The Funniest People Who Have Walked This Planet

Today I most humbly present my own collection of some of the most funniest people who have graced this planet. Please remember this is my own personal choice, what may be my cup of tea, may not be yours. Some of them are still kicking strong, while sadly others have passed away.

They are the legends, the funny male actors that have the ability to make me laugh the hardest, they are indeed my favourites. So without much further ado let us honour each one, each funny comedian for the many smiles they have imparted on faces worldwide.

Benny Hill (21 January 1924 – 19 April 1992)

'The Benny Hill Show' is probably the most hilarious comedy show I think I have ever seen. It is currently running in Australia at the moment, and has been, for as long as I can remember. The 'Benny Hill Show' first ran in 1969 til its cancellation in 1989, across televisions all around the world. Benny Hill is a natural, you can cry your eyes out, simply from just looking at him.

This legend worked the camera to his advantage, he was almost spell-bounding with his half cheek look he wore and flaunted for the bright lenses.

Some folk considered him to be a bit of a "dirty ole man", as he was well renown for ripping the clothes of sexily attired women in his shows. I just adore Benny Hill, his humour is right down my alley.

Michael Crawford(born 19 January 1942)

One of my favourite shows has always been Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em (1973–1978) starring this incredible actor. His brilliant portrayal of Frank Spencer, a bumbling accident-prone disaster on two legs has given me many a laugh. He is known to do a lot of his own stunts on the show, stemming from his circus background as an acrobat. 

"Oh the cat did a whoopsie in me beret", is a classic line from this hilarious show

If you ever happen to talk to me on Skype or some other Internet chat site, remind me to do my Frank impersonation for you. Oh you will love it or hate it, one of the two, I believe I do it well.

John Cleese (born 27 October 1939)

Fawlty Towers (first aired in 1975) still runs here in Australia nightly. Indeed it was Basil, played so cleverly portrayed by Cleese that has given me more laughs at nighttime than I can possibly count. Did you know that Fawlty Towers came first on a list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes compiled by the British Film Institute, in the year 2000. Cleese has an uncanny way of falling over his own legs, belting his waiter Manuel in the back of the head and cursing at little old ladies that frequent his Hotel. He is simply hilarious, I can't help but laugh at nearly everything he does.

Robin Williams (born July 21, 1951

Robin Williams is an incredibly funny actor, as well as a very serious one when needed. His films I have most enjoyed include 'Mrs. Doubtfire', 'The Fisher King' and 'Nine Months' . In 'Nine Months' his role was hysterical. He plays the role of an eccentric Russian doctor who has progressed from an animal to a human doctor,with little experience in his new field. Now he is handling human births much to the horror of his horrified patient, played by Julianne Moore.

The highlight of this movie is when he was trying to persuade the hesitant Julieanne to hop up on his examining table.

"Excuse me would you hop up please I would like to take a look at your Volvo"

He meant vulva of course. Another word he bungled, was the word epidural with enema in the heat of the delivery room scene. This movie gave me many belly laughs indeed.

Groucho Marx (October 2, 1890 – August 19, 1977)

Sadly this talented and highly successful actor died some time time ago, but the magic of his movies will always charm us. It was his thick black eyebrows, with an over sized black moustache,glasses,cigar,on top of his hilarious antics that set him out from many that have followed after him. In total he made around 13 feature films with his siblings, The Marx Brothers. He was a very funny man, make a note to watch some of his old films, if you ever get the chance.

Whoopi Goldberg (born November 13, 1955)

Millions of fans from all around the world can't all be wrong with the love they have for this actress. This woman is extremely funny, without any doubt. The dreadlocks, the little rabbit teeth, the husky voice, it all combines to add to the magic this woman has. Some of her great films she has starred in include The Color Purple (1985), Sister Act (1992), How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998) and Ghost (1990). Whoopi is at the top of my list for the most funny women, no questions asked.

Eddie Murphy (Born April 3,1961)

How can this man not be considered funny with that husky, infectious laugh of his for starters. His role of Donkey in Shrek, always brings a pile of laughs for me guaranteed. Not only is he a comedian but an actor, film director, producer, and singer. Did you know that he is the highest grossing actor in motion picture history. Some of his memorable films include 'The Nutty Proffessor', 'The Money Train', 'Beverly Hills Cop' and 'Shrek'. How can an actor who played three quarters of his family in 'The Nutty Proffessor', not be one of the greatest.

