The Funniest Comedians in America

Have you ever laughed so hard that you actually couldn't breathe, spit your drink across the table after hearing an incredibly funny joke, or doubled over in hysterics while listening to a hilarious person? Laughter is very powerful. It's easy to see why the saying, "laughter is the best medicine," came about. Being happy, smiling and laughing brings out the best in all of us.

One of my favorite forms of entertainment is stand-up comedy. I not only enjoy live comedy clubs, but I also listen to SiriusXM Radio's comedy channels, download comedy bits on iTunes, and watch TV shows like, "Last Comic Standing." Living in Orange County, California, we are very fortunate to be home to one of the top comedy clubs in the country, The Improv.

Sometimes the simplest topics are also the funniest. I believe that most people love to see the humor in things that happen in their everyday lives. The best comedians are the ones who have the ability to relate to their audiences.

Here are some of my favorite comedians. Click on the links below and check out some of the hilarious bits on these entertainers' websites. Enjoy!

I have heard many great comedians, but I would have to say that my all-time favorite is Kathleen Madigan. Basically everything that comes out of this woman's mouth is funny. She loves to share stories about herself and her family with her audience. Her stories are easy to relate to, as we all have (or are) the crazy relative in our family. My favorite is her, "Nessie/Aliens" sketch. Its too funny for words!

Pretty much everything that comes out of Jim's mouth is funny! By making fun of himself, he wins over many people who can totally relate to his stories about everyday life. Jim incorporates his alter ego, a soft sweet voice, into his act. You can envision the comedian standing on stage with a little devil speaking into one ear, and a little angel whispering into the other. His delivery is impeccable. Even hearing his routine over and over again, I never get tired of him. Listen to his, "Camping" skit for a small taste of Jim's act.

One of my other favorites is Jeff Foxworthy. He is famous for the line, "you might be a redneck." He even translates his so-called, "redneck language" for your humorous pleasure. Hearing his father stories will make you laugh out loud. Jeff Foxworthy, along with Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy, and Ron White founded the, "Blue Collar Comedy Channel" on SiriusXM Radio. This radio station presents bits by some of America's best comedians.

Greg Behrendt is hysterical too. The sketches he does about marriage are really funny. He is able to explain the differences in how men and woman think, in a way that will make you laugh. My favorite is a sketch called, "Pictionary is Evil," which points out how a simple game can bring out the worst (but funniest) qualities in people. Greg uses sarcasm to show the humor in life.

Jeanne Robertson is a very, proper, southern woman, with an amazing sense of humor. Her lengthy stories about the difference between how she and her husband, who she refers to as, "Left Brain," process information, are very entertaining. Jeanne refers to herself as a humorist and speaker, as opposed to a comedian, but she is just as entertaining. Listen to her story about her first rafting trip with her husband. It is so funny!

Don Friesen uses his comedy bits to point out the hilarity of simple devices (like toasters and kitchen appliances) that we use everyday. His skit entitled, "Cell Phones" is one of may favorites. I can totally relate to all of the issues he makes us laugh about. He does a great job of describing, in detail, how technology that was made to simplify our lives can actually complicate it tremendously. The stories he tells about he and his young son will have you rolling on the floor laughing!

John Heffron is a comedian who has the ability to bridge the generation gap. He tells stories from a 30 something's point of view, yet can clearly remember being that early 20 something's guy. The sketch of his that best displays his sense of humor is called, "From the Future." He also has several funny bits about marriage and kids as well. You may recognize John's name. He was the winner of the second season of, "Last Comic Standing" on NBC. This extremely funny show has launched the careers of many talented entertainers like John.

Bobby is a native New Yorker, and a former fashion industry executive. After being named for his father's favorite comedian, Bob Hope, Bobby seemed destined for a career in comedy! What makes him so funny, is that he has a knack for blending both characterizations and funny observations about things that all of us can relate to. You may recognize Bobby's name from VH1, as he was the host of their show, "Stand-up Spotlight." Having lived in both places, my favorite sketch of Bobby's is the one about New York and LA! Hilariously accurate!

John Pinette is from Boston, Massachusetts. He was named Stand-Up Comedian of the Year by the American Comedy Awards in 1999. John is a large man, who uses stories about his everyday life to entertain his audiences. His voice alone will make you laugh. Most of his sketches are about food and the very high level of importance it holds in his life. He refers to himself as having a, "cherub-like demeanor," which he usually loses on stage, much to the pleasure of his audience. Listen to John's sketches about the Chinese buffet and his visit to the water park. They are incredibly amusing!