The Funniest Comedians From Michigan
Voting Rules
Vote up the best comedians from the Great Lakes State.
- 1David Spade, born on July 22, 1964 in Birmingham, Michigan, is an American actor, stand-up comedian, writer, and television personality. He gained fame in the mid-1990s as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where his unique brand of sarcasm and snide commentary helped to define the show's comedic style. After leaving SNL, Spade went on to star in a variety of film and television roles that further solidified his status as a comic force. His most notable roles include the sarcastic office worker Dennis Finch in the television series Just Shoot Me!, and the dim-witted but lovable Joe Dirt in the film of the same name. In addition to his acting career, Spade has made significant contributions as a writer and producer. He co-wrote the Emmy-nominated SNL sketch The Chris Farley Show, a tribute to his late friend and fellow cast member. He also co-created the animated series Beavis and Butt-Head with Mike Judge, and served as a writer on the sitcom 8 Simple Rules. Despite his success, Spade remains grounded, often citing his humble beginnings and the influence of his family as key factors in his approach to comedy and life. Spade's career has been marked by high points and personal challenges. In 2003, he suffered a nearly fatal skiing accident, but his determination and resilience allowed him to return to work just months later. Throughout his career, Spade has also been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, using his platform to raise awareness and advocate for mental health. Despite the ups and downs, David Spade continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, his dry humor and keen observational skills resonating with audiences around the world.
- 2Though many comedy fans were first introduced to Keegan-Michael Key as a cast member on "MADtv" (Fox, 1995-2016), he truly became a household name thanks to his sketch comedy series "Key and Peele" (Comedy Central, 2012-15). Born in Southfield, Michigan in 1971 to an African American father and white mother, Key was adopted by parents who, by chance, reflected the same racial makeup. Key would later cite the regular "code switching" he engaged in between the two cultures within his family as contributing to his interest in playing different characters. Key eventually earned a bachelor's degree in theater from the University of Detroit Mercy as well as a master's from Pennsylvania State University. He was a mainstage cast member at Detroit's Second City improv theater before relocating to Chicago to join that city's even more prestigious Second City location. After a few years, he made the move to Los Angeles to pursue a career on screen, where he slowly began to accrue credits with appearances on "ER" (NBC, 1994-2009) and in the film "Uncle Nino" (2002). In 2004, Key was cast on the sketch comedy series "MADtv" along with another up-and-coming comedy performer named Jordan Peele. Key played a number of beloved recurring characters on the show such as Eugene Struthers and Coach Hines, and when he left the show in 2009, he and castmate Peele opted to pitch their own series to Comedy Central. "Key and Peele" proved both a critical and commercial hit, with Key's regular characters like Luther the Anger Translator becoming pop culture sensations. Key also appeared in recurring roles on "Fargo" (FX, 2014-) and "Parks and Recreation" (NBC, 2009-2015) at this time, in addition to co-starring with Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair on the largely improvised series "Playing House" (USA, 2014-17) and making a small but hilariously memorable appearance in the comedy "Let's Be Cops" (2014). When "Key and Peele" wrapped in 2015, he appeared in the feature film "Tomorrowland" (2015) and began providing the voice of American Ranger on the animated series "SuperMansion" (Crackle, 2015- ). The next year, Key re-teamed with Peele for the absurdist comedy film "Keanu" (2016) and honored his roots as an improvisor with the sleeper hit "Don't Think Twice" (2016). Then in 2017, Key began starring on the comedy-drama series "Friends from College" (Netflix, 2017-19). Though the show lasted only two seasons, it was a major critical hit, increasing Key's reputation as not just a gifted comedian but a talented actor. He quickly moved forward, co-starring with Eddie Murphy in "Dolemite is My Name" (2019) as well as with John Cena in the family comedy "Playing with Fire" (2019), as well as reteaming with Peele as a double act in "Toy Story 4."
