A popular saying goes, “Everyone smiles in the same language.” In addition, everyone laughs in the same language, and everyone loves to laugh. But which comedians are the funniest ones, and how have they succeeded? Furthermore, have these comedians appealed to, or stayed away from certain jokes that endeared them to audiences? Here is a list of the top five best comedians in America and how they have achieved success.
Brian Regan
Regan is described in the biographical section of his own site as having a “perfect mix of sophisticated writing and physicality.” His Doughnut Lady and ER bits are of particular note. He’s known for avoiding profanity in his act, which underscores the idea that good comedians don’t need to get nasty for a laugh.
Josh Blue
Josh Blue has become one of America’s favorite comedians. His cerebral palsy is a contributing factor, but not because Blue is “brave” enough to laugh at himself. Blue delights audiences by roasting those who don’t “get” disability. “If you’re going to [treat me like an idiot]…then I should be allowed to act retarded,” he claims. Blue gets away with this because he’s poking fun at himself, but to laugh at, rather than with, minority groups is a no-no for comedians.
Chonda Pierce
Pierce proves that Christians and Christianity can be hilarious. Like Blue, she’s good at laughing at herself, even about being a preacher’s kid. From birth order to uncovering a corpse in her hotel room, her comedy contains plenty of great stories with a distinct Tennessee flavor (she hails from Murfreesboro, TN). She’s also overcome clinical depression in her career, which has given her more, not less, of a comedic edge.
Tyler Perry
Though not a “strict” comedian, Perry is easily one of America’s funniest men. Perhaps this is due to his versatility; his humor can transition from gospel plays to Hollywood movies, most of which star his plainspoken female alter ego Madea. He manages to mix blunt and even ribald with the Christian message, while avoiding the preaching some religious comedians can fall into.
Jeff Foxworthy
You might love comedy if you’ve watched this guy. His hallmark “redneck” has given way to even sharper lines, especially on game shows like “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader.” Foxworthy also isn’t shy about bringing up the political climate of his native South or other parts of the U.S., but he stays away from biting commentary or making fun of specific figures, both of which can harm a comedy career.
Comedy can be a fun and rewarding pastime, both for comedians and their audiences. What makes a good comedian, like the ones on this list, is often versatility, the ability to laugh at life, and the common sense to stay away from things like nastiness, discriminatory humor, and insults to specific persons. No matter what kind of comedy you enjoy, these five people should make your list of favorites. You can also find other comedians that could argumentably be on this list at sites like chocolatesundaes and many others.
About the Author: My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.