| I said No, but I want a regular banana later, so yeah. Much like Steven Wright, Mitch Hedberg was a master at delivering absurd one-liners, often through closed eyes and shaggy hair. Chevy Chase, What Happened To Hayden Christensen After Star Wars. | A Texas teenager cuts her hair short and becomes an outlaw martyr with her brother and friends. | Gross: He garnered another Emmy nomination as co-executive producer for Dinner for Five, served as executive producer on 2008's Iron Man, and directed 2009 romantic comedy Couples Retreat. 96 min | She's worked with organizations including the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Waterkeeper Alliance, Environment California, was a founding member of the Earth Communications Office, and served on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation. $14.93M, R With two-drinks (minimum) in our bellies we gathered round to discuss the criteria, boiling it down to not only who was the funniest, but also giving ample weight to originality and the size of the footprint they left on Americas comedy scene in the 20th and 21st centuries. Bernie Lomax (Terry Kiser) is the president of a corporation as well as Larry Wilson (Andrew McCarthy) and Richard Parker's (Jonathan Silverman) boss. His stand-up specials in the late-70s and 80s were fast, furious, and full of hysterical impressions, and they paved the way for a hugely successful film career. 122,775 | Stars: Wait for itwait for is. George Carlin is the greatest stand-up comedian of all time. That's just what Bernie Kiser did in Weekend at Bernie's, the classic comedy centered around two dudes' attempt to pass their dead boss off as living, breathing, and ready to party after he's murdered in a corporate cover-up gone awry. He was a master of timing and delivery which made him a hit with audiences far and wide, but he was also loved by fellow comics for his generosity and willingness to help up-and-comers. As he told NPR in 2008, "I was making people laugh. Stars: Stars: Eddie exploded onto the scene as a cast member of a highly popular sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, it was his comedy specials that catapulted him to stardom. $67.00M, R From the late '40s to the mid-'60s, artists like Homer & Jethro were popular both as comedians and musicians, but by the beginning of the '70s, country comedy became the provinces of comedians. We may earn a commission from these links. Williams was able to expertly and effortlessly incorporate a wide range of comedic styles into his performances, all delivered in rapid-fire style and with irreverent wit. Bette Midler, Richard Pryor Actor | Superman III Highly influential, and always controversial, African-American actor/comedian who was equally well known for his colorful language during John Hughes Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists. Nothing gets bigger than Eddie Murphys glorious 1980s stand-up comedy special RAW. It was all that and then some and a bag of chips. Kim Greist, And now, for our money, the masters of the tickled rib: the 25 best stand-up comedians of all time, in no particular order (kinda). | Though she's appeared in film and TV now and then, she's largely got her priorities held more close to home. Required fields are marked *. Director: Web1. Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi. 371,131 Posted by Juan | Movies, Pop Culture, TV | 0 |. Comedy, Musical. | | Judge Reinhold Getty Images Judge Reinhold 's 1980s career is absolutely stuffed with comedy triumphs of the decade: Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Beverly Hills This talent has served him well in the decades since his two most famous movies, from public television to wry, referential commercials. Honey, I Shrunk The Kids(1989) is a family-friendly movie. $83.40M, R Alongside her faithful droid of honor Dot Matrix, voiced by the inimitable Joan Rivers, Princess Vespa flees an arranged marriage, encounters an enormous spaceship shaped like a maid, and finds love with the ever-so-handsome Lone Starr. Director: Michael Ritchie Amy Heckerling | 94 min Roseanne Barr, born in Salt Lake City, Utah, rose to fame in the 1980s with a brash comedic style that broke the traditional mold for female comedians. John Landis Even though his movies have been hit and miss, he still makes you stop what youre doing and pay attention when he grabs the mic. 92 min She had her own sketch comedy show in 1992, The Edge, appeared in everything from Clueless to Batman: The Animated Series, and even had a parody character in Tiny Toon Adventures called Julie Bruin. His debut album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, famously went to #1, knocking Elvis Presley out of the top spot, but that was just the beginning as both of his long-running sitcoms are among the funniest in TV history. His career spanned more than 50 years and included many memorable roles, from Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World to playing Williams dad on Mork & Mindy to handling the voice duties for Grandpa Smurf on TV and Papa Smurf in the movies. Director: | Chevy Chase, After years of safe (Shrek) or sucky (Norbit) movie roles, its easy to forget how hysterical he was in the 80s, but there was no one hotter in the Reagan era. Mary Santora plays an hour of fresh, all-American comedy to celebrate Independence Day! For 30 years, Johnny