Whether they are making you laugh or making you think, stand-up comics always provide interesting and entertaining takes on important issues and cultural events, but just who are the very best of their craft?
1) George Carlin
Comedian, social critic, actor, and author
Commented on contemporary political issues in the US and satirized the excesses of American culture
Frequent performer and guest host on The Tonight Show
Posthumously awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
“The dean of counterculture comedians”
2) Richard Pryor
Comedian, actor, film director, social critic, satirist, writer, and MC
Listed #1 Greatest Comedian of All-Time by Comedy Central
"The seminal comedian of the last 50 years" - Bob Newhart
One of the most important & influential stand-up comedians of all time
Known for uncompromising examinations of racism and topical contemporary issues
3) Lenny Bruce
Paved the way to allow free speech in entertainment
Integrated satire, politics, religion, sex, and vulgarity
Has developed a substantial cult following
Groundbreaking and incredibly insightful
His 1964 conviction in an obscenity trial was followed by a posthumous pardon in 2003
4) Bill Hicks
Material encompassed a wide range of social issues including religion, politics, and philosophy
Comedian, social critic, satirist and musician
Has developed a substantial cult following
Died of pancreatic cancer at age 32
Criticized consumerism, superficiality, mediocrity within the media and popular culture
5) Steve Martin
Comedy Central ranked Martin #6 on their 100 Greatest Comedians list
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