Opinion: My Top 15 Comedians

Your list is no doubt different.

Steve MartinPhoto byCreative Commons: Towpilot

Comedy is a subjective thing. Some of you have been subjected to mine for some months now. I believe that who we think is funny gives some insight into our personality. I decided to do my top15 favorite comedians. And then get professional help.

Before the list itself, a quick word about some comics who aren’t on it. I like a comedian who works clean or at least has the ability to work clean. Some guys like to break barriers or go past boundaries. To me, that’s like coloring outside the lines. Plus, I don’t think that society is better now than so many comedians cuss or use sleazy material. But that’s just me.

Goerge Carlin is not on my list. Early George would have made it. His bit about radio station W I N O, Wonderful Wino, was brilliant. But ultimately George wanted to go in a different direction and became a comedic icon. It was a great career move, I just don’t think he was as funny.

I watched some of his later appearances on the Tonight Show and thought he mailed it in. I also thought the audience was responding more to his reputation than his material.

Robin Williams also didn’t make the list. Robin was undeniably a comic genius. I just didn’t care for his hyperkinetic style.

I also don’t like screamers. Sam Kinison wasn’t my cup of tea. Strangely, I kind of liked Don Rickles. I think in part because I thought deep beyond the surface, and I mean really deep, was a decent person whose intent wasn’t to hurt, but make people laugh.

So, I‘ve talked about who didn’t make the last, so who did?

15: Bob Uecker

Bob is hands down the funniest sports guy I’ve ever seen. His TV show, Mr. Belvedere, was fair, but on the Tonight Show, Bob Uecker, aka Mr. Baseball was hilarious. And you didn’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy him.

14: John Candy

John was gone way too soon. He generally played an oafish guy with a good heart.

13: Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry relies heavily on observational material, which I like. He doesn't do voices, physical comedy, or props. He just has a funny take on things.

12: Richard Pryor

Much of Richard’s work wasn't clean, but what small sample I saw was hilarious. Listening to Richard talk to Johnny Carson after catching himself on fire was hilarious. His ability to see humor in a rugged situation was remarkable.

11: Tim Allen

In addition to his two iconic TV characters, Tim is a great standup.

10: Ray Ramano

This is pretty much solely on the basis of his TV show, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Ramano may be a one-trick pony, but it’s a fantastic trick.

9: Jeff Foxworthy

While Seinfeld, Ramano, and Allen enhanced their status with their TV shows, TV series have been Jeff’s kryptonite. With the exception of Jeff’s Blue Collar Comedy Tours, which were hugely successful. His, “You Might be a Redneck” bit became his signature. And it was hilarious, transcending geographical boundaries.

8: Eddie Murphy

Despite some notable box office bombs, Eddie has proven himself to be one of the funniest guys in the entertainment industry. Some of his skits on SNL were hugely politically incorrect, and killer funny. His James Brown, “Hot tub” skit is one of my favorites.

Axel Foley remains one of the coolest cops in movie history.

7: Jim Gaffigan

I love Jim’s standup routines. A lot of his focus is on food. That’s also a lot of my focus. Jim also has an aversion to work and exercise. He’s like Garfield in human form.

6: Steven Wright

Steven relies on a combination of observational humor and weirdness. It’s a great combination. Couple that with his ultra-dry delivery and you have a great comedian.

5: Bob Newhart

In addition to two great TV series, Bob had some great comedy albums. Bob’s humor is dry and lowkey, and has real staying power. I think Bob’s humor is sneaky good.

4: Rodney Dangerfield

The absolute master of the self-deprecating one-liner, Rodney used to absolutely kill it on The Tonight Show. I also loved his movie, “Back to School.”

3: Jonathan Winters

Jonathan was like Robin Williams on Valium.He was a wonderfully creative guy. While Dangerfield was great with one-liners, Winters was a tremendous storyteller.

2: Johnny Carson

For Johnny to do what he did for as long as he did is simply incredible. In addition to his monologue, Carson created some memorable characters and was great at interacting with his guests. He’s still easily the gold standard of talk show hosts. His Tonight Show template is what I relate most to as a writer.

1: Steve Martin

For a guy who played, “The Jerk,” Steve is a remarkably intelligent and versatile individual. Steve was a writer for the Smothers Brothers, a tremendous standup and movie star.

In addition, he’s a great musician and an art collector of note. He might be the most rounded entertainer of all.

So, there’s my list. Who are your favorites?