Carson was Americas warm glass of milk before bed. 107 min Director: Fisher Stevens, Back to the Future and its sequels are available on Roku Channel. A group of Southern California high school students are enjoying their most important subjects: sex, drugs and rock n' roll. In the 80s Richard Pryor accomplished what few of his contemporaries, and even fewer comedians since, have been able to do successfully: he fearlessly tackled difficult and controversial topics, including race, politics, and social issues, with remarkable honesty and insightful humor. | | Grant Cramer, So, let us take a trip back in time. A fatal car crash at 38 kept us from seeing if old age wouldve mellowed him at all. | The comedy team takes a look at life in all of its stages in their own uniquely silly way. | Gross: | Rick Rossovich, Whether youre a fan of biting social commentary or just love some witty one-liners, these ten 1980s comedians made the masses laugh out loud. She's been seen on film and television here and there, from the CSI series to 2014's The Wedding Pact, her most recent movie, but by and large she's devoted her life to other things. | Shelley Long, Lets dive into a list of the 10 best comedians from the 80s! But Watanabe has remained a strong and steady actor, appearing in everything fromSesame StreettoGung Ho and its television spinoff and Weird Al Yankovic's UHF. | Ted Knight, Votes: 88 min 143,193 Otherwise, the 80s was a far off distant past that may as well be ancient history. Like any kind of humor, Country Comedy isn't suited to all tastes. She's worked on sitcoms, including Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, The Jeffersons, and Newhart. Fox, A list of game-changing comics of the decade must also includes men like Albert Brooks and Redd Foxx, who were two of the best male comedians of the 70s. Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson, is a versatile talent whose career spans acting, comedy, television, and even social activism. This everyman approach to comedy made him a hit on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where he frequently guest-hosted before eventually taking over as host in 1992. | Comedy. $23.69M, PG-13 Robert Carradine, It didnt matter. | Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi. Mr. Billy Crystal, Teal Roberts, | Gross: $23.60M, 13+ His ability to blend humor with sharp social and political critique left a lasting legacy in the world of comedy. During the weekend getaway, Bernie hired a hit man to kill Larry and Richard. However, its humor was relatable, reflecting the absurdities and humor found in everyday life. Perhaps most original, however, is his ThatsKungFu app, which produces his kung-fu-style sound effects for the wannabe martial artist in everyone. Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi. Director: John Hughes The best comedies I've seen from the 1980s. Andrew Cassese, Votes: In 1960, he got a job at the Magic Danny DeVito has amassed a formidable and versatile body of work as an actor, producer and director that spans the stage, television and film.Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. was born on November 17, 1944, in Neptune, New Jersey, to Italian-American parents. | 108,528 | Comedy, Romance. Action, Adventure, Comedy. John Cusack, Or would you, you surprisingly well-rounded reader? His comedic style was so unique and powerful that it was often hard for directors to keep him on script, a testament to his creative mind. Stars: Number 5 of a group of experimental robots in a lab is electrocuted, suddenly becomes intelligent, and escapes. Ever wonder what life would be like if ants were as tall as humans? Molly Ringwald, A nerdy florist finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed. Farley studied theatre and communications on Marquette Steve Martin was born on August 14, 1945 in Waco, Texas, USA as Stephen Glenn Martin to Mary Lee (ne Stewart; 1913-2002) and Glenn Vernon Martin (1914-1997), a real estate salesman and aspiring actor. | His work encompasses kid-oriented fare like Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey as well as more overtly satirical, adult-oriented projects such as Superhero Movie and Sharknado 2: The Second One. Stars: NEXT: 8 Best 80s Road Trip Comedies You Want to Watch Before Heading On The Road. Joan Severance, But there is one role that eclipses the rest, perhaps even that of Long Duk Dong: Ling, from Mulan, the skinny military recruit that starts off as more than a little bit of a slacker and ends up as the titular heroine's true and trusted friend. Corey Haim, | Gross: | $45.88M, R Beverly D'Angelo, Gina Hecht, Votes: Director: Adventure, Comedy. Comedy, Crime. | | Dean mistakenly installed the wrong type of wood in her closet and offered to fix it, but Joanna didn't want him to continue and refused to pay him. blog; comedians comics. After returning to supporting roles, Reinhold developed a stronger work ethic and has been appearing regularly onscreen ever since. Ivan Reitman With her acid-tongued, Borscht Belt style, raspy voice, and self-deprecating jabs (My best birth control now is just to leave the lights on), Rivers rose to the elite rank of Johnny Carsons permanent guest host for The Tonight Show and grew a multimedia empire based on her unique brand. Joe Rubbo, Votes: Peter Coyote, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi. In