- 3Actor Sam Richardson's background in improvisational comedy led to a successful career on television and in film that included series regular work on "Veep" (HBO, 2012-19) and his own series, "Detroiters" (Comedy Central, 2017- ). Born January 12, 1984 in Detroit, Michigan to American and Ghanaian parents, Richardson studied theater at Wayne State University before applying his talents to the famed Second City improvisational troupe at its locations in Detroit and Chicago, Illinois. There, he established himself as a character player, with one role - an exotic dancer, clad only in a Speedo, who transformed into then-President Barack Obama - drawing acclaim from local media. Richardson relocated to Los Angeles in the early 2010s, where his connection to Second City proved useful in landing roles on television comedies - most notably, a spate of episodes in the final season of "The Office" (NBC, 2005-2013) - and minor turns in the features "We're the Millers" (2013) and "Horrible Bosses 2" (2014). A quartet of guest appearances on the third season of "Veep" as Richard T. Splett, a hapless but enthusiastic publicity rep handling Selina Meyer's (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) book tour led to a series regular role in Season 4; Splett was assigned to various characters before serving as assistant to Timothy Simons' much-disliked White House liaison turned congressman Jonah Ryan. The success of "Veep" led to other feature and television opportunities for Richardson, including appearances in "Ghostbusters" (2016) and "Office Christmas Party" (2016), as well as his own series, "Detroiters," a comedy about Midwestern admen which he created with co-star and former "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975- ) player/writer Tim Robinson. The series was renewed for a second season in 2018.
- 4Thanks to being adept at comedy, particularly improvisation, actor Dax Shepard developed his natural gifts into a substantial career in a short period of time. His skills as an improviser led to his breakout role in the hidden camera prank show, "Punk'd" (MTV, 2002-07), starring co-creator Ashton Kutcher in a series that sought to pull practical jokes on unwitting celebrities. Though only on the show for one season, Shepard quickly turned into a cult celebrity overnight and soon branched out into other projects. He parlayed his success into substantial roles in "Zathura" (2005) and "Idiocracy" (2006), though he stumbled a bit with rather lame comedies like the woeful "Let's Go to Prison" (2006). Shrugging off the setback, Shepard bounced back nicely with a supporting part in "Baby Mama" (2008) and followed it up with a regular role on the hit television series "Parenthood" (NBC, 2010-15), which helped establish him as a rising star worthy of attention.
- 5Terry Crews, born on July 30, 1968 in Flint, Michigan, USA, is a multitalented personality known not only for his acting but also for his professional sports career. He spent his early years juggling between education and athletics. A product of Western Michigan University, he secured an Interdisciplinary Art scholarship for his exceptional talent in Football, which later paved the path to his NFL journey. Crews was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991 and over the next five years, he played as a defensive end/linebacker for several NFL teams including the San Diego Chargers and the Washington Redskins. Crews turned towards acting after retiring from football and proved his mettle with his debut in the TV series Battle Dome. However, it was his role in the comedy series Everybody Hates Chris that garnered him widespread recognition. His nuanced portrayal of Julius Rock, a thrifty and hard-working father, won him critical acclaim. He further showcased his versatility by starring in action films like The Expendables series and Deadpool 2, displaying his ability to seamlessly shift gears between genres. In addition to being a successful actor and athlete, Terry Crews is a prominent advocate for women's rights and has openly discussed his experiences with sexism in Hollywood. His candidness about his personal struggles, such as overcoming addiction, has made him a powerful voice for mental health awareness as well. Crews's autobiography Manhood: How to Be a Better Man-or Just Live with One offers an insightful look into his life, underscoring his journey from the grit of NFL fields to the glamour of Hollywood, while maintaining a strong stand on pertinent social issues.
- 6After receiving her start in performing arts and comedy theater, actress Mary Lynn Rajskub made a name for herself as one of the original members of the sketch comedy series, "Mr. Show" (HBO, 1995-99). Rajskub left the show following its debut season in order to replace friend Janeane Garofalo's character on "The Larry Sanders Show" (HBO, 1992-98), playing the show-within-a-show's eager-to-please and often inappropriate guest booker. Having proven herself a dynamic comedic player on the small screen, she made the transition to features with small roles in "Road Trip" (2000) and "Storytelling" (2001) before landing a more significant supporting role opposite Adam Sandler and Emma Watson in "Punch-Drunk Love" (2002). Though most of her career to that point had a comedic bent, Rajskub made the surprising jump to drama with a high-profile supporting turn as the unconventional CTU analyst Chl O'Brian - one of the few people trusted by Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) - on the hit action series, "24" (Fox, 2001-2010). Though she spent most of her time behind a computer terminal aiding Bauer in whatever manner she could, Rajskub earned a loyal following, including within the real-life Homeland Security department which named a research and development program, "Project CHL ," in homage to her character. Both during and after the successful run of "24," Rajskub was featured in several films including "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006), "Sunshine Cleaning" (2008) and "Julie & Julia" (2009), all of which demonstrated the range and versatility of the talented young actress.
