The Funniest Actors of All Time

Comedy on screen has taken countless forms, from silent slapstick and screwball dialogue to character-driven sitcoms and off-the-wall sketch work, and a lot of that history runs through a handful of standout performers. These actors built careers in film, television, and sometimes stand-up, shaping what people expect from a funny performance and influencing generations that followed. Many of them moved between genres with ease, using timing, physicality, and voice work to bring comic characters to life. Together, they show how comedy can reflect its era while still feeling fresh to new audiences discovering their work for the first time.

Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin was a British actor, writer, and director whose most famous screen persona was the Tramp, a bowler-hatted drifter with a cane and mustache. He rose to fame in the silent era with films like ‘The Kid’, ‘The Gold Rush’, and ‘City Lights’, which blended slapstick with emotional storytelling. Chaplin often controlled almost every aspect of his films, including writing, directing, producing, and composing music. His work has been studied in film schools around the world for its visual gags, social themes, and innovative use of pantomime to tell stories without dialogue.

Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton was an American silent film star known for his deadpan expression and highly choreographed physical stunts. He headlined films such as ‘The General’, ‘Sherlock Jr.’, and ‘Steamboat Bill Jr.’, where large-scale set pieces and precision timing were central to the comedy. Keaton performed many of his own stunts, which included collapsing houses, moving trains, and complex chase sequences. His work has influenced modern action-comedy filmmaking, and his visual style is frequently referenced by directors and stunt coordinators.

Groucho Marx

Groucho Marx was the most prominent on-screen member of the Marx Brothers, appearing in films like ‘Duck Soup’, ‘A Night at the Opera’, and ‘Animal Crackers’. He was known for his quick-fire wordplay, greasepaint mustache, and exaggerated walk, combining verbal and physical comedy. Groucho’s performances often involved barbed one-liners, puns, and rapid exchanges with co-stars. His television work, including hosting ‘You Bet Your Life’, kept his comedic persona in the public eye long after the Marx Brothers’ film era faded.

Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis was an American actor and comedian who became famous through his partnership with Dean Martin and later as a solo film star. He headlined comedies like ‘The Nutty Professor’, ‘The Bellboy’, and ‘The Ladies Man’, often playing socially awkward or childlike characters. Lewis was also a director and innovator behind the camera, experimenting with video assist technology on film sets. Beyond acting, he spent decades hosting televised charity events such as the ‘MDA Labor Day Telethon’, which cemented his status as a major entertainment figure.

Peter Sellers

Peter Sellers was an English actor known for his versatility and ability to disappear into characters. He starred as Inspector Clouseau in several ‘The Pink Panther’ films and played multiple roles in ‘Dr. Strangelove’. Sellers frequently changed his voice, posture, and mannerisms for each role, creating distinct personalities in the same movie. His career covered radio, television, and film, and he became a reference point for performers interested in character-based comedy.

Gene Wilder

Gene Wilder was an American actor recognized for his collaborations with writer-director Mel Brooks and his work in offbeat comedies. He played memorable roles in films like ‘The Producers’, ‘Blazing Saddles’, and ‘Young Frankenstein’, often balancing nervous energy with calm, understated delivery. Wilder also starred as Willy Wonka in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’, which showcased his ability to mix whimsy with unpredictability. In addition to acting, he co-wrote several screenplays and occasionally directed, contributing to the development of parody and satire in mainstream cinema.

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks is an American actor, writer, and director known for broad parodies and genre spoofs. While he is often recognized behind the camera for films like ‘Blazing Saddles’, ‘Young Frankenstein’, and ‘Spaceballs’, he also appears on screen in many of his projects. Brooks started in television, writing on shows like ‘Your Show of Shows’ before moving into film and later into Broadway with ‘The Producers’. His work frequently references other movies, historical events, and pop culture, creating dense layers of jokes and in-jokes that fans revisit over time.

Jack Lemmon

Jack Lemmon was an American actor who moved easily between comedy and drama across a long film career. In comedies such as ‘Some Like It Hot’, ‘The Apartment’, and ‘The Odd Couple’, he often portrayed anxious or put-upon everyman characters. Lemmon collaborated frequently with director Billy Wilder and co-star Walter Matthau, creating screen partnerships that audiences followed across multiple films. His range earned him major awards in both comedic and dramatic roles, making him a key figure in mid-century American cinema.

