{"id":6837,"date":"2019-05-22T16:02:56","date_gmt":"2019-05-22T16:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=6837"},"modified":"2019-06-21T19:28:10","modified_gmt":"2019-06-21T19:28:10","slug":"10-of-the-greatest-comedians-to-research-for-your-next-comedy-role","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/10-of-the-greatest-comedians-to-research-for-your-next-comedy-role\/","title":{"rendered":"10 of the Greatest Comedians to Research for Your Next Comedy Role"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-header-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 of the Greatest Comedians to Research for Your Next Comedy Role<\/span><\/h3>\n<font size=\"2\" color=\"grey\"><span style=\"border:1px solid ;-webkit-border-radius:50%;-moz-border-radius:50%;border-radius:50%;-moz-box-shadow: 0 0 3px rgba(0,0,0,.3);-webkit-box-shadow: 0 0 3px rgba(0,0,0,.3);box-shadow: 0 0 3px rgba(0,0,0,.3);margin-right:25px;float:left;\" class=\"fusion-imageframe imageframe-glow imageframe-1 hover-type-none author-image\"><a class=\"fusion-no-lightbox\" href=\"http:\/\/performerstuff.com\" target=\"_self\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Meghan_Mitchell_2017headshot.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-responsive\" style=\"-webkit-border-radius:50%;-moz-border-radius:50%;border-radius:50%;\"\/><\/a><\/span><p>Written by <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meghan Mitchell <\/span><\/p>\n<p>April 25th 2019<\/p>\n<\/font><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><p style=\"text-align: left;\">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!<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>1.\u00a0Robin Williams<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p style=\"text-align: left;\">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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CpLL5y2Pev8?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><br><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>2. Abbott and Costello<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p>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, \u201cWho\u2019s On First?\u201d<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kTcRRaXV-fg?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><br><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4><strong>3. Ellen Degeneres<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p>Ellen may be a talk show and game show host now, but she first got her start in stand-up comedy in the \u201980s. 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, \u201cSeriously\u2026 I\u2019m Kidding\u201d. From her earlier works on Johnny Carson to her stand up specials \u201cThe Beginning,\u201d \u201cHere and Now\u201d, and most recently, \u201cRelatable\u201d, she has been a voice of a generation for the LGBTQ community, taking nothing seriously while being unapologetically funny.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YIAAI3j_vsY?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><br><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4><strong>4. Charlie Chaplin<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p style=\"text-align: left;\">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\u2019s performances will help inspire any performer when looking to bring that comedic role to the next level.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0daS_SDCT_U?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><br><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>5. Lucille Ball\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p style=\"text-align: left;\">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\u2019s Lucy, and Life with Lucy. Lucy is a timeless legend who continues to touch generations of audiences through her comedy.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RcZ9JZZRWM0?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><br><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>6. Bugs Bunny<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p style=\"text-align: left;\">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\u2019s 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, \u00a0duck, or pig!<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/h8NrKjJPAuw?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>7. Gilda Radner<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p style=\"text-align: left;\">Gilda Radner was truly one of the greatest comediennes of her time. As a cast member on Saturday Night Live, she created some of the most beloved characters like Judy Miller, Baba Wawa, Candy Slice, and Lisa Loopner. Her life inspired a play \u201cBunny, Bunny\u201d written by another SNL cast member, Alan Zweibel that speaks to their relationship throughout her life and as she battled ovarian cancer.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ezWNh64s38o?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><br><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>8. Gene Wilder<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p style=\"text-align: left;\">Gene Wilder had a long and illustrious career in comedy. He teamed up with other comedy icons like Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor on many occasions for memorable films like The Producers, Stir Crazy, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein\u2014he was even married to Gilda Radner after they met on the set of Hanky Panky. Although his comedy may be uncouth these days, he was great at diving into a role, no matter how outlandish it may seem, making every film and appearance memorable.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MFq9AbVZSbo?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><br><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">9.<strong> Monty Python<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p id=\"synopsis\">This comedy troupe has made some of the greatest films and most classic comedy moments that are still quotable today. Headed by Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Graham Chapman, these men revolutionized satirical dark comedy. Their surrealist humor can be seen in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Meaning of Life, Life of Brian, and on their television series Flying Circus. Honestly, a great team to watch and learn just how far you can take a bit.