What makes a comedian funny?

[goatzilla8463]

Since Aloran brought up comedians, I thought I would take some time to finding out what people thought about comedians and what makes them funny.

My favourite comedian at the moment is Russell Peters because he is so bloody good at accents. Racism is a big hit with me and while I myself do not hate other races, I find racist jokes hilarious.

So to sum this up:

1. Who's your favourite comedian?

2. What's special about them?

 

[Resistance205]

My favorite comedian is currently Ed Byrne, or Dara O'Brien.

Nothing is really special about them, their just funny. You don't need partiular jokes for it, they just have to be funny I think.

 

[BlackJack47]

its all in the timing and subject, that's why observational comedy is so BIG right now, but mainly because the comedians are so good at it.

 

[Ophiuchus]

I don't think it's necessarily what makes them funny, but I noticed recently that a lot of my favourite comedians are Irish... and those that aren't Irish are from (or at least have lived in) Essex.

The obvious anomaly is George Carlin, but I like him because he so often said exactly what I was thinking.

 

[Zombie_Fish]

My favourite's probably either Russel Howard, Dara O'Brien, Lee Evans or Bill Bailey.

The first three because they refer to stuff which everyone faces and can understand.

And Bill Bailey just because he's so random with his style.

 

[Abedeus]

Fart jokes.

Or making fun of minorities.

OOOOH you mean funny ha-ha, not funny pathetic... I dunno. Jim Carrey's twitching of limbs?

 

[sky14kemea]

i dont really have a favorite, because i like so many XD

but i guess one of the reasons i like Lee Evans so much is the facial expressions and stuff, i love really random silliness X3

 

[I Am Pigeon]

My favourite would probably be Mitch Hedberg. I've never really thought about why I find him funny but it probably has a bit to do with his delivery.

 

[Vanguard_Ex]

In my opinion, good comedians always have a wide vocabulary. Being articulate seems to be a common feature in a lot of good comedians, examples including Bill Bailey, Sean Lock, Dara O'Brien, Frankie Boyle, Rich Hall, David Mitchell, etc. Mix this with a bit of satire and fecitiousness and you've got a winner.

 

[ThrobbingEgo]

A good comedian makes the audience laugh three seconds after he says something. If the comedian says something, you go "oh", cough, and then suddenly burst into laughter, that's my measure of talent. It's got to be subtle enough that it *just* barely sticks to your brain.

Because anyone can just say stupid shit loud. (Sorry Dane Cook. )

 

[Mockingjay]

It's all about stage presence and how they hold themselves.

 

[dontworryaboutit]

Not being Dane Cook.

Being Rodney Dangerfield.

 

[Vanguard_Ex]

I feel like I haven't opened a tin of worms lately, so...
LEE EVANS IS NOT FUNNY

 

[Fingerprint]

My favourite comedians are:
Bill Bailey, Frankie Boyle, Dara O'Brien, Jimmy Carr.

Whats special about them? They make me laugh...

I HATE Lee Evans and Ricky Gervais.

 

[coldwarkid]

My favorites are: Dylan Moran, Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle and Andrew Maxwell.

Moran sounds like he's reading from a novel, Howard is so beautifully whimsical, Boyle manages to be witty and dance on the line (scratch that. He can't see the line) without seeming like a prick and Maxwell is my Chief Fullmooner.

And what makes them funny? Nothing, I don't think. It's the person watching that evaluates how funny they are. If something strikes a note with you, you find it funny. I think.

 

[the protaginist]

That lovable guy in my Avatar, Mike Birbiglia, because he just tells stories about his life in a way that makes it hilarious. It's kinda hard to explain, here's an example.(about six minutes long, but it's hilarious.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOgGyfqT8DY&feature=channel_page

 

[Captain Pancake]

Sometimes it's all about recovery, As in if someone doesn't laugh at their joke, if they recover well then that shows skill.

Also, satirical comedy does it for me. frankie boyle FTW.

 

[New Troll]

Thier ability to make me laugh.

People like Stephen Lynch, Christopher Titus, Denis Leary, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Dave Chappelle, Mitch Hedberg, The Amazing Jonathon, and Jeff Dunham have/had always been good at that.

 

[r4ndom]

My favourite would probably be Mitch Hedberg. I've never really thought about why I find him funny but it probably has a bit to do with his delivery.

Yeah Mitch had amazing delivery, and some times no matter how sure you were where the joke was going, it always went the other way.

Personal faves of mine are

Eddie Izzard - Intelligent, great delivery, and just the right amount of personality.
George Carlin - Enough said
Bill Hicks - Ditto

EDIT - And christ... I almost forgot Stewart Lee. He is immense.