GOTTA LOVE IT!
Sigh. You’re all so young. I’m partial to those who leave me giggling helplessly, so I offer the following: Victor Borge, the Smothers Brothers, Lewis Black, John Candy, Buddy Hackett, Paul Lynde, Donald O’Connor, and yes, Paula Poundstone and Steve Martin. Also very fond of these curiously overlooked comics: John Stuart, Stephen Colbert, and Tom Bergeron.
“Greatest of All Time” without Sam Kinison?
Yeah Dude, I loved Sam as much as or more than the next guy, but you have to consider that “all time” means all time. Sam was only hot for a few years before he did himself in. We don’t even know if he had endurance or if he could survive at the top for the long term, so in terms of all time, there are too many other comedians that have to be considered for the top 10. If I was doing a list of top 25 or top 10 of the 88 – 92 list, then Kinison would’ve made the cut.
where’s the all time king of comedy? Red Skelton?
substitute paula with louis ck.
Bill Hicks and George Carlin are the best; Titans of comedy and philosophy.
Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Bill Cosby and Chris Rock are the greatest in that order.
Yeah, Jim Carrey was a great stand up. But where is his stand-up act today? Doesn’t make the cut. We would first have to put Andy Kaufman, right?
Without a doubt all of them belong somewhere on the list. But who would they go instead of… maybe Bob Hope. But you can’t replace Eddie or Richard right?
Nice contribution! If you mention Chris Rock, don’t you HAVE to mention Paul Mooney? Awesome! and of course Damon Wayons doesn’t hold a candle to Chappelle!
Nice contribution! Agreed. Victor Borge is legendary! Smothers as well, but they were a team, so they didn’t make the cut. Lewis Black needs more mileage first. John Candy NOT a stand up. Yay! Buddy Hackett! Loved Buddy!
Thanks Valdene!
Love Sam, but no longevity. His career lasted like 8 years.
Louis C.K. will have to be on the revised list. He’s changing the face of comedy! Great suggestion!
Nice! I would probably put Paul Mooney before Chris Rock, but I love me some Chris Rock.
dave chappelle or russel peters?
Hey, Where is Russel peters, carlin and hicks make you think in a funny way but never get your ass laughing until you shit, I don’t even find them funny.
Yes, Russel Peters is fantastic, you’re right, but not yet legendary. He’s barely a household name. Give him time and longevity. Thanks!
sir I personally think ROBIN WILLIAMS should be on the list.
sir I personally think robin williams should be on the list!
no
Not even a comment for Louis C.K. No Rodney Dangerfield? Stephen Lynch? How about Larry the Cable Guy?
Cosby will forever be my number one.
I agree with you that George is the best. Truly a comic genius.
Andrew Dice Clay should be on this list he’s a comedy genius.
everyone has their personal favs but the extremely disappointing thing about this list is it doesnt have a single contemporary comic. more than half these people are dead. listen to something new, theres a LOT of talent out these days. consider how many other comics admit Dave Chappele is the greatest living comedian… can we move into the new century now? not saying the old ones arent funny (I love Carlin) but damn this list coulda been made 30 years ago.
My Top Ten:
1. Rodney Dangerfield
2. Stewart Francis
3. Gary Delaney
4. Jimmy Carr
5. Phyllis Diller
6. Milton Jones
7. Frankie Boyle
8. Mitch Hedberg
9. Steven Wright
10. Henny Youngman
How can Robin Williams be left off the list. Jonathan Winters, Tim Conway,
Don Rickles. I’m quite sure there’s more. Joan Rivers should be on the list.
Rodney dangerfield has to be number one
Greg Giraldo was the funniest human being in the history of the planet … And it isn’t close. People mostly know him from the Comedy Central roasts (and he was always the funniest by far) but his stand up routines were brilliant. Pure genius … In the same vein as Carlin and Hicks, but much funnier.
Bill Burr’s A+ material is right up there with Greg but he doesn’t hit that high note nearly as often. Just one man’s opinion.
Chris rock, Russell Peters
I think dave chappalle should be on there
Lots of awesome comedians mentioned….but i have to ask, where is Billy Connolly on this list?
1.Bill Cosby
2.Eddy Murphy
3.Jerry Seinfield
4.Richard Pryor
5.Robin Williams
6.Paula Poundstone
7.
how about the threee stooges or lucille ball,i mean every tv show was hilarious and jerry seinfeld is a dumb jew,the only reason he was on his tv show is he some wrote some of it,kramer was really the funny one on seinfeld
Where is jim carrey and robin williams
1. George Carlin
2. Richard Pryor
3. Robin Williams
4. Bill Cosby
5. Lenny Bruce
6. Bob Hope
7. Steve Martin
8. Eddie Murphy
9. Johnathan Winters
10. John Belushi
That’s my 10 your choices where nice, but I’m just giving my own personal favorites.
sir what about Louis ck..where does he stand??
where is lucille ball? carol burnett? phyllis diller ? lucille ball should be number one. her career latest most of her life and she made several movies (one with bob hope), had a hugely successful TV show and several after that did well, could sing, dance, act, do comedy skits, the greatest comedic talent on my list. rodney dangerfield? hilariously funny. and of course robin williams another great talent.
[…] Manly Minute: Top 5 Greatest Comedians I was asked recently if I would post who I thought were the top comedians of all time. At first, I thought, “No problem!” Then as I began to put together my list I realized that it was an impossible task. There are so many great comedians. They are great for so many different reasons. I would just make the list anyway and post it, but it’s by no means an accurate list. I’ll also add an honorable mention. Read more […]