Danny Kaye

Danny Kaye was an American actor, singer, and dancer known for musical comedies and family-friendly films. He appeared in movies like ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’, ‘The Court Jester’, and ‘White Christmas’, where he combined physical comedy with elaborate musical numbers. Kaye was also popular on stage and in television variety specials, showcasing rapid-fire patter songs and tongue-twisting routines. Beyond entertainment, he worked as a UNICEF ambassador, using his public profile to support humanitarian efforts.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray is an American actor who first gained wide attention as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ before transitioning to film. He starred in comedies such as ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘Groundhog Day’, and ‘Caddyshack’, where his laid-back delivery and dry wit became trademarks. Murray later expanded into more understated roles in films like ‘Lost in Translation’ and several collaborations with director Wes Anderson, blending humor with quieter, character-driven moments. Known for an unconventional approach to fame, he has developed a reputation for working selectively and appearing in diverse projects, including independent films and animated features.

Steve Martin

Steve Martin is an American actor, writer, and musician who started as a stand-up comic before moving into film and television. He headlined movies like ‘The Jerk’, ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’, and ‘Father of the Bride’, often playing well-meaning characters caught in escalating situations. Martin is also an accomplished banjo player and has released several bluegrass and comedy albums, as well as written plays and novels. His career reflects a mix of physical comedy, wordplay, and more reflective work, including later projects like the series ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy is an American actor and comedian who became a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’, bringing high-energy characters and impressions to the show. He led films such as ‘Beverly Hills Cop’, ‘Trading Places’, and ‘Coming to America’, where he often played multiple roles in the same story. Murphy also voiced Donkey in the ‘Shrek’ series, bringing his style into animated family films. His early stand-up specials have remained influential for later generations of comedians.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams was an American actor and comedian known for rapid improvisation and vocal flexibility. He first gained national recognition on the television show ‘Mork & Mindy’, playing an alien character with unpredictable behavior. In film, he appeared in comedies like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’, and ‘The Birdcage’, as well as dramatic roles that showcased his range. Williams also voiced the Genie in ‘Aladdin’, where much of the performance drew on spontaneous riffing and quick character shifts.

John Cleese

John Cleese is an English actor and writer best known as a founding member of the comedy group behind the television series ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’. He co-wrote and appeared in films such as ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’, ‘Life of Brian’, and ‘The Meaning of Life’, which combined absurd sketches with narrative stories. Cleese also created and starred in the sitcom ‘Fawlty Towers’, playing the highly strung hotel owner Basil Fawlty. Beyond Python, he has appeared in a wide range of films and television series, including roles in ‘A Fish Called Wanda’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise.

Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson is an English actor and writer widely associated with the character Mr. Bean, introduced in the television series ‘Mr. Bean’. He also gained recognition through ‘Blackadder’, a historical sitcom that followed various members of a scheming dynasty across different eras. Atkinson has starred in films like ‘Bean’, ‘Johnny English’, and ‘Love Actually’, mixing physical comedy with understated line delivery. Trained as an engineer, he has brought a precise, almost technical approach to timing and facial expressions in his performances.

Leslie Nielsen

Leslie Nielsen was a Canadian-American actor who spent much of his early career in serious roles before becoming strongly identified with parody films. His turn in ‘Airplane!’ as Dr. Rumack, delivered with complete seriousness amid absurd situations, reshaped his on-screen persona. Nielsen went on to star as Lieutenant Frank Drebin in ‘The Naked Gun’ series, originating from the television show ‘Police Squad!’. His deadpan style became central to many spoof films, making him a go-to performer for this kind of comedy.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey is a Canadian-American actor known for highly elastic facial expressions and energetic physical performances. He broke through in films like ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’, ‘The Mask’, and ‘Dumb and Dumber’, where broad characterizations and slapstick were central. Carrey later took on more nuanced roles in films such as ‘The Truman Show’ and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, while still drawing on his comedic instincts. He also performed sketch comedy on the series ‘In Living Color’, where several of his recurring characters became fan favorites.

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler is an American actor, writer, and producer who began as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He headlined comedies like ‘Billy Madison’, ‘Happy Gilmore’, and ‘The Waterboy’, often playing well-intentioned but immature or unconventional characters. Sandler later branched into more grounded stories with films such as ‘Big Daddy’ and ’50 First Dates’, while also collaborating with dramatic directors on projects outside pure comedy. His production company, Happy Madison, has backed numerous comedy films and television shows featuring a recurring group of performers.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller is an American actor, director, and producer whose work spans sketch shows, sitcoms, and feature films. He directed and starred in movies like ‘Reality Bites’, ‘Zoolander’, and ‘Tropic Thunder’, often playing characters who are unaware of how they appear to others. Stiller has been part of several successful comedy franchises, including the ‘Meet the Parents’ series and the ‘Night at the Museum’ films. His projects frequently mix satire, self-referential humor, and physical gags, and he has also directed acclaimed limited series in more dramatic genres.

Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell is an American actor who gained prominence on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he created exaggerated versions of public figures and everyday archetypes. He went on to star in comedies like ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’, ‘Elf’, and ‘Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby’, often playing overly confident but clueless leads. Ferrell co-founded the website ‘Funny or Die’, which became a hub for short-form comedy videos and collaborations. He has also appeared in sports comedies, family films, and more grounded projects, showcasing a broad comedic range.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock is an American comedian and actor known for sharp stand-up specials and commentary on social issues. He appeared in films such as ‘Head of State’, ‘Down to Earth’, and ‘Top Five’, often drawing on his stand-up voice for his on-screen characters. Rock has also done voice work, notably as Marty the zebra in the ‘Madagascar’ animated series. In television, he created and narrated ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, a sitcom inspired by his own childhood that blends observational humor with a coming-of-age story.

Sacha Baron Cohen

Sacha Baron Cohen is an English actor and writer recognized for creating and inhabiting provocative comic characters. He first gained attention with the television show ‘Da Ali G Show’, where he interviewed real people in character as Ali G, Borat, and Bruno. These personas later led to films like ‘Borat’, ‘Bruno’, and ‘The Dictator’, which combined scripted scenes with unscripted interactions. Baron Cohen often uses comedy to explore cultural stereotypes and political themes, sometimes prompting public debate and legal challenges.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell is an American actor who became widely known for playing Michael Scott in the U.S. version of the television series ‘The Office’. Before that, he worked as a correspondent on ‘The Daily Show’ and appeared in supporting roles in films and sketch shows. Carell transitioned to leading film roles in comedies like ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’, ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’, and ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’. He has also taken on dramatic parts, showing a capacity to move between broad humor and more subdued, character-focused stories.

Jack Black

Jack Black is an American actor and musician whose screen work often combines comedy with music and high-energy performances. He starred in films like ‘School of Rock’, ‘Nacho Libre’, and ‘Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny’, frequently playing enthusiastic, larger-than-life characters. Black is also the lead singer of the rock-comedy duo Tenacious D, which has released albums and toured internationally. In addition to live-action roles, he has voiced characters in animated films, including Po in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ series.

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais is an English actor, writer, and director best known for co-creating and starring in the original UK version of ‘The Office’. He followed that success with series such as ‘Extras’, ‘Derek’, and ‘After Life’, often playing flawed, emotionally complex characters in everyday settings. Gervais has also hosted major award shows, bringing his stand-up sensibilities to live broadcasts watched around the world. Alongside television and film work, he continues to tour internationally with stand-up specials that are later released on streaming platforms.

Harold Lloyd

Harold Lloyd was an American silent film actor and producer who became famous for his daredevil stunts and optimistic on-screen persona. He starred in films like ‘Safety Last!’, ‘The Freshman’, and ‘Girl Shy’, where everyday characters faced escalating, often perilous situations. Lloyd performed many of his own stunts, including the iconic sequence of hanging from a clock face high above a city street. His work helped define the silent comedy feature and provided a counterpoint to the personas of contemporaries such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.

Bob Hope

Bob Hope was an English-born American actor, comedian, and entertainer whose career spanned radio, film, television, and live performance. He appeared in the ‘Road to’ film series with Bing Crosby, as well as comedies such as ‘The Paleface’ and ‘My Favorite Brunette’. Hope hosted numerous variety specials and became closely associated with entertaining military personnel through USO tours around the world. His rapid-fire joke delivery and monologues made him a fixture of mid-century American entertainment.

Lou Costello

Lou Costello was an American actor and comedian best known as half of the duo Abbott and Costello. The pair starred in films like ‘Buck Privates’, ‘Hold That Ghost’, and ‘Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein’, bringing their vaudeville routines to the screen. Costello typically played the more childlike, excitable half of the partnership, setting up classic exchanges such as the ‘Who’s on First?’ routine. Their work extended to radio and television, making them one of the most recognizable comedy teams of their era.

John Candy

John Candy was a Canadian actor who became a beloved presence in film comedies through his warm, expressive performances. He appeared in movies like ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’, ‘Uncle Buck’, and ‘Spaceballs’, often playing well-meaning, larger-than-life characters. Candy got his start with the sketch troupe Second City and its television offshoot ‘SCTV’, which showcased his range of impressions and characters. His film work continues to be revisited for its mix of broad humor and emotional sincerity.

Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase is an American actor and writer who first gained fame as one of the original cast members of ‘Saturday Night Live’. He went on to star in films such as ‘Caddyshack’, ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’, and ‘Fletch’, often playing sardonic, slightly detached leads. Chase also headlined the sitcom ‘Community’, portraying an older, out-of-touch businessman among younger students. His early work in sketch comedy and film helped shape a particular style of deadpan, self-aware humor in late twentieth-century American comedy.

