Famous British Stand-up Comedians

Rowan Atkinson is an accomplished English actor, comedian, and writer known for his iconic roles in television series such as Blackadder and Mr. Bean, as well as the film series Johnny English. He gained recognition through his work on the BBC sketch comedy show Not the Nine O'Clock News and has appeared in a variety of films and theatre productions. Atkinson has been praised for his comedic talents and has received prestigious awards for his contributions to entertainment over the years.

Hugh Laurie is an accomplished English actor, comedian, writer, and musician known for his versatile talents across various entertainment mediums. He gained fame as part of the comedy duo Fry and Laurie with Stephen Fry, starring in successful projects like "A Bit of Fry & Laurie" and "Jeeves and Wooster." Laurie's portrayal of Dr. Gregory House in the medical drama "House" earned him critical acclaim, including multiple Golden Globe Awards. He has also showcased his acting abilities in films, music, and literature, solidifying his reputation as a multi-talented artist.

Eddie Izzard is a renowned British stand-up comedian, actor, and activist known for her whimsical, self-referential comedic style. She has performed in various stand-up comedy tours and starred in TV series and films, showcasing her versatile talents. Izzard has also excelled as a voice actor in animated films and series. Beyond her entertainment career, she is recognized for her philanthropic efforts, including running marathons for charity and supporting causes like Europeanism. As a dedicated Labour Party activist, she has been involved in party politics at various levels.

Noel Fielding is an English comedian and actor known for his dark and surreal comedic style. In the 1990s, he began his career in stand-up comedy and later co-created The Mighty Boosh with Julian Barratt, which gained a cult following and won awards. Fielding has appeared in various comedy shows, such as Nathan Barley, The IT Crowd, and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace. He also created Noel Fielding's Luxury Comedy and has made appearances on panel shows like Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Additionally, he is a talented painter and musician, exhibiting his artwork and founding the band Loose Tapestries.

Jack Whitehall is a versatile English comedian, actor, writer, and television personality known for his roles in popular comedy-drama series like Fresh Meat and Bad Education. He has also co-written projects like The Bad Education Movie. Whitehall has been a regular panelist on A League of Their Own and has showcased his comedic talents in stand-up tours and various comedy shows. He has hosted prestigious events like the BRIT Awards and starred in successful comedy documentaries. Whitehall's career is marked by a combination of acting, writing, and stand-up comedy.

Alan Davies is an accomplished English stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and TV presenter. He gained significant recognition for his lead role in the BBC mystery drama series "Jonathan Creek" and his longstanding role as the sole permanent panellist on the popular BBC panel show "QI." With a career spanning several decades, Davies has established himself as a versatile performer known for his wit and charm. His contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified his reputation as a talented and enduring figure in British television.

Peter Kay is an accomplished English comedian, actor, writer, and director known for his work in television and film. He gained recognition for his stand-up comedy, winning awards and accolades early in his career. Kay's success led to the creation of popular sitcoms like "Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights" and "Peter Kay's Car Share," as well as successful comedy tours. He has also received prestigious awards for his work, showcasing his talent and contribution to the entertainment industry.

James Acaster is an acclaimed English comedian known for his stand-up specials Repertoire and Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999. He co-hosts the food podcast Off Menu and the panel show Hypothetical. Acaster's comedy features fictional characters, callback jokes, and offbeat observational humor. He has won multiple comedy awards and gained recognition for his Edinburgh Festival Fringe performances. Acaster has also written books, appeared on TV shows like Taskmaster, and formed a music collective called Temps. His career showcases a diverse range of talents and accomplishments in the entertainment industry.

Victoria Wood was a multi-talented English performer, excelling as a comedian, actress, lyricist, singer, composer, pianist, screenwriter, producer, and director. Her career spanned several decades, during which she wrote and starred in numerous sketches, plays, musicals, films, and sitcoms. Wood's observational comedy was characterized by humor rooted in everyday life and social class satire. She achieved widespread acclaim, winning multiple BAFTA TV Awards for her work, including popular series like "Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV" and "dinnerladies." Collaborating with esteemed actors like Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, and others, she left a lasting impact on British television.

Leigh Izaak Francis, known by his character Keith Lemon, is a versatile English television personality, comedian, actor, and writer. He gained fame for his work on Channel 4's Bo' Selecta! and ITV's Celebrity Juice and Through the Keyhole. His comedic talents were further showcased in shows like Lemon La Vida Loca, The Keith Lemon Sketch Show, and The Keith & Paddy Picture Show. With a knack for sketch comedy and presenting, Francis has established himself as a prominent figure in British entertainment, delighting audiences with his humor and creativity.

