Knight Rider is number one on my list of the 21 best TV shows from the 80s because every episode felt like an event. Filed to: Comedy. Released in theaters 35 years ago today, the comedy about a rich white law student (C. Thomas Howell) who poses as a Black man in order to qualify . Everyone one of these comedians could have had much more success than they did. Robin Williams rose to fame in the 1970s and 80's as a stand-up comedian and TV and film star. But a list of the best 80s stand ups or in this case, the best 80s male comedians would be incomplete without famed jokesters Rodney Dangerfield and Eddie Murphy. William Melvin "Bill" Hicks was an American comedian, satirist, and musician. The director manages to create an immersive atmosphere with a lot of tension. He has worked with big names like Halley Berry, Denzel Washington, and Beyonce. Chris Morris is currently Britain's most controversial comedian. George Burns. Bill Cosby. If you live in Butte, Montana, you're going to be goyish even if you're Jewish." 12. 15. It was created by comedy writer Reinhold Weege, who had previously worked on Barney Miller in the 1970s and early 1980s. Roy Chubby Brown understood the UK's class system far better than any politician. At . Bob's Burgers, the animated show in which she plays demonic preteen Louise, climbed the critical ranks to . Asian connection: Kal Penn is an Indian-American who is best known for his role as Kumar in the "Harold and Kumar" comedy . . While his comedy performances captivated audiences in the '70s and '80s and inspired comedians to come, Martin's influence has extended to film, literature, music (he plays the banjo!) He was banned from MTV and there were protests of his appearance on SNL. In the '70s he starred in movies, commercials, and his own Saturday morning cartoon, "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids." His film work has lurched from critically celebrated highbrow comedy (24 Hour Party People, A Cock and Bull Story) to hugely underrated would-be blockbusters (Hamlet 2, Around the World in 80 Days). Toast of London. Seventies comedies would not be allowed on television screens today because they were so racist and offensive, the outgoing head of Ofcom has said. Here's why offensive comedians should be canceled. During the '80s, adults would tune into Night Court. Best 80s movies. Garrett Martin. Nick Frost is a British actor, screenwriter, author, comedian, producer, and painter. He directed Hollywood Shuffle, Eddie Murphy's Raw, and The Meteor Man. Follow Jezebel's Cancel Tournament to see what ultimately gets canceled. Raiders of the Lost Ark. 1990s Raunchy comedy roars but clean comedians offer an alternative. He came into prominence with a brash, offensive persona known as "The Diceman." His material was heavily homophobic and misogynistic. 1. A band of misfits drift through space millions of years after mankind's . There is a British TV channel called GOLD (Go On Laugh Daily), and it shows British comedy shows all day, every day. Like Kobe Bryant going from high school to the NBA, Eddie Murphy was a teenage phenom. Most people know it for the scene in . There were comedians immensely funny from all backgrounds of life in England from Warren Mitchell to Lenny Henry to Benny hill, Les Dawson and the very funny David Jason. Bill Cosby. Andrew Dice Clay and Sam Kinison were selling out clubs. Yeah, she's funny. Jay Leno has become the most hated comedian in America. Here's 40 artists who deserve to sell more units than Jeff Foxworthy. Racist British Comedians. Eddie Murphy No list of 1980s comedians is going to be complete without Eddie Murphy. On the negative side, it's seen as aberrant, bestial, and yet cartoonish. 9 Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. 2 (2005), and The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show (2013). He is not afraid to touch on difficult and sometimes controversial themes like the ugliness and violence inside and outside the battlefield. His comedy concerts shown in films like Raw were all sold-out hits. Anchored by a truly weird performance from Michael Moriarty, The Stuff features a Southern private investigator uncovering a diabolical, otherworldly . Chris Morris is currently Britain's . The comedies were side splitting funny and there was just so much talent in England. Chris Morris [ Wikipedia] Top 10 Best of Chris Morris. At the beginning of the 90s, most of the comedy scene was quite crass. From Bill Hicks to Robin Williams, these comedic geniuses left a lasting impression on the world of laughs. . Getty Images. Shock jock Howard Stern was building a massive audience. 8. The. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried on why offensive humor is funny, the smuttiest Hollywood gossip, and why you'll never see him on "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee." . 1. The comedian, who has found himself in hot water over his latest Netflix special, has been slammed by fellow comedians in the past for 'slagging off' the trans community 9. One of only a few comics ever to get the "rock star" treatment, Dice filled stadiums with rabid fans waiting to hear his brand of filthy, offensive, insulting comedy. 