Louis C.K.

Louis C.K. is an American-Mexican comedian, writer, and actor who gained popularity in the '90s writing for shows like "The Chris Rock Show" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." He is perhaps best known for his stand-up comedy, which often explores supposed taboo subjects, including intercourse, race, and religion.

Widely regarded as one of the funniest comedians of all time, he has released several critically acclaimed specials, such as "Hilarious," "Live at the Beacon Theater," and "Oh My God." Twice, the star has been awarded the Grammy for Best Comedy Album, and he has won several Emmy Awards for his work in television shows.

Bill Burr

Bill Burr is a multi-talented comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster. He started his comic career doing stand-up shows in the '90s and has since become one of the industry's most popular and successful acts. He has released several specials, including "Paper Tiger," "Walk Your Way Out," and "I'm Sorry You Feel That Way," and appeared in numerous television shows and movies.

Burr is known for his edgy, often controversial, and politically incorrect humor. He speaks his mind without holding back when discussing any topic. And his creations, such as the Netflix animated sitcom "F Is for Family," have proven to be hugely popular with audiences worldwide.

Dave Chappelle

David Chappelle is undeniably one of the funniest comedians in the world. His satirical comedy sketches on "Chappelle's Show" in the early 21st century earned him the title of "comic genius of America" by Esquire. And Rolling Stone ranked him as the ninth-best stand-up comic of all time in 2017.

Chappelle's talent extends beyond sketch comedy, as he has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Robin Hood: Men in Tights and A Star Is Born." His witty and provocative style has earned him six Emmy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Jerry Seinfeld

Regarding comedy, few names are as iconic as Jerry Seinfeld. With his unique observational humor and wit, he has solidified himself as one of the best comics. From his self-titled hit sitcom to his stand-up performances and famous web series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," Seinfeld has entertained audiences for decades.

In fact, in 2004, Comedy Central named him the 12th-greatest stand-up comedian of all time. His success has earned him numerous award nominations, including twenty Primetime Emmy Awards and four Grammy Awards. With his lasting impact on the industry, it's safe to say that Seinfeld will continue to make us laugh for many years to come.

Chris Rock

It's hard to ignore Chris Rock in the comic scene. He has become a household name with a career spanning over three decades. Beginning his early days as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live," he went on to star in numerous award-winning HBO comedy specials and ranks as one of the most notable and daring performers in the world of entertainment.

In addition to being a stand-up comedian, Rock is also an accomplished actor and filmmaker. With starring roles in productions like "The Longest Yard," the "Madagascar" series, and "Grown Ups," he has proven that he's just as talented on the big screen as he is on stage.

Kevin Hart

Without a doubt, Kevin Hart is one of the funniest comedians of all time. He started his career as a stand-up performer, winning several competitions before Judd Apatow cast him in a recurring role on "Undeclared." Since then, he has become a Hollywood star, appearing in films like "Scary Movie 3" and "Jumanji."

Acting may have made him more famous, but his stand-up comedy cemented his reputation as a comic genius. His albums, including "I'm a Grown Little Man," "Seriously Funny," and "Let Me Explain," are all highly acclaimed. And he was even named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

Amy Schumer

From her beginnings in stand-up comedy to her success on Comedy Central, Amy Schumer has proven she has the talent to make people laugh. Her career has been nothing short of impressive since the early '00s, and she even made her film debut in "Trainwreck," which received critical acclaim and award nominations.

Additionally, her memoir "The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo" was a best-seller, and she has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards. In 2018, Schumer made her Broadway debut and was nominated for a Tony Award. She remains a comedic force to be reckoned with and has been praised for using her jokes to address social issues.

George Carlin

George Carlin was one of the funniest comedians in history, known for his black comedy and sociocultural criticisms of American society. His reflections on politics, language, psychology, religion and taboo subjects were central to his stand-up routines. He had a "seven dirty words" routine that was so controversial it led to a Supreme Court case about censorship.