Sara Pascoe is a versatile English professional known for her work as an actress, comedian, presenter, and writer. Her presence has been felt on popular television programs such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Taskmaster for Channel 4, and QI for BBC Two. With a strong background in comedy and entertainment, Sara has established herself as a prominent figure in the industry, showcasing her talents across various platforms and captivating audiences with her wit and charm.

Sir Ken Dodd, OBE, was a renowned English comedian, singer, and occasional actor. Known as "the last great music hall entertainer," Dodd's career began in the mid-1950s and spanned over six decades. He was famous for his marathon stand-up shows filled with surreal jokes, lively songs, ventriloquism, and his iconic "tickling stick" prop. Dodd also achieved success as a ballad singer in the 1960s, appeared on radio and television, and popularized the characters of the Diddy Men. Knighted for his contributions to entertainment and charity, Dodd's stage legacy endures even after his passing in 2018.

Alexei Sayle is a multi-talented English professional known for his work as an actor, author, stand-up comedian, television presenter, and former recording artist. He played a significant role in the British alternative comedy scene during the 1980s. Sayle's comedic style is often likened to the likes of Spike Milligan and Monty Python, featuring absurd and surreal premises. Renowned for his cynicism, political awareness, and physical comedy, he has been recognized as one of the greatest stand-up comics, ranking 18th in a 2007 poll and 72nd in a 2010 poll.

Jack Dee is a prominent English stand-up comedian, actor, presenter, and writer known for his distinct style of humor characterized by sarcasm, irony, and deadpan delivery. He has written and starred in the sitcom Lead Balloon, hosted the popular panel show I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, and appeared on various UK television programs such as Shooting Stars and Live at the Apollo. Dee's career includes hosting his own shows like The Jack Dee Show, Jack Dee's Saturday Night, and Jack Dee's Happy Hour, along with winning Celebrity Big Brother 1 in 2001.

Michael McIntyre is an English comedian, writer, and television presenter known for his successful career in stand-up comedy. He achieved global recognition as the highest-grossing stand-up comedian in 2012. McIntyre hosts popular TV shows such as "Michael McIntyre's Big Show" and "The Wheel" on BBC One, as well as the American version of "The Wheel" on NBC. His work also includes hosting "Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow," appearing on "Live at the Apollo," and serving as a judge on "Britain's Got Talent."

Jimmy Carr is a renowned British-Irish comedian, presenter, writer, and actor known for his quick-witted and deadpan delivery of one-liners. Starting his comedy journey in 1997, Carr has become a fixture on television, notably hosting popular Channel 4 panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. His comedic style, characterized by sharp humor that can be provocative, has garnered him a strong following and critical acclaim in the entertainment industry.

Jim Bowen was an English stand-up comedian, actor, and television personality known for hosting the ITV game show Bullseye from 1981 to 1995. He began his career as a teacher before transitioning to comedy, making appearances on television shows like The Comedians in 1971. Following the success of Bullseye, he continued working in radio and touring with stand-up shows. Bowen faced health challenges towards the end of his life, experiencing a number of strokes.

Marcus Brigstocke is a versatile British comedian and actor known for his work in stand-up comedy, television, radio, and musical theatre. With a strong presence in the entertainment industry, he has made numerous appearances on various BBC television and radio programs, showcasing his talent and wit. Through his performances, Marcus has established himself as a prominent figure in the comedy scene, entertaining audiences with his humor and engaging personality across different mediums.

Adrian Charles Edmondson is a versatile English actor, comedian, musician, writer, and television presenter. He rose to fame during the alternative comedy boom of the early 1980s with iconic roles in series such as The Young Ones and Bottom. Edmondson's career includes appearances in The Comic Strip Presents... films, creating spoof bands like Bad News, and portraying memorable characters like Eddie Monsoon. He has showcased his talent in various TV dramas, presented shows, and even formed musical groups like the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and the Bad Shepherds. Edmondson continues to impress audiences with his diverse talents.

Lee Evans is a British former comedian, actor, musician, singer, and writer. He co-founded Little Mo Films with Addison Cresswell. Evans was a highly successful stand-up comedian in the United Kingdom, with his Roadrunner tour grossing £12.9 million. He made his cinema debut in Funny Bones (1995), and appeared in Hollywood films like The Fifth Element (1997) and There's Something About Mary (1998). Evans also showcased his versatility by starring in the Emmy-nominated miniseries Dinotopia (2002) and the Irish thriller film Freeze Frame (2004).

Simon Amstell is an accomplished English comedian, writer, and director. He has written and directed notable films such as Carnage (2017) and Benjamin (2018), showcasing his talent behind the camera. Amstell has also made a mark on television, notably as a presenter on shows like Popworld and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. His work in the entertainment industry has earned him recognition for his comedic prowess and creative contributions to both the big and small screens.