Dan Aykroyd

Dan Aykroyd is a Canadian actor, writer, and musician who was a key figure in the early years of ‘Saturday Night Live’. He co-wrote and starred in films like ‘The Blues Brothers’ and ‘Ghostbusters’, where music, supernatural elements, and offbeat characters were blended with comedy. Aykroyd’s background in blues music informed his performances with The Blues Brothers band, which toured and recorded beyond the films. He has continued to appear in a wide range of projects, from genre comedies to supporting roles in dramas.

Martin Short

Martin Short is a Canadian actor and comedian known for his energetic characters and impressions. He gained prominence on sketch shows such as ‘SCTV’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he introduced recurring figures like Ed Grimley. Short has appeared in films including ‘Three Amigos’, ‘Innerspace’, and ‘Father of the Bride’, often playing nervous or exuberant supporting characters. He has also worked extensively on stage and in voice acting, maintaining a presence across several areas of entertainment.

Chris Farley

Chris Farley was an American actor and comedian who became widely known through his work on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He brought intense physicality to sketches and later to films like ‘Tommy Boy’, ‘Black Sheep’, and ‘Beverly Hills Ninja’. Farley got his start with the Second City troupe in Chicago, where he honed his high-energy style. Although his career was cut short, his performances remain influential for comedians who draw on bold physical comedy and larger-than-life characters.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart is an American stand-up comedian and actor who moved from live comedy tours into film and television. He has appeared in movies such as ‘Ride Along’, ‘Central Intelligence’, and ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’, often playing fast-talking, anxious characters thrown into chaotic situations. Hart has released multiple stand-up specials that have been shown in theaters and on streaming platforms, documenting his stage work for a global audience. He also founded production companies and media ventures that develop comedy content across different formats.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen is a Canadian actor, writer, and producer whose career has moved from television to film and voice work. He first gained attention on series like ‘Freaks and Geeks’ and ‘Undeclared’ before starring in films such as ‘Knocked Up’, ‘Pineapple Express’, and ‘Superbad’ as an actor, writer, or producer. Rogen often collaborates with a recurring group of filmmakers and performers on projects that mix raunchy humor with character-focused stories. Beyond acting, he has co-directed films and produced television shows, expanding his role behind the scenes.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill is an American actor and filmmaker who emerged from ensemble comedies into more varied roles. He appeared in films like ‘Superbad’, ’21 Jump Street’, and ‘This Is the End’, where he frequently played awkward or self-conscious characters. Hill later earned recognition for dramatic performances while still returning to comedic projects. He has also written and directed, including the feature ‘Mid90s’, showing an interest in personal, character-driven stories alongside mainstream comedy.

Simon Pegg

Simon Pegg is an English actor, writer, and producer who became known through collaborations with director Edgar Wright. He co-wrote and starred in films like ‘Shaun of the Dead’, ‘Hot Fuzz’, and ‘The World’s End’, which mixed genre elements with character-based humor. Pegg also appears in major franchises, including roles in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series and the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ films. His work often blends pop-culture references with grounded, everyday character dynamics.

Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi is a New Zealand actor, writer, and director who frequently appears in his own projects. He co-created and acted in the film ‘What We Do in the Shadows’, playing an eccentric vampire and helping establish the mockumentary tone that carried into the related television series. Waititi also directed and acted in films like ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ and contributed on-screen and behind-the-scenes work in major franchise entries such as ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. His projects typically combine offbeat humor with emotional storytelling and cultural specificity.

Roberto Benigni

Roberto Benigni is an Italian actor and filmmaker known internationally for his work in both comedy and drama. He appeared in films like ‘Life Is Beautiful’, ‘Johnny Stecchino’, and ‘The Tiger and the Snow’, often blending physical humor with romantic or historical themes. Benigni began his career in Italian television and theater before branching out into international cinema. His work has received major awards and brought wider attention to contemporary Italian comedic filmmaking.

Cantinflas

Cantinflas, born Mario Moreno, was a Mexican actor and comedian widely regarded as a central figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. He starred in films such as ‘Ahí está el detalle’, ‘El circo’, and ‘El padrecito’, usually playing underdog characters who outwitted authority figures through rapid, convoluted speech. Cantinflas developed a distinctive verbal style known as cantinflear, which entered everyday language in the Spanish-speaking world. His popularity extended beyond Mexico, and he became a cultural icon representing a particular blend of social satire and physical comedy.

If you had to pick your own funniest actors of all time, who would make your list—share your thoughts in the comments.