Gene Wilder (born Jerome Silberman, June 11, 1933)

I loved Gene Wilder in the film 'Stir Crazy', he was absolutely hilarious. If you have not seen the film watch the trailer for the movie that I have included in this Hub, it's insane. With his frizzy hair and his bulging eyes, you will be sure to laugh at this movie masterpiece. I admire the people who make it in Hollywood, without the beautiful looks to get them in. When you make it with talent alone, then that is a success story.

Jim Carrey (Born James Eugene Carrey January 17, 1962)

What impresses me about this man is the amount of facial distortions he is capable of, much more than I could ever hope to perform in a lifetime. You have to give him credit for that alone. He has been listed in 'The Observer' as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy, of all time, and hey we are talking British here. Some of the movies he has made that have made me laugh are 'Dumb and Dumber', 'The Mask', 'Liar Liar', 'Bruce Almighty', and 'Yes Man'.

Rowan Atkinson (born 6 January 1955)

Here I am actually talking of the most famous character taken on by this actor, Mr Bean. Some days nearly everything this man does will totally choke me up, then there are days I need to rest from him. In the end he will always get me back with those dopey facial expressions he pulls and those totally bizarre, bungling antics of his. He also has been listed in 'The Observer' as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy. Whether you love him or loathe him, his success worldwide has to be admired, on a character who never spoke at all when he first appeared as Bean on our screens. Who wouldn't die to have his bank balance at the end of the day?

Patricia Routledge born 17th Febraury 1929

I love her for the most famous role she plays on British sitcom TV, Mrs Bucket , in Keeping Up Appearances , which still airs nightly in my country, Australia. As she would say in her rather snobby, upper class voice,

"It is not Mrs Bucket, it is Mrs Bou-quet".

Her ongoing aim in life is to impress neighbours, friends and important people, however her family often getting in the way of her plans. With a sister she views as a bit of a tart and a boozing brother in law on top, things don't often go to her plans. I laugh at her obedient, faithful husband Richard, who always gets dragged into the deep end of things. Keeping Up Appearances to me has to be one of the most funny and entertaining comedy sitcoms on television I have seen and enjoyed.

Dame Edna Everage (alias Barry Humphries born 17 February 1934)

This great Aussie icon queen is simply hilarious. With her never ending maternal advice for those in need, and her wonderful expressions, "Oh possums", how can you not love her. Who would have though seriously that 'drag' would become so fashionable. You just have to admire that blue rinse teased up hair and those lovely long frocks, Oh Dame Edna you make us so proud to be Australian.

Norman Gunston played by Garry McDonald

Born 30 October 1948

For a lot of people who live oversees you may not be familiar with Norman Gunston. Norman was a satirical TV character played by McDonald in the late 70's who took delight in interviewing famous celebrities, especially in Hollywood. He always had paper stuck to his face, to indicate he cut his face shaving, an added ploy for extra laughs.The Americans were perplexed by this man, evident in the many interviews he did.

Was this Aussie man really like this? Could an Australian be as loopy as this? Often a lot of celebrities became cross with him or offended. However this never seemed to subdue Gunston in any way, shape or form. He was love-able, immature in his ways, a hopeless shaver and totally hilarious. Boy oh boy, I have come to know him from the many repeats of his show The Norman Gunston Show, which air currently in my hometown.

You must watch the clip I have included of him in this Hub, a fine example of the man he was, and how celebrities reacted to him.

Billy Connolly (born William Connolly, Jr. on 24 November 1942)

I had to add Billy to this article. Billy is a fabulous Scottish comedian, musician, presenter and actor. Billy married Pamela Stevenson (famous for 'Not The Nine'O Clock News') and has been married 18 years. Billy has excelled in stand-up comedy as well as starring in some great films such as 'The Boondock Saints', 'The Man Who Sued God', 'The Last Samurai', 'The X-Files: I Want to Believe' and 'The Secret Policeman's Ball'. He will soon be reprising his role as Noah "Il Duce" McManus in Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day.

Copyright © 2009 Deb Murray