How TV Sitcoms And Sketch Shows Launched Comedy Icons
Comedy legends weren't always commanding the stage with a microphone in hand. For many, the journey to stardom began with sitcoms and variety programs, which gave them their first taste of the spotlight.
Robin Williams
Movies like Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Good Will Hunting earned Robin Williams many awards and worldwide success. Yet, his career took off with his role as the alien Mork in Mork & Mindy, a sitcom spun off from an episode of Happy Days.
Robin Williams (Cont.)
Williams was a once-in-a-lifetime talent known for his explosive energy and rapid-fire improvisation. His standup comedy often featured impressions and stream-of-consciousness storytelling as he could instantly shift between humor and heartfelt moments in specials, such as An Evening with Robin Williams and Robin Williams: Live on Broadway.
An Evening With Robin Williams: Cats | Robin Williams by Official Robin Willams
Amy Schumer
After years of performing standup in clubs and on TV, Amy Schumer became a household name with her Comedy Central sketch show, Inside Amy Schumer. The show's blend of sketches, standup segments, and satirical commentary earned critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy Awards.
Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Amy Schumer (Cont.)
Known for her provocative humor, Amy Schumer often tackles topics like gender dynamics and societal expectations. Her comedy is characterized by blending sharp punchlines with candid personal anecdotes. Schumer's standup specials show her raw comedic style and ability to balance humor with serious reflections.
Inside Amy Schumer - The Gab (ft. Natasha Leggero and Sasheer Zamata) by Comedy Central
Steve Martin
By winning an Emmy Award at the age of 23, it was clear that Steve Martin would become a household name. He began his career in comedy when he wrote for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, where his quirky and innovative humor combines absurdity, intellectual wit, and physical comedy.
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Steve Martin (Cont.)
Known for his trademark white suit and wild antics, Martin's performances were a mix of slapstick humor, musical interludes as he often played the banjo, and self-referential jokes, setting him apart from his contemporaries. But before that, he appeared frequently on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Phyllis Diller
Many know Phyllis Diller from her eccentric performances, but a few know she had a short-lived variety show called The Phyllis Diller Show in the 1960s. She was one of the first women to make a significant impact in standup comedy.
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Phyllis Diller (Cont.)
She began her career in her 30s, which was unusual at the time, performing in San Francisco clubs in the 1950s. The audience quickly noticed her over-the-top outfits and wild hair as she developed a self-deprecating comedic style, often joking about her fictional husband.
Allan warren, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jim Carrey
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Jim Carrey started his career with incredible impressions and elastic facial expressions. His unique style set him apart before his big break on In Living Color, which aired from 1990 to 1994 with larger-than-life characters like Fire Marshal Bill.
SHOWTIME, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jim Carrey (Cont.)
Carrey became a box-office star with hits like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask. He later showed his dramatic acting chops in films like The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He's widely regarded as one of the most versatile and influential comedians of his generation.
The Truman Show (1998) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
Eddie Murphy
Saturday Night Live offered many comedians the opportunity to show off their talents, and one of them was Eddie Murphy. He performed some unforgettable characters like Gumby and Buckwheat, which revitalized the show during a struggling period. His comedy specials Delirious and Raw are among the most iconic in history.
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Eddie Murphy (Cont.)
As one of SNL's most beloved cast members, it was easy for Murphy to move onto films with box-office hits such as Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America. His versatility also shone in family-friendly films like The Nutty Professor and playing Donkey in the Shrek franchise.
The Nutty Professor (6/12) Movie CLIP - He's Gonna Blow! (1996) HD by Movieclips
Billy Crystal
When people hear the name Billy Crystal, they often think of his amazing roles in movies like When Harry Met Sally and Monsters, Inc., where he voiced the lovable Mike Wazowski. However, his career started much earlier.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Billy Crystal (Cont.)
Billy Crystal's comedy career began with standup performances that proved his unmatched talent for impressions, as his humor often centered on relatable experiences. His first real success came as a result of playing Jodie Dallas on the groundbreaking sitcom Soap, as one of the first openly gay characters.
When Harry Met Sally (1989) - Official Trailer (HD) by Shout! Studios
Bob Newhart
In the 1970s, Bob Newhart transitioned to television with The Bob Newhart Show, where he played a mild-mannered psychologist, Dr. Robert Hartley. However, his career began in the late 1950s when he worked as an accountant but dabbled in comedy as a hobby.
Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bob Newhart (Cont.)