Carlin's film roles and voice acting also contributed to his legacy as a comedic icon. He was the first to host "Saturday Night Live" in 1975 and was a frequent performer and guest host on "The Tonight Show." His humor will continue to make us laugh for generations to come.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a comedian worthy of this list. The American comic and actress made a name for herself through stand-up performances, where she fearlessly tackles social and political issues, particularly around race and personal orientation. She initially performed for Jerry Seinfeld before moving her career to Hollywood.

Although bearing Korean roots, Cho rose to fame after her stint on the ABC sitcom "All-American Girl" and has since established herself in the industry. She is one of the funniest performers with her sharp wit and biting commentary. Not content to make people laugh, she is also a staunch supporter of LGBT rights and humanitarianism.

Catherine Tate

Another woman with a sharp comedic wit is Catherine Tate. With that and her impeccable delivery, the London-born star has entertained audiences for years in various roles in TV shows and films. "The Catherine Tate Show," which aired from 2004 to 2007, was hugely successful and earned her numerous awards.

Her versatility was further showcased with her role in "Doctor Who" as Donna Noble and her recurring role in UK's "The Office" as Nellie Bertram. Tate's talent extends beyond acting, as she co-wrote and co-directed the 2022 Netflix comedy series, "Hard Cell," in which she also starred as six different characters. She is truly among the best comedians.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy gained fame for his sketch comedy work on "Saturday Night Live." He became a successful stand-up comedian, ranking in the top ten on Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time. Being a versatile actor, he has received multiple awards for his performances, including his role in the "Beverly Hills Cop" series.

Murphy is known for playing multiple roles in his films and has also worked as a voice actor for animated movies such as "Shrek" and "Mulan." His shows have grossed over $6.7 billion worldwide, making him one of the most successful comedic actors in the industry.

Steve Martin

With a career spanning decades and multiple accolades, Stephen Martin has undoubtedly earned his place among the top comedians worldwide. From his beginnings as a writer for "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" to his successful stand-up tours in the '70s, Martin has consistently made audiences laugh with his offbeat and absurdist humor.

Frequently, he vehemently articulates his liberal perspectives on various delicate matters. But his sense of humor has also seen him become a successful actor, starring in numerous hit films like "L.A. Story." In recent years, Martin has continued making audiences laugh with his national comedy tours and hit television series "Only Murders in the Building."

Rodney Dangerfield

Rodney Dangerfield was a comedy legend known for his self-deprecating one-liner humor and iconic catchphrase, "I don't get no respect!" He started his career as a stand-up comic at the Fantasy Lounge in New York City, gaining popularity with appearances on late-night talk shows in the '60s and 70s. He eventually became a headliner on the Las Vegas casino circuit.

Dangerfield's catchphrase came from an attempt to improve one of his stand-up jokes, which eventually became a permanent feature of his comedic persona. He starred in successful films such as "Caddyshack," "Easy Money," and "Back to School," with occasional dramatic roles before his death in 2004.

Don Rickles

Don Rickles was a legendary American stand-up comedian and actor known for his insult comedy. He starred in several popular films, including the '50s movie "Run Silent, Run Deep" and the 1995 movie with Robert De Niro "Casino." He also had his own variety and sitcom shows.

Rickles was a veteran headline performer in Las Vegas and a peripheral member of the famous Rat Pack. He appeared as a frequent guest on several popular talk shows and voiced Mr. Potato Head in the "Toy Story" franchise. Three years before his death in 2017, he was honored by fellow comedians in a special show titled "Don Rickles: One Night Only."

Lewis Black

American stand-up comedian and actor Lewis Black is known for his angry rants about politics, history, religion, and other cultural trends. He was the host of Comedy Central's "Lewis Black's Root of All Evil" until the show's cancellation after two seasons, and he makes regular appearances on "The Daily Show."

