by Philip Schallberger

Created on: November 26, 2009

There is an inherent difficulty in trying to point out who were the funniest comedians of all time because comedy itself changes with the culture of the day. Scientific studies have pointed out that 1,000 years ago, the sense of humor for the common person was very different from what it is today, and that can be seen in the (sparse) comedic writings of the day. The comedy of ancient times is seen as outdated and simply not funny; even Shakespearian comedies from only 400 years ago are seen as a pain to sit through. So to say that the funniest is Joe Comedian from way back when shows an inherent bias towards that time period.

So the pursuit then becomes about who the timeless comedians are. The ones that may be old or dead now, but are still seen to be some of the funniest people ever around. It is also important to consider who changed the form, who made comedy what it looks like today. Sure, there were hundreds of deserved comedians throughout time, but which ones made the impact that shaped what we now view as modern comedy? It is with these considerations that these comedians were chosen.

The late George Carlin is perhaps known as the ground-breaker for much of today's political and socially aware comedy. From pointing out multiple hypocrisies in modern society that still hang around today, to brilliant dissections of monotheistic dogma, George Carlin was a master of social commentary. He showed people that comedy can have an inspired message, that it didn't have to be a set-up/punchline mish mash, that it could communicate the errors of our society and encourage change. Though he started out in radio, and even when he started doing comedy he was strictly PC, only doing Bob Hope-ish jokes, he became wrapped up in and eventually became a herald for the 60's counterculture movement. Though he was wildly successful, that did not spare him from drug addiction or an occasional failure to produce something funny. Most people would agree that his comedy in the late 80's and 90's weren't really jokes, but musings from a somewhat troubled person infuriated with society. Regardless, his last HBO special is seen by many as proof that he was one of the greatest comedians who ever lived.

Andy Kaufman would be considered by many, including himself, to not be a comedian at all. People were confused as to whether he was insane or wholly sane and simply genius. There was no question as to his ability, however. He made his national television appearance on the Pilot episode

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>