2. He continued on the radio with the deeply satirical On the Hour and the very dark Blue Jam series. The film stars C. Thomas Howell as a white man who takes tanning pills to pretend to be Black and qualify for a Black-only scholarship. Let's see how "normal" your sense of humor is. Cruising (William Friedkin, 1980) "Cruising" is a thriller about a police investigation carried out in New York's gay underworld in the 80s. 5. A reality show originally aired on The Learning Channel (better known as TLC), amazingly, Honey Boo Boo became a lightning rod of controversy right from the start. Three's Company (1976-1984) The misadventures of two women and one man living in one apartment and their neighbors. 9. But he's not the only one! 14. Some of the world's best-known comedians have built careers on being offensive. He was 33. 1 Kevin Hart Kevin Darnell Hart is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Mama's Family (1983-1990) Mama's Family originated with Thelma "Mama" Harper, and her younger sister Fran living together in Mama's house. Finally, the music and acting are spot on. Jim Henson Starring: Jim Henson, . During this period he became a DJ on Britain's biggest radio station, BBC radio one, but was . A Democrat blows, a Republican sucks." 21. 1. The Great Muppet Caper 1981, 95 min. I have my favorite period, which was the late '80s to mid-'90s, with Phil Hartman . 3. He died in 2005 from a heart attack after suffering from. Wanda Sykes was named one of the funniest people in America by Entertainment Weekly way back in 2004, but frankly, it should have been earlier. He was the undoubted star of films such as 48 Hours, Beverly Hills Cop, and The Golden Child. The character of Indiana Jones (originally Smith) came to life as an attempt to resurrect the adventure serials of the '30s. Image via New World Pictures. A comedian is one who entertains through comedy, such as jokes and other forms of humour. Andrew Dice Clay Image via Getty/Ethan Miller Andrew Dice Clay has such a history of explicit and profane material that he was banned from MTV in 1989 for. Ed Richards, who stands down as chief executive . I remember when I thought Dave Chappelle was funny, groundbreaking . Theatrical sitcom Toast of London was a bit of an opinion splitter on first release. And then there's the case of 1986's Soul Man. A statement post A love letter to both the early '80s comedy scene and Chicago rhythm and blues, John Landis' outrageous road-trip film boasts hilarious, . Cosby is considered to be one of the 25 best comedians of all time. 01. of 12. and even . Starring the who's who of the 80s, including Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, Mickey Rourke, Paul Reiser, Kevin Bacon, Timothy Daly, and Ellen Barkin, it tells the story of a group of friends in 1959 who get together at a diner in Baltimore to celebrate the pending nuptials of one of them. Taking the bronze is Family Ties, a show which reflected the move in the United States from the cultural liberalism of the 1960s and 1970s to the conservatism of the 1980s. Before she was known for critiquing red-carpet fashion, Rivers was known for being a provocative and sometimes offensive comedian. The follow list is of ten comedians who used anger as their main source of humor. Frost also supports charitable organizations like Humanists UK. The textbook definition of the '80s "girl next door," Phoebe Cates brought the cute to such classics as Gremlins and Drop Dead Fred, but it was her role in 1983's Fast Times at . In the 80's, Andrew Dice Clay was one of the biggest comedians in America. There were hilarious cameos including Pat Sajak, Vanna White, Hulk Hogan, and Rick James. Read More: Best Movies of 1981. He started his career as a radio DJ where he perpetrated his infamous incident at Radio GLC when he released helium into a news studio. Andrew Dice Clay is no longer the comedy giant he once was, but back in the late 1980s and early '90s, there was no one bigger. Dennis Miller Actor | The Net He was 67. In fact, many of the best comedians that ever lived are now dead! RELATED: The 5 Best (& 5 Worst) '80s Comedies 'I'm like the archbishop of Canterbury' (IMDB) When I set out to write an account of England in the first decade or so of this century, I didn't have comedian Roy Chubby Brown in my provisional cast list. . The great William Henry "Bill" Cosby Jr. is a stand-up comedian, actor, author, and activist. The textbook definition of the '80s "girl next door," Phoebe Cates brought the cute to such classics as Gremlins and Drop Dead Fred, but it was her role in 1983's Fast Times at . Red Dwarf. These comedians are also hated because they're . Britain's Jimmy Carr loves an off-colour one-liner, and Ricky Gervais isn't fazed by upsetting audiences, either. 01/18/10 01:48PM. See the video on YouTube. Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, 50 First Dates, Mr. Getty Images. He also had a few acting roles in film and television. The most controversial film of the 80s, . Best Comedy Shows of the '70s & '80s. (Not just sitcoms.) Each Thursday night, he would proudly lead public defenders, prosecutors, clerks, and bailiffs through night court. Deft satirical sitcom set in the office of a fictional TV news broadcaster. American journalist and humorist Harmon Leon delves into the shadier elements of British comedy's past with the latest episodes of his podcast. Some of the world's best-known comedians have built careers on being offensive. Not really. 