Lewis gained notoriety for his Back in Black commentary segment in which he delivers humorous lines about life's most annoying things while impersonating characters and mimicking facial expressions. He has been ranked on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest stand-up comedians of all time and has even lent his angry voice to the Pixar film "Inside Out."

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais is regarded as one of the funniest performers in British comedy. With a decades-long career, he has become a versatile performer, writer, and director. Gervais has won numerous awards for his work in television, film, and stand-up comedy and is perhaps best known for co-creating and starring in the British television sitcoms "The Office" and "Extras."

In addition, Gervais has hosted the Golden Globe Awards five times—most recently in 2020—cementing his place as one of the world's most influential and beloved comedians. Interestingly, he initially pursued a music career in the early '80s before realizing his comic potential.

Steven Wright

Steven Wright is a comedian known for his unique delivery of ironic, philosophical, and nonsensical jokes. His deadpan voice and one-liners with contrived situations earned him a place among Rolling Stone's list of the 50 Greatest Stand-up Comics. But Wright's talents are not limited to stand-up comedy.

The comedic genius has also won an Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Film because of his work on "The Appointments of Dennis Jennings." He has also been nominated twice for Primetime Emmy Awards as a producer of "Louie." At the same time, his supporting role in the web series Horace and Pete also earned him a Peabody Award.

Bill Cosby

Recognizing Bill Cosby's contributions to American and African-American culture is important. The legendary comic paved the way for black entertainers, becoming the first African American to win an Emmy Award for acting in 1966. He also produced and starred in the highly successful sitcom "The Cosby Show," which showcased an affluent African-American family and was rated as the number-one show in America for several years.

Although Cosby's legal troubles may have overshadowed his comedic legacy, his immense talent is still worth acknowledging. He loves making family jokes, and between 1965 and 1970, he released multiple standup comedy albums, consecutively winning him the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.

Jim Carrey

When it comes to comedy, Jim Carrey is undoubtedly one of the greatest. Known for his energetic slapstick performances, Carrey first gained recognition in the American sketch comedy television series "In Living Color." From there, he became a huge movie star, starring in some of the most iconic comedies of the '90s, such as "The Mask."

But Carrey is not just a comedic actor. He has also succeeded in dramatic roles, earning Golden Globe Awards for "The Truman Show" and "Man on the Moon." His jokes are said to lighten the mood, whether it's his over-the-top physical impressions or his nuanced dramatic performances.

Sarah Silverman

At 17, Sarah Silverman set the ball rolling in her career when she performed stand-up comedy in Boston. Although her first performance was unsuccessful, it did not deter her from her goals. Silverman went on to do a brief stint on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" and her own show, "The Sarah Silverman Program."

Her jokes address social taboos and controversial topics, including racism, toxic masculinity, homophobia, politics, and religion, making her a trailblazer in the world of comedy. Silverman's unique brand of humor has earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards and a legion of fans who appreciate her fearless approach.

Russell Peters

Born to Indian immigrant parents, Canadian comic Russell Peters started performing in Toronto in 1989. Since then, he has won a Gemini Award and has been named number three on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid comedians. Peters was also the first comedian to get a Netflix stand-up special.

In addition to his comedy career, he has won prestigious awards for producing "Hip-Hop Evolution," including the Peabody Award and the International Emmy Award for Best Arts Programming. Despite living in Los Angeles, Peters still performs stand-up comedy shows around the world, making audiences laugh with his unique sense of humor.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr is a well-known American actress, comedian, writer, and producer who gained fame through her work in the television sitcom "Roseanne." After starting with performances at clubs in Denver and various other locations across Colorado, Barr made her way to The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, where she performed and eventually landed a spot on "The Tonight Show."

Her stand-up career began in 1980, and she continued to gain notoriety with other performances in the late '80s and early '90s. While her comedy covers a range of topics, Barr often uses her platform to make jokes centered around issues related to women's empowerment and motherhood.

