20 Recent Comedians who passed away: A Tribute to their Legacy


 

Everyone can attest that it is very painful to lose someone. Saying goodbye to someone you loved or made you happy is such a big loss. In the entertainment industry, we have comedians. These people make us happy. In case you have a bad day, and take time to watch some of their comedies, your mood gets back and continue with your life.

Unfortunately, we have lost some of the big comedians who graced the screens with their outstanding performances. This article is going to discuss some of the fallen soldiers who left a big legacy in the entertainment industry.

1. Norm Macdonald

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Norman Macdonald was a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He passed away on 14th September 2021. Macdonald鈥檚 first performances in comedy were at stand-up clubs in Ottawa where he regularly appeared on amateur nights at Yuk Yuk鈥檚. However his first show was not well received, people did not turn out the way he expected. He felt discouraged saying he would never do it again that was in 1985. The owner of the club Howard Wagman encouraged him so much to try again.

 Eventually, his confidence grew and six months later he performed at the 1986 鈥淛ust for Laugh Comedy Festival鈥 in Montreal. The performance was such a success that the Montreal Gazette heralded him as 鈥淥ne of this country鈥檚 hottest comics鈥. He was a master of deadpan and observational humor. His weekend update segments were legendary and his weekend update with Dennis Miller remains a comedy classic.

2. Garry Shandling

Garry was a master of awkward comedy and self-deprecating humor. He realized he had a passion for comedy when he was 19 years old. He drove two hours to a club in Phoenix and showed some jokes to George Carlin who was performing there.  He established a successful stand-up performance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson where he was a frequent guest host.

He was the creator of 鈥淚ts Garry Shandling鈥檚 Show鈥 which was aired on Showtime. His show was nominated for four Emmy Awards and it ran up to 1990. His second show was 鈥淭he Larry Sanders Show鈥 which began airing on HBO IN 1992. He performed his first stand-up special alone in Vegas for Showtime.

3. John Witherspoon

John was a famous American actor and comedian. His performances were aired on both television shows and films. He began his stand-up comedy career during the 1960s- 1970s.  His comedy stemmed from everyday life where he tackled themes like family, relationships, and the struggles of the black community.

He brought warmth and humor to every role he played. His signature catchphrase 鈥淧ow鈥 will forever be remembered in comedy history. He passed on 29th October 2019 at the age of 77.

4. Bob Saget

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Robert Lane Saget was an American stand-up comedian, actor, director, and television host. He once revealed that his sense of humor developed while he was a rebellious student at the Conservative synagogue Temple Israel in Norfolk. He wanted to become a doctor but his Honors English teacher saw his creative potential and urged him to pursue an acting career.

He started practicing comedy in clubs such as The Improv and Catch a Rising Star. Other than comedy he served as the voice of the future Ted Mosby. In this role, he narrated the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother which ran for nine seasons from 19th September 2005 to 31st March 2014. His ability to make audiences laugh until they cry will be dearly missed.

5. Gilbert Gottfried

Gilbert was best known for his exaggerated shrill voice, exaggerated shrill voice, and his edgy often controversial sense of humor. His first stage performance was at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village during one of its Hootenanny Night events when he was 15.

He was a comedic force to be reckoned with. His appearances on 鈥Hollywood 厂辩耻补谤别蝉鈥 and 鈥凌辞补蝉迟尘补蝉迟别谤鈥 were legendary and his infectious laughter could brighten any room.

6. Charlie Murphy

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Charlie was well known as a writer and a cast member of the Comedy Central sketch-comedy series Chappelle鈥檚 Show and a co-star of the sitcom Black Jesus. He was the older brother of comedian Eddie Murphy. This family is full of comedians who must have learned from their father who was a transit police officer, actor, and comedian.

He gained fame when he performed on Chappelle鈥檚 Show, particularly in Charlie Murphy鈥檚 True Hollywood Stories sketches. He left a lasting impression on the comedy scene. He paved the way for future comedians to embrace storytelling and personal vulnerability in their stand-up routines.                          

7. Phil Hartman

Phil Hartman was one of the most versatile performers of his generation. He joined a comedy group known as 鈥淭he Groundlings鈥 in (1975) and helped Paul Reubens develop his character, Pee-wee Herman. In 1986 he was a cast member of the NBC sketch comedy show 鈥淪aturday Night Live鈥.

He was a master improviser who was known for his lightning-fast wit and ability to create hilarious characters on the fly. His untimely demise in 1998 left a big gap in the comedy world. Until today his work continues to inspire and entertain generations of comedians and audiences alike.

8. Bernie Mac

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Bernie was the King of Comedy of his time. He started as a stand-up- comedian in Chicago鈥檚 Cotton Club. His popularity as a comedian began to grow when he won the Miller Lite Comedy Search. His jokes tackled everyday issues like family, relationships, and the realities of African American Life. 

Bernie鈥檚 legacy in comedy is undeniable. He paved the way for the black comedian鈥檚 generation to be true to their self, real, and embracing their voices and experiences. If you didn鈥檛 know him and would want to check out his stand-up specials like 鈥淚 Ain鈥檛 Scared of You鈥 or 鈥淟ife on Stage鈥.

9. Mitch Hedberg

Mitch was an American stand-up comedian known for his surreal humor and deadpan delivery. His comedy was short and sometimes one-line jokes mixed with absurd elements and nonsequiturs. He started his stand-up comedy in Florida and after perfecting his skills he moved to Seattle and he began to tour.

He was a great comedian who redefined observation humor. His short but impactful career left a lasting legacy on the comedy world and also some of the quotes he liked to use such as 鈥淚 Saw a sign that said 鈥楧rive Carefully鈥 followed by 鈥Accident Ahead鈥 are still widely shared today.

