The most successful and influential comedian of his generation Jerry Seinfelds brilliant observational riffs on the minutiae of everyday life formed the basis of the television classic Seinfeld the quintessential sitcom of the 1990s and one of the mo…

Chris Rock is a stand-up comedian who first rose to national stardom when he appeared on Saturday Night Live in the late 80s and early 90s The early 90s were Rocks popular heyday when he frequently appeared in films he released his first comedy recor…

From the 1960s into the 21st century, Bill Cosby's family-friendly comic routines and accessible "everyman" persona have made him one of the most recognized and admired performers in the United States. His comic themes are universal, ordinary experie…

Like Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor before him Eddie Murphy was the preeminent African-American comic of his era in fact Murphy was arguably the preeminent comic of the 1980s period -- at his peak no other performer regardless of race was a bigger star…

Famed for his landmark Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television routine George Carlin filled the void created by the death of Lenny Bruce honing a provocative scathing comic style that bravely explored the limits of free speech and good taste Geor…

Although his early 1960s career as a comedian echoed the easygoing routines of Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor found his true voice after 1969 by incorporating angry and often profane social commentary into his act. This move translated to a surprising pop…

During the 1970s Steve Martin was the most successful stand-up comedian in America earning the level of commercial success -- sell-out arena performances platinum records hit singles and delirous fan adulatation -- usually reserved for rock stars Alt…

As a featured performer on Saturday NIGHT LIVE between 1991 and 1995, Adam Sandler's forte was goofy physical comedy, but he has also displayed a talent for genuinely witty musical parody and acting, both on his subsequent comedy albums and in hit fi…