Comments by "irresistablejewel" (@irresistablejewel) on "WatchMojo.com"
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Of course it's impossible to write a top ten list of male American comedians because: there are different ages and styles of comedy; this list ignores all the "double acts" and comedy is very much a matter of personal taste (still it's a good way to start a fight). There is a(n obscure) British movie called "Funny Bones" (1995) that has a lot to say about the nature of comedy; amongst other things it draws a distinction between physical and scripted comedy and I believe it's an important distinction.
You are missing a very important figure in American comedy, from your list and that is Jonathan Winters. In my opinion he's the complete package: timing; mannerisms; impressions, an absolute master of physical, surreal, improvisational, comedy and both Robin Williams and Bill Cosby claim he influenced them greatly. He never swears, engages with the audience completely and his hero (he said) was an English comedian, Stan Laurel. Winters really pushed the boundaries of American comedy.
Seems to me that George Carlin and Lennie Bruce (and Bill Hicks) deserve to be mentioned; because they made it their business to tear through hypocrisy and although I never liked Bill Hicks style (as much as some here obviously do); but we need people like them to satirise and upset our politicians and, so called, leaders.
Another American comedian I like is Emo Philips; surreal; sharp; intelligent and incisive, all the things I want to see from a comedian and his ability to move along the front row and tease/ torture the audience members, is (imo) quite awe inspiring.
Richard Pryor is another truly great American comedian and he and Gene Wilder make a great double act.
So I won't make a list; I feel it's a privilege to watch people that have (had) the nerve and ability to stand up and deliver. I'm glad I was there to see it.
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