My Top 10 All-Time Favorite Comedians

So I ran across a list of the Top 50 Comics in an old Rolling Stone and it got me to thinking. Isn’t it weird how some comics appeal to some people and others don’t? I swear I sat through an hour and a half Dane Cook special at a friend’s house one night and never cracked smile. In the meantime everyone else in the room was rolling in convulsive laughter. Dane Cook, man. Dude just doesn’t tickle my funny bone. Others I don’t get? Don’t judge, but . . . Bernie Mac and, oh, this is going to piss some people off . . . Kevin Hart. Sorry, but I just don’t get his act. On a related note, his movies are intolerable.

But on to the comics I find funny, from #1 to #10. Being the professional blogger that I am, I shall include video. Let us commence . . 

Norm MacDonald

What can I say? Norm cracks me up every time. Check him out the night he hosted the ESPYS. Dude offended almost everyone.

And check out the time Norm absolutely hijacked the Conan O’Brien show. A television classic that I beseech you to watch until the end. Trust me, it’s worth it:

Richard Pryor

I know not how, but I got my hands on his CRAPS- After Hours album when I was 15 or so and my life changed as I knew it. Just wild stuff for a small town southern Ohio boy in 1971. Pryor hit his peak in the late 70’s – early 80’s, and he always made me laugh hysterically. Here’s a bit from his “Live on the Sunset Strip” show.

Jonathon Winters

Jonathon Winters was the Robin Williams of the 60s. You could give him a word like “tree” or “bicycle” and he’d do a 10-minute act about it. Here is on Johnny Carson just making stuff up as he goes along.

Steven Wright

Steven Wright’s low-key observations and quirky takes on every day life absolutely kills me. Every. Time.

George Carlin

George Carlin is consistently ranked among the Top 3 All-Time comedians, for good reason. Here’s his legendary take on Baseball vs. Football.

Sam Kinison

Sam, man. He was one of the most inappropriate, offensive, cringe-worthy comedians ever. I saw him live once and I swear my jaw was sore the next day from laughing so hard and so long. Don’t believe me? Listen to hit bit called “If Jesus Was Married.” Just remember, you have been warned.

Rodney Dangerfield

Oh, man. Rodney Freakin’ Dangerfield. If you’re not familiar just watch the movie “Back to School” and get back with me. For now, just watch Rodney on Johnny Carson back in the day:

Chris Rock

Chris Rock? Give a look to this video called, “How to Not Get You’re Ass Kicked By The Police.” ‘Nuff said.

David Letterman

Dave was always funniest when he was outside the studio, like the time he visited Taco Bell…

Robin Williams

Robin Williams was manic, out of control and insane. Here’s his first appearance on the Johnny Carson Show. Classic.

So there ya go. Sure, I left out a gazillion funnymen – Chapelle, Leno, Seinfeld, and many more. Still, those are my Top 10. Who you got?