80. 40. Deeds, The Wedding Singer, Big Daddy, Punch-Drunk Love, Spanglish, Reign Over Me, and fairly recent work You Don't Mess With The Zohan, Just Go with It, Funny People and Grown Ups, to a name a few, are some of his most memorable works. 21. There was so much humor back in the 70s and 80s when it came to British comedy. 4. Lenny Bruce on being Jewish and living in New York: "If you live in New York, you're Jewish. 28. The Top 100 Comedies of the 1980s; The Top 250 Comedies of the 1980s; The Best Horror Movies Of the 1980s; The Best Science Fiction Movies of 1977; The Best Comedy Movies Of the 2000s; Comedians (sorted alphabetically by surname) A. 20th Century Fox Phil. 20. Rowland Rivron (born 1958), drummer in comedy band Raw Sex and presenter of BBC Radio 2's Jammin Chris Sievey, aka Frank Sidebottom (1955-2010) Vivian Stanshall (1943-1995) Jim Tavar (born 1963) Jake Thackray (1938-2002) Victoria Wood (1953-2016) Jay Foreman Variety and music hall comedians Chesney Allen (1893-1982) Arthur Askey (1900-1982) In the 1960s, with his clean and non threatening style of humor, he was able to break through the racial barriers of that time. Wanda Sykes. Rose Abdoo (born 1962) Raymond Ablack (born 1989) John Aboud (born 1973) James Acaster (born 1985) Jayde Adams . Louis C.K https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NAUgCm-3Tc While one half of this dynamic duo is best known in 2019 as the new Alfred Hitchcock, Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key shook up Comedy . Stewart Lee Now I will probably overuse the word genius a lot in this article and I m sorry for it in advance but when talking about Stewart Lee the official 41st best stand up ever I think he. The judge of the court, Harry T. Jones, was completely unorthodox. Its most popular shows though are its 1970s shows: 'The Good Life, To The Manor Born, Citizen Smith, Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads, Some Mothers Do 'Ave Em, Steptoe and Son and Dad's Army, amongst others. Gilbert Gottfried, the controversial and one-of-a-kind comedian and actor with a voice as unique as his comedy, died today after a lengthy illness, his family announced. Britain's Jimmy Carr loves an off-colour one-liner, and Ricky Gervais isn't fazed by upsetting audiences, either. 29. Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key. He also directed and starred in The Five Heartbeats. RELATED: The Most Ridiculous "Message" Episodes in TV History. While he was more than capable of delivering outstanding dramatic performances as he did in 1989's "Dead Poets . He was 67. Often they sacrificed a promising mainstream career to say what they felt was right. Many of the top 80s stand up comedians came from the city of Boston, including Lenny Clarke and Denis Leary. Rod Man is also an actor and writer, known for his roles in Funny People (2009) with Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, The Big Black Comedy Show, Vol. 3. He worked into his 80s . The 1970s is not a sharp change to the 1960s. Gilbert Gottfried, the controversial and one-of-a-kind comedian and actor with a voice as unique as his comedy, died today after a lengthy illness, his family announced. Check out: Jo Koy - Performs at the Laugh Factory. RELATED: 20 Banned or Otherwise Unavailable Movies You Can Only Watch Online. and even . Kristen Schaal. 1. "Blame it on Lisa" ( The Simpsons) lead . Family Ties. Amy Schumer apologized. The outspoken former GMB presenter blasted the 'woke' comedian, tweeting: "Watching #SuperNature on @netflix - absolutely outrageous, fabulously offensive, hilariously funny & already enraging . George Carlin was once arrested with Bruce, and in his 1972 routine adapted his seven dirty words from nine that landed Bruce in jail on one occasion, omitting "a**" and "b***s." Carlin himself was. Stand up was becoming a staple of Cable TV. The last couple of years have been very, very good to Kristen Schaal. The stand-up . Desiree Burch is an NYC-based comedian, emcee, writer, and performer, known for work with the New York Neo-Futurists in "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind" and for her acclaimed solo show "52 Man Pickup" (four stars from Time Out NY, and The List, UK) which has been featured at Ars Nova, The Ohio Theater, Galapagos Artspace and in the New York (spotlighted by Backstage) and . Do you find Sarah Silverman funny? Then his entire career came crashing down. Sam Kinison was a popular stand-up comedian from Yakima, Washington, mainly active in the 1980s and the early 1990s. 10 The Stuff. But tell you what, it was funny because 1) the ridiculousness of it all was so over the top that it played out like a live-action cartoon, and 2) That's right, it was a comedy. is not merely offensive . 132.38K. 15 Comedians Who Have Admitted They Regret Their Most Offensive Jokes John Mulaney says he "deserved backlash" for those jokes on SNL. A two-time host of the Oscars, Pryor was ultimately harmed by years of drug use, severely burning his body in 1980 while doing cocaine. The Day The Laughter Died (1990) The free-associative filth masquerading as jokes on the Diceman .