Billy Connolly

From his humble beginnings as a welder in the Glasgow shipyards to becoming one of the greatest stand-up acts, Billy Connolly has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Known for his distinctive and often improvised observational comedy, he has topped many UK polls as the best stand-up comedian ever.

Before finding his calling in comedy, the retired comedian spent five years as a boilermaker apprentice, participating in constructing an oil platform in Biafra, Nigeria, and also formed a folk-pop duo with folk singer Danny Kyle. His career has spanned music, film, television, and art, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to the industry.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer is one of the funniest comedians doing the Black community proud. Known for his unique brand of comedy, he has entertained audiences with his stand-up performances and acting roles. He rose to fame after hosting BET's "ComicView" and "Def Comedy Jam," but is best known for co-starring with Steve Harvey on "The Steve Harvey Show" and his role in "Barbershop."

Not many know that Cedric has also done voice work for popular animated films such as "Ice Age," "Madagascar," and "Planes." He currently stars in the CBS sitcom "The Neighborhood" and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019.

Wanda Sykes

Many know and love Wanda Sykes, more recently for her current role in the Netflix original series "The Upshaws." The American stand-up comedian, actress, and writer has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She began as a writer on The Chris Rock Show and won a Primetime Emmy Award for her work in 1999.

Sykes is known for her roles on popular television shows such as "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Black-ish." She has also appeared in films, including "Monster-in-Law" and "License to Wed." You may even recognize her voice and wit in animations like "Brother Bear 2" and the "Ice Age" franchise.

Deon Cole

Deon Anthony Cole is a comedian, actor, and screenwriter who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. His career began strangely after being dared by a friend to perform on stage in Chicago for a $50 bet. Cole has since discovered his talent for telling jokes after that.

Soon after, he became a skilled writer for "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien." But his breakout role came in the sitcom "Black-ish," where he played a recurring character that earned him nominations for several awards. In addition to his television work, he has performed stand-up shows, showcasing humor combining wit, observational comedy, and social commentary.

Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey is one of the most recognizable names in comedy today. Starting as a stand-up comedian in the '80s, he went on to host multiple television shows, including "Family Feud," "Celebrity Family Feud," and "Judge Steve Harvey." He has won seven Daytime Emmy Awards, two Marconi Awards, and 14 NAACP Image Awards in various categories.

Harvey is also an accomplished author, having written four books, including the bestseller "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." That inspired the "Think Like a Man" film series, which garnered great reviews. In addition to his entertainment career, Harvey founded Steve Harvey Global, an entertainment company that houses his various ventures.

Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah is a multi-talented comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and former television host. The South African star is best known for his hosting role on "The Daily Show," an American late-night talk show and satirical news program on Comedy Central, which he hosted from 2015 to 2022.

He has won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy, and has been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine. Noah began his career in South Africa in 2002 and has since become a global sensation, hosting numerous shows, writing books, and even hosting significant events like the Grammy Awards and White House Correspondents Dinner.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish is a stand-up comedian and actress who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. After several guest appearances on television series and lead roles in cable dramas, she gained recognition for her performance as Nekeisha Williams in "The Carmichael Show."

However, her breakthrough came in the 2017 comedy film "Girls Trip," which earned her multiple accolades. She also won a Primetime Emmy Award for hosting "Saturday Night Live." Haddish has starred in several other television series and won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for her "Black Mitzvah." Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018.

Jamie Foxx

In 1989, Eric Marlon Bishop took on the challenge of performing at an open mic night in a comedy club after being dared by his girlfriend. Bishop eventually became Jamie Foxx on stage to honor the memory of the late black comedian Redd Foxx. And he has since enjoyed a successful career spanning decades.

Jamie became a household name after his stunning portrayal of Ray Charles in the 2004 biographical film "Ray," which won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. He started his career in comedy as a cast member on the sketch show "In Living Color" and later starred in his own sitcom, "The Jamie Foxx Show."

