QUIZ: Can You Name These Legends Of Comedy?
Comedy is its own art form that has dated back to ancient Greece. Ever since then it has evolved and changed into something smart and clever and aimed at putting a smile on people’s faces. Many of today’s comedians were inspired by those of the past who paved the way and defined what comedy could really be.
Comedy legends are remembered for their original humor and striking ability to make a strong connection to their audience. Those who know a thing or two about comedy will most likely remember all of these classic comedians.
She was the first woman to host her own variety show
A. Carol Burnett
B. Beatrice Lillie
C. Mae West
D. Martha Raye
Answer: Carol Burnett
Carol Burnett is one of the most favored comediennes and actresses of her day. She is best known for her variety show called The Carol Burnett Show, which was the first of its kind to be hosted by a woman.
He rose to fame during the silent movie era
A. Stan Laurel
B. Charlie Chaplin
C. Will Hay
D. Shemp Howard
Answer: Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin became a comedic icon after the release of his many silent movies. In most of his films he dressed as “The Tramp,” which featured a bowler hat, cane, thick mustache, and exaggerated makeup.
She paved the way for sitcoms during the 1950s.
A. Joan Rivers
B. Phyllis Diller
C. Lucille Ball
D. Lily Tomlin
Answer: Lucille Ball
Sitcoms wouldn’t be what they are today without the influence of Lucille Ball. She was the mastermind behind the 1950’s hit show, I Love Lucy, which brought in millions of viewers each week.
This classic comedian was named Leslie but changed his name during his career
A. Charlie Hall
B. James Finlayson
C. Peter Sellers
D. Bob Hope
Answer: Bob Hope
Bob Hope was born Leslie Townes Hope on May 29, 1903. His career spanned over eight decades and he still holds the record for hosting the Academy Awards the most times at a total of 19.
He was a cast member on the very first season of Saturday Night Live
A. John Belushi
B. Jim Belushi
C. Bill Murray
D. Phil Hartman
Answer: John Belushi
John Belushi was one of the cast members of the first season of Saturday Night Live in 1975. He also starred in some comedy films including National Lampoon’s Animal House and The Blues Brothers.
He won the Best Screenplay Oscar for The Producers
A. Gene Wilder
B. Mel Brooks
C. Carl Reiner
D. George Burns
Answer: Mel Brooks
At 93-years-old Mel Brooks is still making an impact in Hollywood. Some of his past credits include The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Spaceballs. Aside from acting these movies, he added on the difficult titles of writer and director.
Some of her most memorable characters were Roseanne Roseannadanna and Baba Wawa
A. Jane Curtin
B. Laraine Newman
C. Gilda Radner
D. Yvonne Hudson
Answer: Gilda Radner
Gilda Radner was one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live in 1975. She created many iconic characters including Roseanne Roseannadanna and Baba Wawa. Sadly, she lost her life to ovarian cancer at 42-years-old.
His claim to fame was an album of comedic monologues
A. George Carlin
B. Rodney Dangerfield
C. Lenny Bruce
D. Bob Newhart
Answer: Bob Newhart
Bob Newhart stepped into the comedy scene when he released his 1960 comedy album called The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart. This led to his sitcoms including The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart.
He and Demond Wilson (right) starred on a popular 1970s sitcom
A. Redd Foxx
B. Richard Pryor
C. Flip Wilson
D. Bernie Mac
Answer: Redd Foxx
John Elroy Sanford, or Redd Foxx, was the king of comedy during the mid-20th century. He was mostly known for his role on Sanford and Son, but he also did stand-up and recorded over 50 comedy albums.
Barbra Streisand played her in Funny Girl
A. Edith Stein
B. Fanny Brice
C. Zora Neale Hurston
D. Caresse Crosby
Answer: Fanny Brice
One of the earliest females to work in comedy was Fanny Brice. Fans of Barbra Streisand may remember her portrayal as Brice in both the theatre and film version of Funny Girl.
He co-founded the comedy troupe, Monty Python, in the late 1960s
A. Graham Chapman
B. Terry Gilliam
C. John Cleese
D. Eric Idle
Answer: John Cleese
John Cleese was one of the co-founders of the famous British comedy troupe, Monty Python. The group made several popular TV shows and films that gained attention around the world.
Born in Chicago, this man went on to play an alien, genie, housekeeper, and sailor
A. Henny Youngman
B. W.C. Fields
C. Bill Hicks
D. Robin Williams
Answer: Robin Williams
Robin Williams set the bar high for what comedians can accomplish in their career. After starring on a hit sitcom in the 1970s he went on to play multiple memorable film roles in movies such as Aladdin, Hook, and Mrs. Doubtfire.
His catchphrase was famously quoted by Jack Nicholson in The Shining.
A. Johnny Carson
B. Jack Paar
C. Steve Allen
D. Carson Daly
Answer: Johnny Carson
Whenever Johnny Carson would step on the stage of his late-night talk show his announcer, Ed McMahon, would shout, “Here’s Johnny.” His hosting job on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson lasted for 30 years and earned him many prestigious awards.
Her stage persona had her appear as a “toothless, bedraggled woman in a house dress and floppy hat”
A. Hattie McDaniel
B. Moms Mabley
C. LaWanda Page
D. Adele Givens
Answer: Moms Mabley
Loretta Mary Aiken was better known as Jackie “Moms” Mabley during her comedy career. She started to push the boundaries about what could be discussed in stand-up. In her day she was called “The Funniest Woman in the World.”
He was close friends with Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.
A. Stan Laurel
B. Oliver Hardy
C. Jerry Lewis
D. Groucho Marx
Answer: Jerry Lewis
Joseph Levitch, or more famously Jerry Lewis, was once known as “The King of Comedy.” He performed alongside Dean Martin in a zany comedy team and also had a successful film career, appearing in over 60 movies.
He appeared in films such as Grease, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, and Vegas Vacation
A. Bing Crosby
B. Moe Howard
C. Larry Fine
D. Sid Caesar
Answer: Sid Caesar
Sid Caesar was one of the earlier comedians to perform mainly in sketch comedy, as opposed to stand-up. He is most remembered for his live TV shows called Your Show of Shows and Caesar’s Hour.
At the time he was the oldest winner of an Academy Award for his role in The Sunshine Boys
A. George Burns
B. Don Rickles
C. Paul Reubens
D. Lewis Black
Answer: George Burns
George Burns lived to be 100-years-old with a comedy career in vaudeville, radio, film, and television. Fans may remember his signature round glasses, arched eyebrows, and trademark cigar. Later in his life, he was one of the oldest to win an Oscar.
Jim Carrey famously played him in a biopic.
A. Tom Davis
B. Andy Kaufman
C. Chevy Chase
D. Michael O’Donoghue
Answer: Andy Kaufman
There wasn’t a performer quite like Andy Kaufman. A lot of the time many people wouldn’t know if his behavior was just part of his act or his actual persona.
She was the first woman to host a late-night network TV show
A. Betty White
B. Cloris Leachman
C. Joan Rivers
D. Mary Tyler Moore
Answer: Joan Rivers
Joan Rivers was starting to break boundaries during the beginning of her comedy career in the 1950s. By the time she was 53-years-old, she got the opportunity to be the first female late-night show host on a major network.
Now, she’s Frankie on Netflix’s Grace and Frankie.
A. Lisa Lampanelli
B. Carol Leifer
C. Jane Fonda
D. Lily Tomlin
Answer: Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin started her comedy career doing stand-up, but also ventured into theatre, television, and film. She is currently playing Frankie on Netflix’s hit show Grace and Frankie alongside Jane Fonda.