10. Joan Rivers

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Joan was known for her direct, frequently contentious, and sharply humorous character that was heavily self-deprecating and acerbic, especially towards celebrities and politicians, and was delivered in her distinctive New York accent. She is considered a pioneer of women in comedy. She was a recipient of numerous Emmy Awards and Grammy Awards for her amazing performances.

Even in death, her legacy still lives on. Her stand-up specials remain timeless, her fearless humor continues to inspire aspiring comedians of all genders.  Anytime you feel down, you can put on Joan Rivers special and prepare to be cackling with laughter.

11. Sam Kinison

Kinison is one of the great comedians who has fallen and is still remembered. His comedy was crass observational humor, especially towards women and dating. His stage presence was electric. He was not afraid to expose his insecurities and vulnerabilities connecting with audiences on a deeper level through his raw honesty.

His life was tragically cut short at the peak of his career in a car accident. His legacy lives on through his recordings. He is still remembered as he paved the way for a generation of comedians to embrace their dark side and push boundaries on stage.

12. Gene Wilder

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Gene was one of the most famous comedians whose style involved a mix of wit, charm, and a touch of unpredictability. His comedic talents were recognized for his partnership with Mel Brooks who was a director and writer.

His most famous role was as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in the comedy film 鈥淵oung Frankenstein鈥 which was a parody of Mary Shelley鈥檚 Frankenstein stories.

His ability to blend humor with genuine warmth and vulnerability made him a standout performer. His legacy in the comedy industry still lives today.

13. Johnny Carson

Johnny is still one of the remembered comedians who passed away. He began his comedy career in the 1950s and gained wide recognition for his stand-up comedy routines by appearing on television variety shows.

His style of comedy was characterized by wit, impeccable timing, and personal charm. His contributions to comedy and entertainment earned him numerous awards.

14. Dustin Diamond

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Dustin was an American actor and stand-up comedian. He was a talented improviser and unique in his ways as he incorporated audience reactions and unexpected moments into his routines.

He transitioned into stand-up comedy after portraying the role of Samuel 鈥淪creech Powers鈥 in the film 鈥淪aved by the Bell鈥 touring on and off throughout his life. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 leaving behind a legacy of laughter and controversy.

15. Robin Williams

Robin was regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. Williams began performing stand-up comedy in San Francisco and Los- Angeles during the mid-1970s. Some of the comedy clubs he performed in include Holy City Zoo in San Francisco, Roxy, and in England he performed at The Fighting Cocks. He released several comedy albums which included Reality鈥hat a Concept in 1980.

He performed in shows such as L. An Improv for Home Box Office and Laugh-in among others. He won several awards including the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album due to his amazing performances. He is still remembered today for his outstanding performances and how he opened opportunities for other comedians.

16. Betty White

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Betty was an American actress, comedian, and producer. She was known for her vast television appearances acting in sitcoms, sketch comedy, and game shows. She was the first woman to produce a sitcom. She was the first woman to receive the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host for the show Just Men.

All through her career, she received many awards for her outstanding performances. Her comedic talent shone brightly throughout her years in television making her a national treasure.  Even after her passing in the year 2021, her work continues to entertain and inspire reminding us that humor can be found In every stage of life.

17. Carl Reiner

Carl was an American actor, stand-up comedian, director, screenwriter, and author. During his early years of television comedy from 1950 to 1957 he acted on and contributed sketch material for 鈥淵our Show of Shows鈥 and 鈥淐aesar鈥檚 Hour鈥.

One of his most notable contributions to comedy was his role as the creator, writer, and performer on 鈥淭he Dick Van Dyke Show鈥 which was a groundbreaking sitcom that aired from 1961 to 1966.

18. Sean Lock

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Sean was an English comedian and actor. He was known for his surreal humor, deadpan delivery, and observation wit. He began his stand-up comedy career in the category of Best Live Comic. He was motivated to do comedy by comedians like Alexei Sayle and Paul Merton when he so them performing comedy in clubs. While he was pursuing comedy, he visited comedy shows in London pubs and started doing open-mic spots as a hobby.

He was the first stand-up comedian to perform at Wembley Arena as he was the support act for Newman and Baddiel. Sean was widely mourned by his fellow comedians and fans. Till today he is considered one of the most innovative and influential comedians of his generation.

19. Terry Jones

Terry Jones was among the most impactful comedians who existed. He was a member of the Monty Python comedy troupe. His comedy did not rely on observational humor or witty one-liners. He embraced the crafting of hilarious sketches that defied logic and pushed the boundaries of traditional comedy.

His legacy is one of laughter, imagination, and pushing the boundaries of what comedy can be. By exploring his work, you can discover a unique brand of comedy that will leave you giggling at the absurdity of it all.

20. John Cleese

, , via Wikimedia Commons

John Cleese was a British comedian, writer, and actor. Cleese was known for his sharp satirical wit. Beyond witty dialogue, Cleese is a master of physical comedy. His exaggerated facial expressions, body language, and even his iconic stutter in Fawlty Towers perfectly complement his jokes adding another layer of hilarity.

He contributed memorable sketches and characters to the show such as the Ministry of Silly Walks and the Dead Parrot Sketch. His contributions to comedy earned him widespread acclaim and his work continues to be celebrated by audiences around the world.

Even if though it鈥檚 painful to see them go these comedians have left a legacy of inspiration and laughter. They have secured their position in comic history with their work which never stops entertaining and influencing new generations.

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are聽础尘补锄辞苍’蝉听产别蝉迟-蝉别濒濒颈苍驳聽travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 –听
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 –听

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –听
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage –听
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle聽–听

We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.