D.C. Young Fly

John Whitfield, also known as DC Young Fly, is a comedian and actor who gained fame through his roasting sessions on Instagram and Vine. He is a recurring cast member on the funny show "Wild 'N Out" and hosted the "Total Request Live" revival on MTV.

DC Young Fly's brand of humor is known for being raw and unfiltered, often touching on sensitive topics in a comedic manner. He quickly became a rising star, with a rapidly growing fanbase and numerous television and film appearances. He recently established "DC Comedy Exchange," his very own improv club, located in Miami Beach, Florida.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is known for her unique sense of humor and is one of only 18 people who has won an EGOT, which includes an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She began her career on stage in 1983 with her one-woman show, "Spook Show," which transferred to Broadway under the title "Whoopi Goldberg." She won a Grammy for Best Comedy Album for the show's recording.

Her film breakthrough came in 1985 with her role as Celie in "The Color Purple," for which she won a Golden Globe. She also starred in "Ghost" and the "Sister Act" franchise, becoming the highest-paid actress at the time.

Katt Williams

No one would have believed that Kat Williams would become one of the top comics in the world. Born in Cincinnati in 1971, he started performing comedy in his hometown before moving to Florida to support himself as a street vendor at 13 years old. He is now known for his unique delivery style and raunchy yet thought-provoking humor.

Williams honed his craft on stages nationwide, eventually becoming an established comic and appearing on BET's "ComicView" as Katt "In the Hat" Williams. He has since starred in numerous comedy specials and movies, including "Norbit," and can make great jokes about anything!

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones is a force to be reckoned with in the comedy world. Born in the late '60s, her foray into the industry began in 1987 when a friend registered her for the Funniest Person on Campus competition. Her routine involves self-deprecating humor and dispensing pearls of wisdom through her jokes.

Jones has gained worldwide recognition for her work and is best known for her time on "Saturday Night Live," where she served as a cast member and writer from 2014 to 2019. Her talents also extend beyond comedy, as she has appeared in the hit movie "Ghostbusters" and now hosts the ABC game show "Supermarket Sweep."

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres is one of the most natural comics in the industry, with a career spanning over four decades. Her stand-up comedy began in the '80s, and she soon became a regular on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." In the 90s, she starred in her own sitcom, "Ellen," which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award.

DeGeneres began hosting her own talk show in 2003, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which ran until 2022 and garnered her 33 Daytime Emmy Awards. The talk show host has also acted in films and provided the voice of Dory in "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory."

Kathleen Madigan

Talented American comedian and TV personality Kathleen Madigan is known for her stand-up performances. However, she started as a journalist for the Suburban Journals newspapers and the Missouri Athletic Club. Madigan found her calling in comedy after performing at open mic nights in St. Louis, and her father encouraged her to pursue it as a career.

Eventually, she landed a 30-week booking at The Funny Bone, a chain of comedy clubs, and it's been uphill from there. Madigan has appeared on numerous TV programs, including "The Tonight Show," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," and "Celebrity Poker Showdown." She recently launched her own podcast called "Madigan's Pubcast."

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby's unique and thoughtful approach to comedy has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Her comedic career started interestingly while visiting her sister in Adelaide, Australia. During her stay, she competed in the 2006 Raw Comedy contest and emerged as the winner.

Following that victory, she also participated in "So You Think You're Funny?" and earned the second award. Gadsby has since produced multiple funny shows, including her Netflix special "Nanette," and has employed her comedic talents to champion the rights of the LGBTQ community. With her latest show, "Douglas," and her memoir, "Ten Steps to Nanette," Gadsby inspires with her insightful humor.

Whitney Cummings

One of the funniest comedians of all time, Whitney Cummings, began her career by performing in stand-up shows and starring in low-budget films. However, she quickly rose to fame after appearing in multiple television shows and comical roasts. In 2011, she created and starred in the sitcom "Whitney," which received mixed reviews.

