The wittiest entertainers from Britain and Ireland are a geographically-restricted subset of the most amusing individuals ever. Some of these hilarious individuals have the ability to make you tumble out of your chair in fits of laughter. Many of these comedians have graced the screens of the most uproarious movies and TV shows in history. They embody the epitome of British and Irish comedy.
Determining who the most outstanding comedians from Ireland and Britain are involves considering an array of factors. Do they possess a side-splitting stand-up routine, an exceptional special, a memorable character, and/or a generally humorous public persona? Do they make an appearance in any of the most brilliant British sitcoms? Being hilarious is a matter of great importance, and discerning the most uproarious British and Irish comedians is no simple feat.
This list comprises numerous comical British actors that you will surely recognize, such as Ricky Gervais, Simon Pegg, and Eric Idle. Other notable comedians include Peter Cook, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Charlie Chaplin.
Who truly are the most amusing comedians from the UK and Ireland? Are English comedians more uproarious than their counterparts from Scotland and Wales? This list aims to address some of these inquiries and acquaint you with some of the most amusing individuals to emerge from these modest islands.
Discover the 100 greatest British comedians and check back to see if your favorites have triumphed in reaching the pinnacle of the list!
1. Sean Lock
Sean Lock was a well-known stand-up comedian in Britain, loved for his clever humor and deadpan delivery. He was a regular face on many British comedy panel shows, building quite a fan base along the way. One of his most notable roles was as the captain on the popular show “8 Out of 10 Cats” and its spin-off “8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.”
It is with great sadness that we share the news of Lock’s passing in August 2021. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to bring joy and laughter to generations to come.
Birthplace: England, Chertsey
4/22/1963
2. Billy Connolly
Billy Connolly, also known as the Big Yin, is a famous Scottish stand-up comedian, actor, and musician. He’s been in the entertainment industry for over five decades, entertaining audiences with his funny stories and observations. You might recognize him from movies like The Boondock Saints, Mrs. Brown, and The Last Samurai.
Birthplace: Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
11/24/1942
3. Bob Mortimer
Bob Mortimer, a well-known figure in the British comedy scene, is half of the beloved comedy duo Vic and Bob. Renowned for their surreal and side-splitting humor, Mortimer has gained fame through his partnership with Vic Reeves. Together, they have masterminded a variety of highly successful shows such as Big Night Out, Shooting Stars, and Vic Reeves’ House Arrest. Mortimer’s distinctive charm lies in his refreshing spontaneity and eccentricity, which have won him a devoted following of fans spanning across all age groups.
Birthplace: Acklam, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
5/23/1959
4. Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson, known for his unforgettable characters Mr. Bean and Edmund Blackadder, is a talented actor, comedian, and writer. With his unique blend of slapstick comedy and perfect timing, Atkinson has brought laughter to millions across the globe. But his talent doesn’t stop at the television screen. He has also showcased his skills in theater productions, such as The Sneeze and Quartermaine’s Terms.
Birthplace: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, UK
1/6/1955
5. Peter Kay
Peter Kay, the comedian hailing from Bolton, is famous for his unique Northern humor and remarkable talent for connecting with his audience through relatable everyday experiences. Apart from his impressive stand-up career, Kay has achieved success in television and radio, with notable works including the hit shows Phoenix Nights and Car Share. He even penned an autobiography titled The Sound of Laughter, which soared to the top of the best-seller charts.
Birthplace: Farnworth, United Kingdom
7/2/1973
6. Ronnie Barker
Ronnie Barker, a true British comedy legend, was one half of the famous duo, The Two Ronnies, along with Ronnie Corbett. His career, which lasted for decades, was filled with hilarious wordplay, sketches, and monologues that never failed to leave audiences in fits of laughter. Apart from his contributions to The Two Ronnies, Barker was also the creative genius behind the highly acclaimed sitcoms Porridge and Open All Hours.
Birthplace: England, Bedford
9/25/1929
7. Dave Allen
Dave Allen, an Irish comedian, was widely known for his sharp wit and clever humor. He had a knack for satirical comedy that made him a true pioneer in the world of stand-up. His show, Dave Allen At Large, was a groundbreaking series that blended stand-up routines with sketches. One of his notable strengths was his talent for observational humor, where he would find humor in everyday situations and human behavior. Another aspect that made Allen stand out was his tendency to poke fun at organized religion, using his irreverent style to challenge societal norms. What truly set him apart from other comedians was his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level, creating a unique bond that made his performances unforgettable.
Birthplace: Republic of Ireland, Firhouse
7/6/1936
8. John Cleese
John Cleese, a founding member of the legendary Monty Python comedy group, is widely regarded as a British comedy institution. His contributions as a writer and actor in beloved series such as Fawlty Towers have brought immense joy to fans across the globe, thanks to his distinctive, offbeat sense of humor. Cleese’s talent extends beyond television, having also graced the silver screen in notable films like A Fish Called Wanda and the popular Shrek series.
Birthplace: Weston-Super-Mare, England, UK
10/27/1939
9. Tommy Cooper
Tommy Cooper, the beloved British comedian and magician, was often seen sporting his iconic red fez. He had a remarkable talent for blending magic tricks with humor, and his performances were known for intentionally messing up tricks, which never failed to bring about uproarious laughter. It is with great sadness that we remember Cooper’s untimely death during a live TV show in 1984. However, his impact on the world of comedy lives on, as he continues to inspire countless comedians even today.
Birthplace: Caerphilly, United Kingdom
3/19/1921
10. Stan Laurel
Stan Laurel, you know, he’s the guy from that famous comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. The one with the bowler hat and the innocent face. He was a genius at slapstick comedy and visual humor, a real master of his craft. Alongside his partner Oliver Hardy, they became one of the most beloved comedy teams in cinema history. They made some real classics, like The Music Box, Way Out West, and Sons of the Desert. These guys were legends, no doubt about it.
Birthplace: Ulverston, England, UK
6/16/1890
11. Lee Mack
Lee Mack is a force to be reckoned with in British comedy. He’s quick-witted, self-deprecating, and his comebacks are lightning-fast. This guy knows how to make an audience laugh. Whether it’s through his stand-up comedy or his hilarious sitcom acting, Mack’s cheeky humor has won over the hearts of many. You might recognize him as the team captain on the popular panel show Would I Lie To You? or from his lead role in the sitcom Not Going Out. Either way, he’s a favorite among fans.
Birthplace: Southport, England
8/4/1968