Beverly Hills, he reunited with Jenny Summers, who worked at an art gallery. Greg Beeman When she's not watching TV shows or Movies, she hosts "Uncovering the Corners of the World," podcast. Overall, Steve Martins comedy style is highly unique and innovative and has had a significant influence on the world of comedy since the 80s. In more recent years, she's remained busy with parts on The Middle, as a writer for Melissa & Joey, and, in 2012, judging on RuPaul's Drag Race alongside her similarly monikered fellow MTV vet Downtown Julie Brown. Peter Billingsley, little Ralphie himself, is the heart of it all, from his fear of neighborhood bully Scut Farkus to the tears that fill his big blue eyes as he lies to his mother about, yes, shooting his eye out. $57.92M, PG | Kiser isn't just finding success he's paying it forward. 97 min Eddie exploded onto the scene as a cast member of a highly popular sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, it was his comedy specials that catapulted him to stardom. | He had a gift for finding the common ground between people, and his humor often focused on universal experiences and emotions. Leslie Nielsen, | Rick Moranis, $23.83M, PG Amy Heckerling | Gross: | Gross: Despite being born in a strict Pentecostal family, Kinison had a loud and quite aggressive delivery, and his jokes often dealt with taboo and controversial subject matter such as drugs, sex, and even religion. His passion for cars also became a part of his public persona, leading to the creation of Jay Lenos Garage, a web and TV series. Comedy. 'Stranger Things' to 'Freaks and Geeks': The Best TV Shows Set in the 80s, watching for the natural chemistry between Hawn and Russell, The 10 Best Action Films That Defined The '80s, gives viewers a chance to compare the Delorean to the complicated time machines found in today's movies such as, the beige uniforms with boots, or the catchy theme song, almost everyone is familiar with the 1984 film, 8 Best 80s Road Trip Comedies You Want to Watch Before Heading On The Road, Harrison Ford Is at His Most Charming in This 80s Rom Com, 'Transformers': The 10 Most Notable Celebrity Voice Actors, Ranked. $91.26M, PG-13 Two friends who are dissatisfied with their jobs decide to join the army for a bit of fun. With the groundbreaking Late Night and the comparatively toothless but still fun Late Show, Letterman was a late night institution, standing up in front of America each night for 33 years, the longest tenure in talk show history. The two of them, despite their disagreements, seemed to slowly bond with each throughout the film. Much like his protg and devoted admirer Robin Williams, his creative energy often seemed to be from another galaxy. | Whether it's the iconic Ecto-1 car, the beige uniforms with boots, or the catchy theme song, almost everyone is familiar with the 1984 film Ghostbusters. Judge Reinhold's 1980s career is absolutely stuffed with comedy triumphs of the decade: Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Beverly Hills Cop, and Gremlins are only a few of them. Michael Herz, Mark Griffiths Stars: Stars: | Gross: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller. | | Gross: Depending on your age, the 1980s either seem like the wheelhouse of your childhood that you miss more than anything. While surrounded by nature, he would find inspiration for his next best-selling book. Michael McKean, $60.33M, PG-13 Filled with the wildest teen nightmares. Step back into the 1980s with some of our favorite rom-coms from the decade. Her career spans decades; she's famous on stage and on screen, but she's most well known for her variety show The Carol Burnett Show, which aired for 11 seasons from 1967-1978. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its partners. | Gross: While not exactly a laugh-a-minute kind of performer, his fearless choice of material and the language he delivered it with made him one of the most influential performers of any type ever. His parents both came from prominent families, and his grandfathers were artist and Christopher Crosby Farley was born on February 15, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Mary Anne (Crosby) and Thomas Farley, who owned an oil company. Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, In 1954, a group of Florida high-school guys try to help their buddy lose his virginity, which leads them to seek revenge on a sleazy nightclub owner and his redneck sheriff brother for harassing them. | Fred Schepisi | 97 min Dierks Bentley's parody of 1990s country is a stupid good time. Most people will remember Jay Leno for his two decades behind The Tonight Show desk, with an asterisk that David Letterman and Conan OBrien deserved it more. We cover all the awesome things you remember about the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Directors: Molly Ringwald, His well-known role as the big hearted buffoon earned him classics in Uncle Buck (1989) and Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987). Her sets almost always revolved around her own personal experiences, including relationships and struggles as a strong female in a world dominated by men, which gave her shows a dose of authenticity and relatability. Boaz Davidson His kooky characters and celebrity interviews rounded out the package, but it was Carsons nightly monologue that