He was known for his distinctive deadpan delivery and clever use of pauses, which made him become one of the most influential comedians. His rise to fame came with the 1960 album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, which earned him three Grammy Awards.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres is celebrated as a trailblazer who broke barriers for women and LGBTQ+ individuals in comedy and entertainment. Her ability to connect with people through authenticity has left a lasting impact on the industry and made her one of the most influential comedians of her time.
Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ellen DeGeneres (Cont.)
Before The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she became famous for her relatable routines about everyday life. She appeared on The Tonight Show and later starred in her own sitcom, Ellen. Her Netflix special, Relatable, marked her return to standup after a 15-year hiatus.
Ellen DeGeneres: Relatable | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix by Netflix
Garry Shandling
Unlike many comedians, Garry Shandling began his career as a writer for sitcoms like Sanford and Son and Welcome Back, Kotter before trying his luck in standup. The audience loved his self-deprecating humor, as he often explored awkward relationships and his own insecurities.
Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Garry Shandling (Cont.)
In 1986, Shandling created and starred in It's Garry Shandling's Show, a groundbreaking sitcom that broke the fourth wall and redefined the sitcom format. The show's meta-humor and unconventional storytelling earned critical acclaim and set the stage for his next television masterpiece, The Larry Sanders Show.
Welcome Back, Kotter (4/4) Travolta Struts His Stuff (1975) by Shout! Studios
Donald Glover
Donald Glover, or Childish Gambino, is a multi-talented artist whose career spans standup comedy, acting, writing, music, and directing. Glover's standup style is characterized by its mix of clever social commentary, personal anecdotes, and a quirky, self-aware delivery.
Tomdog, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Donald Glover (Cont.)
However, his breakthrough came as a writer for NBC's 30 Rock. He later starred as Troy Barnes on Community from 2009 to 2015 in a role that showcased his comedic timing and goofy charm. Glover's performance on the cult-favorite sitcom earned him a devoted fanbase.
Troy Barnes Being The Heart Of The Study Group | Community by Community
Lisa Kudrow
Playing Phoebe on Friends made Lisa Kudrow one of the most loved actresses. However, she began her career in Los Angeles as part of an improvisational comedy group. While not a traditional standup comedian, Kudrow's comedy roots are deeply tied to her ability to craft quirky and relatable characters.
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Lisa Kudrow (Cont.)
Kudrow's Phoebe was an eccentric musician with a knack for oddball humor. Her hilarious one-liners made her one of the show's most beloved characters and earned Kudrow an Emmy Award. She later starred in The Comeback, a satirical look at Hollywood, where she played a washed-up actress.
The Comeback - Season 2: Trailer - Official HBO UK by HBO UK
Joan Rivers
Born Joan Molinsky, Joan Rivers broke barriers for women in comedy with her sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and fearless approach to taboo subjects. Her big break came with appearances on The Tonight Show, which starred Johnny Carson in 1965. She quickly became a regular guest and a favorite of Carson.
David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Joan Rivers (Cont.)
In addition to her standup, Rivers became a frequent guest on The Ed Sullivan Show. She later hosted her own groundbreaking late-night talk show, The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers, in the 1980s. Despite its short run, the show was proof of her talent.
Joan Rivers on The Ed Sullivan Show by neversaynever
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx's ability to master multiple crafts—standup, acting, and music—has made him a true icon. Fans noticed him when he worked as a standup comedian, known for his energetic impressions and musical comedy on Def Comedy Jam and standup specials.
John Bauld, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jamie Foxx (Cont.)
Foxx gained widespread fame on the 1990s sketch comedy show In Living Color, where he brought to life memorable characters like Wanda. His talent shone in The Jamie Foxx Show, where he played an aspiring entertainer working at his family's hotel.
The Jamie Foxx Show Funny Moments Season 1 by Vintage Royal
Aziz Ansari
Many adore Aziz Ansari’s charismatic delivery and observational humor on modern relationships and technology. He rose to fame as Tom Haverford on NBC's Parks and Recreation, where his portrayal of a fast-talking, entrepreneurial dreamer made him a fan favorite.
Timothy Krause, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Aziz Ansari (Cont.)