Shappi Khorsandi is a prominent Iranian-born British comedian and author. Rising to fame after her successful Edinburgh Festival Fringe show and appearance at the Secret Policeman's Ball, she has become a well-known figure in the British entertainment industry. Khorsandi has made numerous appearances on television and radio, showcasing her comedy talents. In addition to her successful career in stand-up comedy, she has authored several books, including memoirs and fiction novels, demonstrating her versatility and creativity as a writer.

Omid Djalili is a renowned Iranian-British actor, comedian, and writer. With a successful career spanning over several decades, he has established himself as a versatile and talented performer. Djalili has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, showcasing his comedic prowess and acting skills. Known for his unique style of humor and cultural insights, he has garnered a loyal fan base worldwide. In addition to his on-screen work, Djalili has also written and produced various projects, further solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted entertainment professional.

Romesh Ranganathan is a British actor, comedian, and presenter known for his deadpan and self-deprecating comedy style. He has appeared on various television comedy panel shows and been a regular panellist on shows like The Apprentice: You're Fired! and Play to the Whistle. Ranganathan completed his first major tour, Irrational Live, in 2016, performing in large venues such as the Hammersmith Apollo. He has presented comedy programmes like Judge Romesh and The Ranganation, starred in The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, and hosted the revival of The Weakest Link in 2021. Ranganathan has won BAFTA TV Awards for Best Features in 2020 and Best Entertainment Performance in 2021.

Tom Rosenthal is a versatile performer known for his roles in Channel 4's Friday Night Dinner and ITV2's Plebs. He studied philosophy at King's College London. A dedicated Arsenal F.C. fan, Rosenthal co-hosted the podcast Footballistically Arsenal. Alongside other comedians, he was nominated for the Best Breakthrough Act British Comedy Award in 2011. Rosenthal's comedic talent and acting skills have solidified his place in the entertainment industry, earning him recognition and praise for his work on both television and stage.

Timothy Mark Vine is an accomplished English comedian, actor, writer, and presenter who is renowned for his quick-witted one-liners and his notable role on the sitcom Not Going Out. He has a successful career with multiple stand-up comedy specials and joke books to his credit. Vine held the Guinness World Record from 2004 to 2014 for the most jokes told in an hour, showcasing his comedic talent. His accolades include winning the award for best joke at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010 and 2014.

Will Smith is a versatile English entertainment professional, excelling as a stand-up comedian, screenwriter, novelist, actor, and producer. His notable achievements include co-writing and co-producing the acclaimed HBO sitcom Veep, which earned him two Emmys and two Writers Guild of America Awards. He has also been recognized with nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and the Producers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Comedy. Smith's multifaceted contributions have made a significant impact in the entertainment industry.

Jim Davidson is an English entertainer known for his work as a stand-up comedian, actor, singer, and TV presenter. He gained popularity as the host of TV shows such as Big Break and The Generation Game. Additionally, he created and starred in two adult pantomime shows, Boobs in the Wood and Sinderella. Davidson's career has been marked by his diverse talents in various entertainment fields, showcasing his comedic abilities on stage and screen, as well as his skills as a presenter and performer.

Ken Goodwin was an English comedian, singer, and musician who gained recognition for his appearances on the popular ITV Television show The Comedians. Known for his unique blend of humor and musical talent, Goodwin entertained audiences with his witty jokes and charming personality. His performances on the show solidified his reputation as a skilled entertainer and endeared him to viewers across the UK. Goodwin's professional career was marked by his ability to captivate audiences with his comedic timing and musical performances, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Bernard Manning was an English comedian and nightclub owner who rose to prominence in the 1970s through appearances on popular television shows like The Comedians and The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club. Known for his controversial act, Manning faced dwindling television opportunities as societal attitudes evolved. Nevertheless, he persisted in performing live at various venues until his passing. Despite the decline in television exposure, Manning maintained a loyal following and left a lasting impact on the comedy scene in Britain.

Jo Enright is an English stand-up comedian and actress recognized for her work in television and radio comedy programmes. She has gained popularity for her roles in well-received series such as The Job Lot, Life's Too Short, and Trollied. Enright's comedic talent and acting skills have contributed to her success in the entertainment industry, where she continues to showcase her versatility and comedic timing. With a strong presence in both stand-up and acting, Jo Enright remains a prominent figure in British comedy.

Prince Abdi is a British stand-up comedian and actor known for his sharp wit and engaging performances. With a career spanning several years, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the UK comedy scene. Prince Abdi has entertained audiences with his unique blend of observational humor and storytelling, earning a loyal following along the way. He has appeared on various television shows and comedy specials, showcasing his versatility and comedic talents. Prince Abdi continues to impress audiences with his entertaining and thought-provoking performances.