- 7Gilda Radner, an icon of comedy, was born on June 28, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan. She established her career in the entertainment industry as a comedian and actress, quickly rising to prominence as one of the original cast members of the critically acclaimed NBC show Saturday Night Live (SNL). Radner's remarkable ability to bring characters to life with her unique brand of humor earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in Variety or Music in 1978. Radner was known for several memorable SNL characters, including the obnoxious news reporter Roseanne Roseannadanna and the elderly, hard-of-hearing Emily Litella. These characters not only brought laughter to millions but also showcased Radner's unparalleled talent for character creation and improvisation. Beyond her SNL fame, she also made significant contributions to theater and film, such as her Broadway show Gilda Radner - Live from New York and her roles in movies like Hanky Panky and Haunted Honeymoon. Despite her successful career, Radner faced personal challenges. In 1986, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a battle she fought publicly, becoming a symbol of courage and resilience. Her autobiography, It's Always Something, published posthumously in 1989, offered candid insights into her journey. The legacy of Gilda Radner extends beyond her comedic genius, and her advocacy continues to inspire and support those battling cancer through organizations like Gilda's Club. Radner's life was a testament to the power of laughter, even in the face of adversity.
- 8Paul Andrew Richter (born October 28, 1966) is an American actor, voice actor, writer, comedian, and late night talk show announcer. He is best known for his role as the sidekick of Conan O'Brien on each of the host's programs: Late Night, The Tonight Show on NBC, and Conan on TBS. He is also known for his work as the voice of Mort in the Madagascar franchise.
- 9Tim Meadows, widely recognized as one of the longest-running cast members on NBC's Saturday Night Live, has etched a remarkable signature in the entertainment industry. Born on February 5, 1961, in Highland Park, Michigan, Meadows began his journey in the world of comedy at a young age. He attended Wayne State University before moving to Chicago, where he refined his comedic skills at the legendary improv group, The Second City. Meadows's tenure on Saturday Night Live lasted from 1991 to 2000, during which he created an array of memorable characters including "Leon Phelps," also known as "The Ladies' Man." This particular creation was so beloved that it led to a spin-off movie under the same title in 2000. Beyond SNL, Meadows had the versatility and talent to transition seamlessly into other roles in television and film. His notable credits include principal roles in sitcoms like The Bill Engvall Show, The Michael Richards Show, and Son of Zorn. In the realm of film, Tim Meadows demonstrated equal prowess. His filmography features appearances in popular movies such as Mean Girls, Grown Ups, and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Additionally, he lent his voice to animated projects like Bob's Burgers and The Simpsons.
- 10Tim Robinson (born May 23, 1981) is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He is best known for co-creating, co-writing, and starring in the Comedy Central series Detroiters (2017–2018) and the Netflix series I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2019–present), and for his work as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live (2012–2014).
- 11Born in Detroit, Michigan, David Alan Grier is an acclaimed actor and comedian with a multitude of roles under his belt that span across theater, television, and film. Grier's early life was marked by a strong interest in performing arts, which led him to study at the prestigious Yale School of Drama where he earned his Master of Fine Arts. He then took his first steps into professional acting, landing Broadway roles that introduced him to the world of Hollywood. Grier's career began to take off in the 1990s when he became a standout performer on the sketch comedy television show, In Living Color. His memorable characters and comedic talent secured him three nominations for the Image Award. Beyond television, Grier has also had considerable success in film. He has appeared in over 50 films including notable roles in Jumanji and Bewitched. His diverse range in acting showcases his ability to execute both comedic and serious roles with finesse. On stage, Grier's performances are equally impressive. He received Tony nominations for his roles in The First, Race, and The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. His stellar performances on stage have demonstrated his commitment to his craft and his ability to captivate audiences.
- 12A talented comedian and writer thoroughly grounded in improv comedy, Seth Meyers made his name on "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975- ). Added to the show in 2001, Meyers had a meteoric rise behind-the-camera to become the show's co-head writer alongside Tina Fey. After her departure, he not only became the sole head writer, but also Amy Poehler's co-anchor of "Weekend Update." The newsdesk proved a perfect fit for Meyers's dry wit, and his innocent good looks and low-key, cerebral humor meshed hilariously with Poehler's more manic, go-for-broke intensity. When Poehler left the show, Meyers took over "Weekend Update" on his own, visibly relishing the high-pressure position. Credited with writing Tina Fey's immortal Sarah Palin-skewering sketches, the award-winning Meyers left his mark on American pop culture history. While his success on "SNL" proved to be quieter than many of his flashier contemporaries, Meyers earned a loyal fanbase and proved his chops both in front of and behind the camera, setting himself up for a lengthy comedy career that hit a new phase when he began hosting "Late Night with Seth Meyers" (NBC 2014- ).