But despite the setbacks, Cummings continued to pursue her passion, releasing multiple specials and publishing her first book, "I'm Fine...And Other Lies." Her jokes are straight to the point, and she continues to entertain audiences with her hilarious stand-up comedy and relatable humor on her podcast, "Good for You."

Lilly Singh

Lilly Singh, also known as Superwoman, is a Canadian YouTuber who has made a name for herself as among the funniest comedians. Singh has become a household name with over 14.7 million subscribers and three billion video views. Her jokes seem aimed at discussing discrimination in the United States, and she has written a New York Times Best Seller on how to conquer life.

Singh has received numerous awards, including an MTV Fandom Award, four Streamy Awards, two Teen Choice Awards, and a People's Choice Award. She also made history as the first person of Indian descent to host an American major broadcast network late-night talk show.

Sindhu Vee

Sindhu Vee is an Indian actress and stand-up comedian who makes audiences laugh with her witty humor. Born in New Delhi, she moved to the United Kingdom and worked in investment banking before discovering her passion for comedy. Sindhu made her debut on "Sandhog," and in 2018, she was awarded the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer.

She has since performed on stages across the UK, India, and the United States, earning the BBC New Comedy Award and the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year nominations. Vee has also made numerous television appearances and starred as Mrs. Phelps in the 2022 Netflix adaptation of "Matilda the Musical."

Jimmy O. Yang

Born in Shanghai, China, Jimmy O. Yang is a name that can't be missed in the comedy industry. Only after moving to the United States did he discover stand-up, and despite his parents' objections, he decided to pursue it as a career. Yang eventually made it big after his humble beginnings as "Lowball Jim" at the Ha Ha Comedy Club in North Hollywood.

Now a well-known actor, stand-up comedian, and writer, his comic routine still often touches on topics related to his family and ethnicity. Some may remember him from movies like "Crazy Rich Asians." In 2020, he released his own comedy special, "Good Deal."

Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker is one of the most well-known American comedians of his generation. Born in the '70s, he started his career as a stand-up performer on the HBO comedy series "Def Comedy Jam" in the '90s. After several successful appearances, Tucker went on to appear in many popular films, including "Friday," "Money Talks," and "Jackie Brown.

However, he is perhaps best known for his role as Detective James Carter in the "Rush Hour" series, for which he received critical acclaim. Tucker's influences include Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, and he has been known for his hilarious impressions since high school.

Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon is a talented American television host, actor, rapper, and comedian who has succeeded in various fields. He started his career as a teenager on "All That" after performing comedy on his father's local cable access program. Then he went on to host numerous shows like "Wild 'n Out," "America's Got Talent," and "The Masked Singer."

Despite being a rapper, Cannon is known for his thoughtful approach to humor, carefully choosing his words to ensure his jokes are suitable for anyone uncomfortable with curse words. Although he faced criticism in the past for some controversial remarks, he remains one of the top comics of all time.

Woody Allen

Retirement does not diminish the exceptional talent that makes Woody Allen one of the greatest comedians ever. His career spanned over six decades, starting in the '50s writing for television before performing stand-up comedy in Greenwich Village alongside several other comics.

Allen started crafting jokes at 15 and soon developed a unique monologue style and persona. He then moved into filmmaking with slapstick comedies such as "Take the Money and Run," "Bananas," and "Sleeper." Allen often stars in his films, playing the same persona he developed doing stand-up. He has won numerous awards, including four Oscars, two Golden Globes, and a Grammy.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro's deadpan delivery style and dry humor make her a household name in the comedy industry. She is a versatile personality who transitioned from singing in the '90s and has become a radio host and actress. Notaro has been recognized for her talents, being nominated for several prestigious awards, including a Grammy and Primetime Emmy.

Her 2012 album "Live" stands out, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences through her unique and relatable material. Initially, Notaro maintained a detached and observant style of comedy, but now she contemplates her childhood and life experiences. But irrespective of style, her success paves the way for other female comedians.