Do you find yourself in search of classic duos and stand up legends to emulate in your own performance? It is always good to find inspiration from the best when delving into a new role, no matter how big or small. Here are some of the greatest comedy legends, from Abbott and Costello to Gilda Radner, sure to inspire any performer on your next role or project!

1. Robin Williams

From his iconic Genie in Aladdin to the cream-pie faced Mrs. Doubtfire, Robin Williams indeed left a mark on comedy through his entire career. He got his start on the Laugh-In television series and continued onward into the world of stand-up comedy where his work was unparalleled. He was also gifted with the innate ability to add brevity to even the most intense moments in film, such as The Dead Poet’s Society, What Dreams May Come, and Good Will Hunting. Robin Williams was one to leave it all on the stage, truly one of the greatest of our era.

2. Abbott and Costello

This comedy duo has created some of the greatest sketches of all time. Abbott and Costello are always meeting new friends, including Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; these two are always adding comedy into any new adventure. This skit above is one of their most memorable sketches of all time, the classic comedy bit, “Who’s On First?”

3. Ellen Degeneres

Ellen may be a talk show and game show host now, but she first got her start in stand-up comedy in the ’80s. No matter how innocent her portrayal of Dory is in Finding Nemo, she has an unstoppable wit and the driest sense of humor that can be seen both onstage and in her written book, “Seriously… I’m Kidding”. From her earlier works on Johnny Carson to her stand up specials “The Beginning,” “Here and Now”, and most recently, “Relatable”, she has been a voice of a generation for the LGBTQ community, taking nothing seriously while being unapologetically funny.

4. Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin is a true performer in all aspects. His physicality is unmatched, creating an entire genre of physical comedy before there were words on the silver screen. His works are fundamental research for the art of clowning. Charlie Chaplin’s performances will help inspire any performer when looking to bring that comedic role to the next level.

5. Lucille Ball 

Lucille Ball revolutionized comedy and the voice of women in entertainment for her generation. After an extended foray into classic movies, her start in comedy began with her husband Ricky Ricardo on the I Love Lucy Show. Her marriage to Ricky and friendship with Ethyl led to decades comedy stint with The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, The Lucy Show, Here’s Lucy, and Life with Lucy. Lucy is a timeless legend who continues to touch generations of audiences through her comedy.

6. Bugs Bunny

Bugs Bunny? Yes. This classic rabbit and his friends transcend language and embody the physical comedy when you are looking for that over the top, yet honest response to the scene around you. It’s doubtful as an actor you will encounter falling anvils onstage, but the principles of physical comedy hold true whether you are a rabbit, roadrunner, coyote,  duck, or pig!