While on the show, he continued performing standup and released specials like Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening. Ansari's Netflix series, Master of None, which he co-created, starred in and wrote, showed his ability to blend comedy with poignant storytelling. The show earned multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
Master of None | official trailer (2015) Netflix Aziz Ansari by moviemaniacsDE
Taylor Tomlinson
People admire Taylor Tomlinson's material that resonates deeply with millennials and Gen Z. She's one of the brightest young talents in standup comedy today as she discusses topics like dating, mental health, family, and adulthood. However, it was her Netflix specials that truly catapulted her into the spotlight.
Neal Brennan, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Taylor Tomlinson(Cont.)
Tomlinson gained early exposure through TV appearances, including Last Comic Standing and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Her debut special, Quarter-Life Crisis, received widespread acclaim for its relatable humor and polished performance. In 2022, her follow-up special, Look at You, delved deeper into personal topics.
Taylor Tomlinson Stand-Up by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Lily Tomlin
Fans love Lily Tomlin's nasal-voiced telephone operator Ernestine and the precocious child Edith Ann, which became cultural touchstones. Her unique delivery of character-driven comedy and sharp social commentary set her apart as one of the most innovative comedians of her generation.
U.S. Department of State, Wikimedia Commons
Lily Tomlin (Cont.)
She gained national attention on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in the late 1960s. Following her success on Laugh-In, Tomlin moved to Broadway and film. She won a Tony Award and starred in classic films like Nine to Five and Nashville.
Swimming Lesson story Nashville (1975) clip - new 4K restoration in cinemas 25 June | BFI by BFI
Drew Carey
Drew Carey started his comedy career performing standup in Cleveland, Ohio but he caught people's attention when he appeared on Star Search in 1988. It opened the door to numerous late-night appearances, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Drew Carey(Cont.)
The Drew Carey Show made him one of the most beloved comedians. He played a fictionalized version of himself, where he goes through different issues related to life. Carey also hosted Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which further showed his quick wit.
The Horndogs Audition © 1998 «The Drew Carey Show» 1080p v2 (Sound Remastered) by Виталий Литвинов
Roseanne Barr
Despite controversies later in her career, Barr remains a groundbreaking figure in comedy, especially for women. She burst onto the comedy scene with her brash, unapologetic style that resonated with working-class audiences. Her "Domestic Goddess" routine, which humorously dissected the challenges of being a wife and mother, became her trademark.
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Roseanne Barr (Cont.)
Barr's authentic talent earned her a spot on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, which launched her into mainstream comedy. Her break came with her self-titled sitcom, Roseanne, where she played a no-nonsense working-class mother and Barr won a Golden Globe and Emmy for her performance.
The Hillbilly Day Spa - Roseanne by ABC
Billy Eichner
Billy Eichner began his career in comedy as a host of Creation Nation: A Live Talk Show, but it was his breakthrough series Billy on the Street that brought him widespread recognition. Aired from 2011 to 2017, it showed Eichner's high-energy humor as he asked pedestrians outrageous questions.
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Billy Eichner (Cont.)
Though Eichner isn't primarily known for traditional standup comedy, his live performances and comedic hosting style reflect a sharp wit and improvisational skill that has earned him a loyal fanbase. On television, Eichner became a recurring cast member on Parks and Recreation, where he played Craig Middlebrooks.
The Best of Craig Middlebrooks (Billy Eichner) - Parks and Recreation by Parks and Recreation
Tim Allen
As a standup comedian, Tim Allen became famous for discussing the absurdities of suburban life and male stereotypes with his exaggerated grunting, a hallmark of his comedic persona. His appearances on Late Night with David Letterman put him under the radar.
Tim Allen Says 'Home Improvement' Fans Still Ask Him To Grunt by The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tim Allen (Cont.)
Home Improvement was Allen's big hit, where he played Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, a lovable, accident-prone host of a fictional DIY show. The sitcom became one of the highest-rated TV shows of the '90s and won multiple awards, including a Golden Globe for Allen.
Tim Allen Wins Best Actor TV Series Musical or Comedy - Golden Globes 1995
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg began her career as a standup comedian and one-woman show performer. Her 1983 performance, The Spook Show, caught the attention of director Mike Nichols, who helped bring it to Broadway as Whoopi Goldberg: Direct from Broadway, which earned her critical acclaim and a Grammy for Best Comedy Album.
Library of Congress Life, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Whoopi Goldberg (Cont.)
Goldberg's acting breakthrough came with her Academy Award-nominated role in The Color Purple. She later solidified her comedic stardom with films like Sister Act and Ghost, for which she won an Oscar. On television, Goldberg has been a co-host of The View since 2007.
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