well always remember and miss. 10 Best Comedians from The 80s Last Updated June 20, 2023 Comedy in the 1980s was characterized by a rich diversity of styles and voices, transforming the The WebComedy-drama History of the World, Part I: Mel Brooks: Mel Brooks, Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, Cloris Leachman, Ron Carey, Gregory Hines, Pamela Stephenson, Richard Donner If his face looks familiar to you, it's likely from his performance as Long Duk Dong, the lecherous foreign exchange student from the otherwise soft-hearted John Hughes romantic comedy Sixteen Candles. Burt Young, | "I was very demanding, had an overblown image of who I was and got a reputation for being difficult. Ghostbusters (1984) is available on Vudu. Eric Idle, Jennifer Jason Leigh, In addition to his acting and stand-up comedy, Crystal is well known for hosting the Academy Awards nine times, a testament to his universal appeal and quick wit. Dean took the opportunity for revenge and claimed at the hospital that she was his wife. David Gulpilil, Votes: But Zuniga's career was far from done. Was he shy? by Steve Huey. Stand-up comedy came into its own during this time, proving itself to be a powerful medium for entertainment as well as a platform for exploring the complexities of the human condition. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. | Gross: Now evildoers will have a lot to lose. You're also likely to see him in advertising: Geico hired him to do his thing for their "We Hired a Celebrity" campaign, in which he delivers literally dozens of effects in 32 seconds. His comedy often includes raunchy humor, impressions, and vibrant storytelling, making him a standout figure in the 1980s comedy scene. She's performed in nightclubs, where Lily Tomlin first found her and subsequently put her in 1981's The Incredible Shrinking Woman. WebThe show has launched the careers of several country stars, including season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, season 10 winner Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington, Josh Gracin, Kristy Lee Cook, Danny Gokey, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, and Lauren Alaina. Indeed, his role in Cop catapulted him to films like Roadhouse 66 and Head Office, but Reinhold, by his own admission, developed an unpleasant attitude that turned studios and coworkers away. A couple cheated by a vile businessman kidnaps his wife in retaliation, not knowing that their enemy is delighted that they did. In 2013 he moved to Austin, Texas and tried something entirely new: teaching. Michael Rapport, Votes: She knew more about who could be involved in the murder. 01 of 17 Carol Burnett Via Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images. WebThe following is a list of notable stand-up comedians by nationality. Sean Penn, The raunchy country comedian discovers the joys of marriage and fatherhood. Zuniga might be able to play vapid, but through her tireless work on behalf of the earth, it's clear she herself is anything but. Matthew Robbins 3. Honey I Eddie Murphy is arguably one of the greatest comedians of the 80s due to his exceptional comedic timing, razor-sharp wit, and ability to nail various forms of comedy. $40.90M, PG-13 | Kim Cattrall, And in the case of the 80s, it would be neon sunglasses, a fanny pack, some cool laser background in your photos, and a boombox. Linda Kozlowski, | Comedy, Drama. Some of the top 80s Peter Faiman He was the son of legendary country singer/actor Tex Ritter (born Woodward Maurice Ritter) and his wife, actress Dorothy Fay (ne Dorothy Fay Southworth). Michael Keaton, 94 min I joined 8-Bit Pickle early on as an expert contributor. 44,363 The definitive groundbreaking counter-culture comedian, Lenny Bruces penchant for saying whatever came to his mind on stage earned him genius status and a career-wrecking level of controversy in the 50s and early 60s. Bubba Smith, Votes: Director: Stars: Helen Slater, Joe Piscopo, Stars: | Bette Midler, | Gross: As a member of the Board of Directors, Hyser cites her own experiences in summer camp as pivotal to the pursuit of her dreams and something she is dedicated to making sustainable, innovative, and above all accessible to kids of all backgrounds. His ability to transition from stand-up comedy to film while maintaining his distinct humor style has solidified his legacy in comedy. Roger Wilson, Votes: Stars: After a heated confrontation with Joanna, the next night, she fell overboard and was diagnosed with amnesia at the hospital. | Candy was one of Canada's greatest and funniest character actors. Without The Goonies would we have Stranger Things or the autumn-gobbling megahit that was 2017's It? His 1982 concert film Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip is a standout from this period, showcasing his ability to tackle tough personal issues through humor. Perhaps most notable is her New York City boutique, Blue Tree, a charming hole-in-the-wall filled with an ever-changing selection of what makes the woman in the red bikini smile. Bring the Pain, his 1996 HBO special, was one of the decades finest. A star-pilot for hire and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a princess and save Planet Druidia from the clutches of the evil Spaceballs. We are your new home for daily retro nostalgic goodness. Director: 90 min As it stands now, Reinhold's