- 13Sinbad, whose real name is David Adkins, was born on November 10, 1956, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He is well-known for his stand-up comedy and acting career. His journey in the entertainment industry began humbly. The son to Reverend Dr. Donald Beckley Adkins and Martha Adkins, Sinbad served in the United States Air Force before he ventured into comedy. He developed a love for stand-up while deployed and subsequently won the Air Force's Talent Contest, which led him to pursue comedy full-time. Sinbad broke into the entertainment world in the 1980s when he competed on the popular television show, Star Search. His repeated appearances on this platform projected him to national fame. Later, he landed a role on The Redd Foxx Show and A Different World, the latter of which firmly established Sinbad as a household name. His character, Coach Walter Oakes, resonated with audiences for its blend of humor and heartwarming sincerity. Beyond television, Sinbad also thrived in the realm of film. He starred in several notable films such as Houseguest, First Kid, Jingle All the Way, and Good Burger. Moreover, his comedic style, often devoid of vulgarity and profanity, earned him a unique niche in the comedy world. Sinbad's clean humor, infused with tales of his childhood experiences and insightful social commentary, made him a favorite across different age groups. In recognition of his talent, Sinbad received an Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on A Different World.
- 14Tim Allen, born Timothy Alan Dick on June 13, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, USA, is an acclaimed American comedian and actor. He is best known for his groundbreaking role as Tim "The Toolman" Taylor on the popular sitcom Home Improvement, which aired from 1991 to 1999 and earned him a Golden Globe Award. This role also catapulted him to fame, securing his place as one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. His distinctive gruff voice has also been showcased in several animation features, most notably voicing Buzz Lightyear in the globally successful Toy Story franchise. Allen's journey to stardom was not a smooth one. In his early 20s, he faced a significant setback when he was incarcerated for over two years on a drug trafficking charge. However, this proved to be a turning point for him. Following his release, he started honing his comedic craft in Detroit's comedy circuit, eventually making it big in Los Angeles. His stand-up routines often drew on his experiences and observations of everyday life, leading to relatable content that resonated with viewers. Apart from acting and stand-up comedy, Allen has also made a name for himself in the literary world. His debut book, Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man, topped the New York Times Best Seller list, highlighting his ability to connect with audiences through various mediums. His other pursuits include automotive design and restoration, a passion reflected in his role as host of the documentary-style series Assembly Required.
- 15Ken Jeong, a man of many talents, is an American actor, comedian, and physician. Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Jeong's journey into the world of entertainment was far from conventional. He earned his undergraduate degree at Duke University before pursuing a medical degree at the University of North Carolina. While his passion for medicine led him to complete his internal medicine residency in New Orleans, it was during this time that Jeong discovered another passion - comedy. Jeong started off by performing stand-up comedy during his spare time while working as a licensed physician in California. His unique blend of humor and wit quickly caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to minor roles in various sitcoms and movies. However, it was his breakout role as Leslie Chow in the blockbuster movie The Hangover that catapulted him into stardom. The film's success gave Jeong the recognition he deserved, making him one of the most sought-after comedic actors in Hollywood. Despite his successful acting career, Jeong has never lost touch with his medical roots. He even used his medical expertise on set, most notably when he aided a woman having a seizure during one of his stand-up comedy shows. His diverse career paths have not only made him a versatile actor but also a compassionate human being.
- 16Sandra Bernhard (born June 6, 1955) is an American actress, comedian, singer and author. She first gained attention in the late 1970s, with her stand-up comedy in which she often bitterly critiqued celebrity culture and political figures. Bernhard is best known as portraying Nancy Barlett Thomas on the ABC sitcom Roseanne from the fourth season (1991) to the end of the show in 1997. She is currently starring as Nurse Judy Kubrak in the FX drama series Pose. Bernhard is number ninety-six on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest stand-ups of all time.
- 17Brandon Timothy Jackson (born March 7, 1984) is an American stand-up comedian, rapper, actor, and writer. He is known for his roles in the films Roll Bounce (2005), Tropic Thunder (2008), Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010), Lottery Ticket (2010), Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (2011), and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013).
- 18Jordan Klepper is an American comedian. He is a correspondent on The Daily Show.
