Funniest comedians of all time

Comedy is tough, but these 19 jokers have carved a lasting niche in the world of humor. From the quintessential late-night host to the first Asian-American to have her own sitcom, here are America’s top

 

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor’s blend of social commentary and comedy still resonates.

Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers, known as one of the original celebrity insult comics, has a famous catchphrase and a new reality show

George Carlin

George Carlin, the controversial comedian’s comedian, started out with family-friendly routines for top ’60s TV shows.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey broke into the boy’s club as the first woman head writer of an iconic comedy show.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy spoofed a famous green guy on “SNL” and was later a film sidekick to another green guy.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby was the quintessential TV dad; did his show also pave the way for President Barack Obama?

Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin upsets her mom and delights fans with her dishy stand-up.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique, an anointed Queen of Comedy, is now taking late-night by storm.

Ellen DeGeneres

Before the characters Will Truman and Kurt Hummel,  Ellen DeGeneres came out as gay on prime time TV.

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy is about nothing — not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin took monologues to new heights with her acclaimed one-woman show.

Bob Newhart

Bob Newhart, the king of the one-sided conversations, played Will Ferrell’s pint-sized dad on film.

Dane Cook

Story-telling comedian Dane Cook is preparing to star in a dramatic Broadway play.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock, who got his start in sketch comedy, is starring in a Broadway play.

Jim Carrey

The prowess of Jim Carrey ranges from Fire Marshall Bill to serious acting roles.

Woody Allen

Despite a 1990s s** scandal,  Woody Allen remains the archetypal New York nebbish.

Bob Hope

Urbane and witty, Bob Hope entertained troops and hosted the ultimate awards show.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho broke a barrier on television and made comedic history.

Johnny Carson

Sure, Jay, Dave and Conan are funny, but they’re all following in Johnny Carson’s footsteps.