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vnciwwsvNcc?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><br><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">10.<strong> Trey Parker and Matt Stone<\/strong><\/h4>\n<br><p id=\"synopsis\">Whether they are wishing you a Shpadoinkle Day in \u201cCannibal The Musical\u201d, or riffing on current musicals in \u201cTeam America: World Police\u201d, there has never been a comedy duo that lambasts current events and political agendas quite like Trey Parker and Matt Stone. They were made famous by South Park, but they have now made their official mark on Broadway with Book of Mormon, always knowing that when you push the boundaries, the audience will fall in love with you.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0CizU8aB3c8?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><br><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-one-full fusion-layout-column fusion-column-last fusion-spacing-yes section-body-post\" style=\"margin-top:;margin-bottom:;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper\"><h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BONUS: Seth MacFarlane <\/span><\/h4>\n<br><p style=\"text-align: left;\">Getting his start on Cartoon Network, Seth MacFarlane has become his own director, writer, producer, actor, lyricist\u2026 you name it! He helped create the Family Guy television series, American Dad, The Cleveland Show, and now is acting on The Orville. He also records his own albums including \u201cIn Full Swing\u201d and \u201cHoliday for Swing\u201d (his Christmas album). His forte is absurdist comedy and current events, but Seth MacFarlane is always able to add the heart that makes you come back to his characters time and time again.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"max-width:600px;max-height:350px;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6AXd5tcyneE?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><br><h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Looking for more material? Check out our other stories below!<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/top-standout-audition-songs-for-shrek-the-musical\/\">Top Standout Audition Songs for\u00a0<em>Shrek the Musical<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/fantastic-song-suggestions-for-the-addams-family-auditions\/\">Fantastic Song Suggestions for\u00a0<em>The Addams Family<\/em>\u00a0Auditions<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/bobby-baby-16-musical-theatre-trios-for-females\/\">Bobby Baby! 16 Musical Theatre Trios for Females<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/the-flyin-fightin-forties-16-female-solo-ideas-from-the-wwii-era\/\">The Flyin\u2019 Fightin\u2019 Forties: 16 Female Solo Ideas From The WWII Era<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/guys-25-more-wow-able-solos-from-broadways-golden-age\/\">Guys: 25 MORE Wow-Able Solos From Broadway\u2019s Golden Age<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/ladies-25-more-wow-able-solos-from-broadways-golden-age\/\">Ladies: 25 MORE Wow-Able Solos From Broadway\u2019s Golden Age<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/top-10-contemporary-male-audition-cuts\/\">Top 10 Contemporary Male Audition Cuts<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/top-10-contemporary-female-audition-cuts\/\">Top 10 Contemporary Female Audition Cuts<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Top 10 Traditional Male Audition Cuts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/10-monologues-for-women-who-speak-their-mind\/\">10 Monologues for Women Who Speak Their Mind<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/theatrenerds.com\/10-female-monologues-from-love-sick-characters\/\">10 Female Monologues From Love-Sick Characters<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/10-monologues-from-male-characters-fathers-brothers-and-sons\/\">10 Monologues from Male Characters: Fathers, Brothers, and Sons<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/10-monologues-for-people-who-have-a-bone-to-pick\/\">10 Monologues for People Who Have a Bone to Pick<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/10-great-monologues-from-lgbtq-identifying-characters\/\">10 Great Monologues from LGBTQ-Identifying Characters<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/10-monologues-for-characters-who-have-theatre-on-the-brain\/\">10 Monologues for Characters Who Have Theatre on the Brain<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/10-male-monologues-from-characters-dealing-with-death\/\">10 Male Monologues from Characters Dealing With Death<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/guys-25-wow-able-solos-from-broadways-golden-age\/\">Guys: 25 Wow-Able Solos from Broadway\u2019s Golden Age<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/ladies-25-wow-able-solos-from-broadways-golden-age\/\">Ladies: 25 Wow-Able Solos from Broadway\u2019s Golden Age<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><hr \/>\n<h5><em><strong>Meghan Mitchell<\/strong>\u00a0is a working actor who graduated\u00a0<\/em>cum laude<em>\u00a0from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois with a B.A. in Musical Theatre. She loves Shakespeare and nightly fireworks, and after working regionally and on ships, she is now proud to call Orlando her home.<\/em><\/h5>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [...]","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6917,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[801,261,259,260],"tags":[26,781,25,780,560,782,783],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6837"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6837"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6837\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6917"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}