- 19For years, New York writer Jon Glaser was a staple in the comedy world behind the scenes. He's made America laugh through his hit characters on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" (NBC 1993 -2009) for five years and racked up five Emmy nominations in the process. In addition to his impressive writing career, Glaser also gained a following through playing memorable guest spots as Leslie's rival Councilman Jamm on "Parks & Recreation" (NBC 2009- ) and Hannah's ex-junkie neighbor, Laird, in "Girls" (HBO 2012-). When the opportunity for greater fame came with a starring role in his show, "Delocated" (Adult Swim 2008-2013), Glaser stuck with anonymity and chose to disguise himself playing a man in the Witness Protection Program - all in the service of comedy.
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Dave Coulier
St. Clair Shores, MichiganDavid Alan Coulier (born September 21, 1959) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice actor, impressionist television host and private pilot. He is well known for playing Joey Gladstone on the ABC sitcom Full House and for voicing Peter Venkman on the "The Real Ghostbusters", the cartoon adaptation of Ghostbusters, and the infant incarnations of Animal and Bunsen on Muppet Babies. - 21Verne Jay Troyer (January 1, 1969 – April 21, 2018) was an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer who played Mini-Me in the Austin Powers film series. He was only 2 ft 8 in (81 cm) tall, the result of cartilage–hair hypoplasia; this made him one of the shortest men in the world.
- 22Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. (March 6, 1923 – June 23, 2009) was an American announcer, game show host, comedian, trapeze artist, police officer, actor and singer. McMahon and Johnny Carson began their association in their first TV series, the ABC game show Who Do You Trust?, running from 1957 to 1962. McMahon then made his famous thirty-year mark as Carson's sidekick, announcer and second banana on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1962 to 1992. He also hosted the original Star Search from 1983 to 1995, co-hosted TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes with Dick Clark from 1982 to 1998 and also presented sweepstakes for the direct marketing company American Family Publishers (not, as is commonly believed, its main rival Publishers Clearing House). McMahon annually co-hosted the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon from 1973 to 2008. In the 1970s and 80s, he anchored the team of NBC personalities conducting the network's coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. McMahon appeared in several films, including The Incident, Fun With Dick and Jane, Full Moon High and Butterfly, as well as briefly in the film version of Bewitched. He also performed in numerous television commercials. According to Entertainment Weekly, McMahon is considered one of the greatest "sidekicks".
- 23Lily Tomlin, born Mary Jean Tomlin in 1939, is a distinguished American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she began her career as a stand-up comedian in the late 1960s. Tomlin quickly gained recognition with her unique comedic style that often involved creating vivid, quirky characters. Her breakthrough came in 1969 when she joined the cast of the popular television show, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, where her comedic prowess and distinctive character portrayals, including Ernestine the telephone operator and Edith Ann, the philosophical five-year-old, won her widespread acclaim. In the following decades, Tomlin successfully branched out into film and theatre, proving herself as a versatile artist. Her performance in Robert Altman's film Nashville (1975) earned her an Academy Award nomination. She also made waves on Broadway with her one-woman show, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, written by her long-time collaborator and partner Jane Wagner. The show, which debuted in 1985, was a critical success and won Tomlin the Tony Award for Best Actress. Off-stage and screen, Tomlin is known for her activism, particularly supporting feminist and LGBTQ+ causes. Tomlin's contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Emmys, two Tonys, and a Grammy. In 2003, she was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, acknowledging her significant impact on the world of comedy.
- 24William Richard Werstine (born April 16, 1952), known professionally as Billy West, is an American voice actor, comedian, singer, musician, songwriter and former radio personality. He is known for his voice-over work in a number of television series, films, video games, and commercials. He has done hundreds of voice-overs in his career such as Ren (season 3 to season 5) and Stimpy on The Ren & Stimpy Show; Doug Funnie and Roger Klotz on Doug; and Philip J. Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg, Zapp Brannigan and a number of others on Futurama. He does voices for commercials and is the current voice of the red M&M and was also the voice of Buzz, the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee until 2004. In addition to his original voices, he has voiced Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Shaggy Rogers, Popeye and Woody Woodpecker during later renditions of the respective characters. He was a cast member on The Howard Stern Show, noted for his impersonations of The Three Stooges' Larry Fine, George Takei, as Lieutenant Sulu, of Star Trek fame, and Marge Schott, long-time President and CEO of the Cincinnati Reds baseball franchise.