career is a testament to persistence and an object lesson in change: It's never too late, too hard, or too slow. Though unusual to see headlining females back in the day, DeGeneres proved that not only could she play with the big boys, but she was also a lot funnier than them, too. Stars: | Joan Rivers was highly influential and inspirational to entire generations of female comedians, and despite getting involved in the world of fashion in the later years of her comedy career, her unique and irreverent comedy style remained a constant until her death. Whatever Happened To These '80s Comedy Stars? Crispin Glover, Votes: After his father died, his mother married Vernon Lynch, a foreman at a Leslie William Nielsen was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and raised in Tulita (formerly Fort Norman), Northwest Territories. 111 min 103 min Can we talk? In a field dominated by men remember, stand-up in the 60s and 70s was quite a different beast Joan Rivers made it in a big way. That may sound tame, but its simply a testament to his enduringly irresistible charm and poise in front of The Tonight Show curtain. Director: Among his siblings are actors Kevin P. Farley and John Farley. Judge Reinhold, Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Some moved behind the camera. A teen decides to go for a night on the town with his friends despite flunking his driver's test. Margaret Whitton, Votes: | The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. 32 all-but-unknown country artists set the honky tonk on fire in this first-rate collection of hillbilly dance tunes. $27.09M, R Initially, country performers -- including the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers -- would perform comedy skits during their shows, and comedians like Minnie Pearl were major figures at the Grand Ole Opry. Karen Allen, 82 min Crystals witty, character-driven humor caught the publics attention when he became a cast member on Saturday Night Live in 1984. 107 min After its release, however, Hyser laid low. | Before she became one of the most famous daytime variety show hosts of all time, she was pounding the pavement at coffee houses and nightclubs everywhere. Vincent Gardenia, Danny DeVito, Murphy later transitioned into film, starring in a number of successful movies like 48 Hrs., Trading Places, and Coming to America.. As Dr. Szalinski returned to his office, he accidentally threw them out with the garbage. A mild-mannered morgue attendant is assigned to the night shift, and his new coworker, along with his prostitute neighbor, convince him of running a prostitution ring out of the morgue. Director: Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown. With a deadpan delivery, that trademark stammering and stuttering, and those painfully good pregnant pauses, hes always done more with silence and a stare than most comics can do on full blastthe rare case of a straight being also being the funniest man in the room. His influential work, especially Seinfeld, continues to resonate with audiences and inspires many comedians today. Atlantic Releasing. | Hop in your DeLorean, and lets go back to find out: One word, friends: KINISON. His father, Ingvard Eversen Nielsen, was a Danish-born Mountie and a strict disciplinarian. Web1. The spirits of a deceased couple are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit to drive them out. Hays has persisted in Hollywood for decades now, exploring the world beyond comedy, yet also seeing what else he can do within it. His mother, Julia (Moccello), was a homemaker. George Carlin, known for his edgy, provocative humor, was one of the most influential stand-up comedians of the 20th century. Five high school students meet in Saturday detention and discover how they have a great deal more in common than they thought. 106 min Shelley Long, $71.62M, PG-13 Corey Feldman, Director: | The 1987 film Overboardwas remade in 2018 with the roles reversed where a struggling single mother tricked a rich arrogant man, who fell off his yacht, that he was her husband. Perhaps most tellingly, Dangerfields unique brand of humor struck a chord with audiences during a time of country-wide recession when people were desperate for an escape. Sold out shows from coast to coast with his trademark shaggy beard and hair many went to see Carlin for a taste of the hippie lifestyle, with a whole helping of intellectual awesomeness. Sally Kellerman, Phoebe Cates isn't just an actress she's a performer of every stripe. Tom Hanks, These ten comedians not only left an indelible mark on the 80s but also continue to influence the craft of comedy today. 110,139 Whether he was performing for the troops, in the movies, on TV, or on radio, Leslie Townes Hope entertained America for an astounding eight decades, providing an always reliable source of laughs. As one of the best stand-up comedians, Dangerfields shows were known for his trademark style of deadpan one-liners, and a light sprinkling of slapstick and vaudeville humor. | This was also the era that saw luminaries like Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray rocket to the top names we've definitely not forgotten, nor are likely to any time soon. The sequel to Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters 2,was released in 1989, and after 32 years, the next installment Ghostbusters: Afterlifewas released.