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There are comedians, and then there are comedians. It is impossible to grade them as you would Olympic athletes' times in the 100 meter sprint. Consider the difference between the quiet, scripted humor of Jack Benny and the insane total improv of Robin Williams. Both are skilled comedians, but who would dare to rate one funnier?

As a very old guy who has seen and studied 'em all, from the pantomimists of the 20s to the toilet-mouthed stand-ups of the 00s, I feel I am somewhat of an expert. Who dares to challenge me? Here is my top 20 list, and not necessarily in rank order. I wouldn't presume to be able to do that.

1. Groucho Marx: A cynical clown with the analytical mind of a mad Einstein and the poisoned pen of an insane poet.
2. Robin Williams: His mind works like a computer gone haywire, and his contemporary remarks are always right on target.
3. Lucille Ball: She invented the funny sit-com, and her rule of the genre can never be challenged.
4. Bill Cosby: As a stand-up or TV dad, he brings a loving, gentle humor most comedians could never even imagine.
5. Johnny Carson: He ruled late night for 30 years, and was always a joy to watch, twitches and all.
6. Jay Leno: A deserving heir to Carson, he's like your best buddy who always has something funny to say about everything.
7. Red Skelton: The circus clown who talked and pantomimed with the innocence and brilliance of a small child.
8. Bob Hope: The first sophisticated stand-up who spawned Carson and Cosby. Maybe more important, a great American.
9. Joan Rivers: Before she started hawking chotchkas on TV, her self-depreciating wit and delivery were superb.
10. Sid Caesar: A frantic genius of pantomime who ruled Saturday night TV when he was most needed by the boob tube.
11. Charlie Chaplin: His wonderful little schlemele of a tramp will always be treasured as a comedy immortal.
12. Jonathan Winters: Great pantomimist and improv comedian with the face and personality of a frustrated bear.
13. Redd Foxx: He went from strip joint tummler to TV star, but thankfully, never changed his in-your-face humor.
14. Jeff Foxworthy: Deceptively brilliant, his "you know you're a redneck" routine alone is worth the price of admission.
15. Lenny Bruce: Because he died early, his fans revere him. He fathered the dirty-mouth era, but thought about it too much.
16. Eddie Murphy: Also started as dirty-mouthed stand-up comedian, he has a sharp mind and brilliant delivery, also talented and versatile actor.
17. George Carlin: A thinking man's dirty-mouthed comedian, his mind works fast and funny.
18. Harpo Marx: Strictly a pantomimist, but with a wistful naughtiness that made him hilariously endearing.
19. Buster Keaton: A silent star who sadly couldn't hack it in sound; his hound-dog face and physical skills were classic.
20. Mel Brooks: An excellent comedian himself, his greatness may be in creating comedy with his unique anarchic talent.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
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