- 25John Witherspoon was an American stand-up comedian and actor who appeared in numerous comedy films and TV shows. Witherspoon was one of 11 children, pursuing music as a young man with his brother William, who would go on to success as a songwriter and producer at Motown. Witherspoon made his start as a stand-up in the early '70s, soon appearing in small parts in popular sitcoms like "Good Times" and "What's Happening!!" as well as dramatic shows like the crime drama "Barnaby Jones" and the comic book hit "The Incredible Hulk." In the late '80s Witherspoon made inroads with many of the African-American members of Hollywood, appearing in Robert Townsend's 1987 comedy "Hollywood Shuffle," Keenen Ivory Wayans's comedy "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" in 1988, and Reginald Hudlin's teen comedy "House Party" in 1990. In 1995, Witherspoon appeared as the irritable Mr. Jones in the hit comedy "Friday" with Ice Cube and returned in both sequels. In 1995 he was cast as John 'Pops' Williams in the WB sitcom "The Wayans Brothers," which lasted for five seasons. Witherspoon played the part of Spoon on NBC's comedy "The Tracy Morgan Show" in 2003. In 2005 he began lending his voice to the character Robert 'Granddad' Freeman on the animated program "The Boondocks." Witherspoon was also a close friend of talk show host David Letterman, who is the godfather to his son. In 2011, Witherspoon starred in the comedy "A Thousand Words" with comedy great Eddie Murphy. John Witherspoon died on October 29, 2019 at the age of 77.
- 26Arte Johnson essentially appeared in every major TV comedy of the 1960s but was best-known for playing "Very interesting" chain-smoking German soldier Wolfgang and lecherous old man Tyrone in iconic sketch show "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" (NBC, 1968-1973). Born in Benton Harbor, MI in 1929, Arte Johnson studied radio journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before relocating to New York where he worked as a calendar company writer and publicist for Viking Press. He stumbled into the showbiz world almost by accident, landing the role of an aging Frenchman in a production of "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" during a spontaneous lunch break audition. Johnson went on to appear in several other stage productions on and off Broadway and showcase his improv talents on the Big Apple's comedy circuit. After making his screen debut in anthology "Max Liebman Spectaculars" (NBC, 1954-56), Johnson enjoyed multiple appearances as delivery boy Stanley in sitcom "It's Always Jan" (CBS, 1955-56), a feature film debut in WWII tale "Miracle in the Rain" (1956) and a recurring role as Gale Gordon's son in the short-lived "Sally" (NBC, 1957-58). Johnson went on to rack up dozens of TV guest spots in the following decade, most memorably as a frustrated car salesman in "The Twilight Zone" (CBS, 1959-1964) episode "The Whole Truth," Samantha's cousin Edgar in "Bewitched" (ABC, 1964-1972) and a double-crossing pirate in "Lost in Space" (CBS, 1965-68). He also enjoyed recurring roles as a seaman in "Hennessey" (CBS, 1959-1962) and corporal in "Don't Call Me Charlie" (NBC, 1962-63) and appeared on the big screen as writer Ariel Lavalerra in Jack Kerouac adaptation "The Subterraneans" (1960), murderer Lester Aldrich in thriller "The Third Day" (1965) and ruthless federal agent Sullivan in satire "The President's Analyst" (1967). However, Johnson's true big break occurred when he joined the cast of sketch show "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" (NBC, 1968-1973). Arte originated numerous characters during his Emmy-winning four-year stint but his most popular by far were Tyrone, a dirty old man who would constantly pester Ruth Buzzi's benchwarmer Gladys, and Wolfgang, a German cigarette-smoking soldier convinced that World War II hadn't ended who became renowned for his catchphrase, "Very interesting." Johnson continued his prolific streak into the 1970s, landing his own NBC special, guesting on hugely popular shows "The Partridge Family" (ABC, 1970-74), "Kojak" (CBS, 1973-78) and "The Dukes of Hazzard" (CBS, 1979-1985) and starring as Dracula's sidekick Renfield in vampire spoof "Love at First Bite" (1979). He also hosted game show "Knockout" (NBC, 1977-78), became a regular on "Match Game" (CBS, 1973-79) and "Hollywood Squares" (Syndication, 1972-1981), and provided voiceovers for animated shows "The Houndcats" (NBC, 1972) and "Baggy Pants & the Nitwits" (NBC, 1977), the latter a spin-off from his "Laugh-In" days. Johnson subsequently became an in-demand voiceover artist in the 1980s, adding the likes of "The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo" (ABC, 1985), "The Flintstone Kids" (ABC, 1986-88) and "The Smurfs" (NBC, 1981-89) to his list of credits. He also appeared in front of cameras as a pilot in "Cannonball Run II" (1983), The Dormouse in "Alice in Wonderland" (1985) and a magazine publisher in Aaron Spelling's "Glitter" (CBS, 1984-85) as well as portraying Harry Houdini in kids adventure "A Night at the Magic Castle" (1988). After appearing in horrors "Evil Spirits" (1990) and "Evil Toons" (1992), Johnson showed up in family movie "Captiva Island" (1995), took top billing as Dr. Josef Stiggens in sci-fi comedy "Second Chance" (1996). His last on-screen role was Grumpy Old Man in "The Modern Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1998), while he officially retired from the industry following his final voiceover credit, Virmin Vundabar in "Justice League Unlimited" (Cartoon Network, 2004-06). Following a lengthy battle with prostate and bladder cancer, Johnson died of heart failure in Los Angeles in 2019 aged 90.
- 27Moses Jacob Storm (born May 6, 1990) is an American writer, actor, and comedian, who has appeared in film, radio, and television.
- 28Alan Whitney Brown (born July 8, 1952) is an American writer and comedian best known for work on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s. In addition to writing for the program, he appeared opposite Dennis Miller in a biting satirical Weekend Update commentary segment called "The Big Picture." He won a 1988 Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program, along with Al Franken, Tom Davis, Phil Hartman, Mike Myers, Lorne Michaels and Conan O'Brien. He was also one of the original correspondents on Comedy Central's The Daily Show from 1996 to 1998.
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Norm Augustinus
Detroit, MichiganNorman Theodore Augustinus, Jr is an American writer. - 30
Ronnie Gaylord
Detroit, MichiganRonnie Gaylord (June 12, 1930 – January 25, 2004) was the name taken by Ronald L. Fredianelli, a member of The Gaylords, when he began to perform as a solo singer after entering military service in the 1950s. Fredianelli was born in Detroit, Michigan. He formed the Gaylords (originally The Gay Lords) with Bonaldo Bonaldi and Don Rea in Detroit in 1949. For a while he used the name of Ronnie Vincent before adopting the name Ronnie Gaylord. In the military, he was assigned to Special Services and sang with a military band. He had one hit as Ronnie Gaylord: "Cuddle Me" (1954). (Apparently, he was allowed to release it while still in the service.) On Feb 15 1955 he was discharged from the military at Fort Carson, Colorado and rejoined The Gaylords. In 1976, Bonaldi changed his name to Burt Holiday, at which time the group became Gaylord and Holiday. Rea had left the group by that time. With his first wife, Ronnie had two children: Ronald Jr. and Melissa. With his second wife, Terry, he had three children: two sons (Christopher and Anthony) and one daughter (Tiffany). Three of his children (Tony, Chris, and Tiffany) went into show business. He died in Reno, Nevada. - 31Over the course of his 25 years in television, comedian Dick Martin created an enviable legacy as an actor, director, and co-host of the top-rated comedy show "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In." Born in 1922, Martin teamed up with fellow comedian Dan Rowan in 1952, and the two played the nightclub circuit across America off and on for the next 15 years. In 1967 they were recruited by NBC to replace "The Dean Martin Show" with their own hour-long comedy program. "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" featured a cast of young unknowns such as Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, and Arte Johnson. The show was fast-paced, colorful, and obviously derived from the far-out spirit of the times. Martin and Rowan played themselves off against the swinging '60s energy of the show as straight-men from another era. After "Laugh-In" went off the air in 1973, Martin appeared as a panelist on a number of celebrity-staffed comedy game shows such as "Match Game" and "Password Plus." He also started his second career as a director. He first worked with Bob Newhart in 1977 on the original "The Bob Newhart Show" and later directed 32 episodes of the very successful '80s version, "Newhart." Martin also helmed filming of "Family Ties," "Mama's Family," and "Webster." He died in Santa Monica, California, in 2008.
- 32Byron Allen is an American producer, actor, writer, and director who is known for producing "47 Meters Down," "Chappaquiddick," and "The Hurricane Heist."
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Charlie Hill
Detroit, MichiganCharles Allan Hill (July 6, 1951 – December 30, 2013) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and member of the Nation of WI. He wrote for the television series Roseanne. - 34
Maribeth Monroe
Fraser, MichiganMaribeth Monroe was an accomplished actress, noted for her comedic timing in her roles for television shows. Monroe began her acting career with roles in sitcoms like "According to Jim" (ABC, 2001-09), "Hannah Montana" (Disney, 2006-2011) and "Andy Barker, P.I." (NBC, 2007). She also appeared in "Thank God You're Here" (NBC, 2007) and "Modern Family" (ABC, 2009-). Monroe also lent her vocal talents to "Robot Chicken" (Cartoon Network, 2005-2016). She continued her comedic performances throughout the early 2000s and the 2010s, appearing on"Parks and Recreation" (NBC, 2009-2015), "Good Luck, Charlie" (Disney, 2010-14) and "Workaholics" (Comedy Central, 2011-17). She also appeared in "Key & Peele" (Comedy Central, 2012-15) and "The Neighbors" (ABC, 2012-14). In her more recent career, she tackled roles on "Maron" (2013-16), "The Brink" (HBO, 2015) and "The Good Place" (NBC, 2016-). She also appeared in "Keeping Up With the Joneses" (2016) with Zach Galifianakis. Most recently, Monroe acted in the Matt Damon comedy "Downsizing" (2017). - 35
Amer Zahr
Dearborn, MichiganAmer Zahr (born 1977) a Palestinian-American comedian and political activist.
- 36Brad Slaight (born March 31, 1964), is an American comedian and television actor whose greatest accomplishment was a starring role on The Young and the Restless. Some of his other credits include roles on Parks and Recreation, That's Funny, Love Chronicles, Second Cousin, Once Removed, Unsolved Mysteries (as psychic George Anderson), Freshman Dorm, Haywire and Hellbent. Slaight grew up in Cedar Springs, Michigan. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a teaching degree and taught speech, drama, and English at Brandywine High School in Niles, Michigan for two years before moving out to Los Angeles to pursue a career in show business.After arriving in California, Brad soon became a performer in local comedy clubs The Comedy Store, The Improv, L.A. Cabaret, and Ice House as a standup and group performer.
- 37Betty Hutton (born Elizabeth June Thornburg; February 26, 1921 – March 12, 2007) was an American stage, film, and television actress, comedian, dancer, and singer.
- 38Tony T. Roberts, is an American comedian and actor. He has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam, BET's ComicView, It's Showtime at the Apollo, and "Shaquille All Star Comedy Jam"
- 39Stephen Andrew Lynch (born July 28, 1971) is an American comedian, musician and actor who is known for his songs mocking daily life and popular culture. Lynch has released three studio albums and three live albums along with a live DVD. He has appeared in two Comedy Central Presents specials and starred in the Broadway adaptation of The Wedding Singer. Lynch released a new double-disc (Studio & Live) album, Lion, on November 13, 2012. Most recently, he released a live concert video, Hello Kalamazoo, which is available on Vimeo.
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Steve Kardynal
Macomb Township, Michigan - 41Rucka Rucka Ali (born January 27, 1987) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, radio personality, comedian, YouTuber, parodist and satirist. He is best known for his dark comedy political and topical song parodies on YouTube. Much of his content employs ethnic and racial stereotypes. He has received over 200 million views on YouTube with parodies such as "Go Cops!", "Justin's Beaver", "Ima Korean", "Ching Chang Chong", and "Ebola (La La)". He has released seven independent studio albums, four of which charted in the Billboard Top Comedy Albums.
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Andy Beningo
Detroit, MichiganAndy Beningo is a popular stand up comedian hailing from Detroit, Michigan. He was named "Best Comedian by both the Detroit Metro Times.
- 43Rob Little (born December 24, 1972) is an American comedian and actor from Pinconning, Michigan. He has been performing stand-up comedy since 1998 and has been acting in movies and television. He has also produced two straight to DVD comedy specials based on his stand-up. His humor is often self-deprecating, although he prides himself as the "happiest comic in America."
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Michael J. Kosta
Ann Arbor, MichiganMichael J. Kosta is an actor. - 45
Noel Murphy
Gross Pointe, MichiganNoel Murphy is an American stand-up comedian and a film director. He managed the New York Comedy Club from a failing venue to one of the top showcase clubs in New York. He currently lives in California. - 46Jerry Charles Minor Jr. (born October 4, 1969) is an American actor, comedian and writer known for his comedic roles in numerous television programs such as Mr. Show, Saturday Night Live, Trigger Happy TV, Delocated, Brickleberry, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Crossballs, The Hotwives of Orlando, Carpoolers, Community, and Lucky Louie.
