My Top 5 Most Influential Comedians
When I was a kid, I was known for telling jokes at my school. I had a huge library of storytelling funnies that were collected over many years, and through different experiences. Some people might say becoming a Stand-up Comedian was inevitable for me. One of the main questions people ask me is, who are some of my influences in the industry. I thought about this question for a long time. After much consideration, I’ve come up with these 5 names. In no particular order, these are the 5 Comedian who have had the most influence in my life.
1. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy is one of my favorite comedians by far. I’ve been a fan since I first saw his James Brown, Hot Tub Sketch, on SNL in 1983. His comedy specials Delirous and Raw, are still the most iconic specials in history of. Not to mention Beverly Hills Cop, Coming To America, and The Nutty Professor, are just a few of blocbuster films Murphy, has starred in. People are still hoping for him to return to his stand-up career.
2. Patrice O’Neal
Patrice O’Neal is hands down, one of the funniest comedians I have ever seen. His style, and delievery are unmatched by anyone else. Highly respected, yet completely underrated Patrice made a huge impact in the minds of young comedians. His brash, and unapologicaly subject matter is what made him an icon. O’Neal died in 2011 from a stroke due to type 2 diabetes.
3. Robert Townsend
Comedian, Writer, Actor, there are so many credits on Robert Townsend’s resume, that make it impossible to leave him off this list. Robert Townsend has written and produced great comedies like Hollywood Shuffle, Meteor Man, and The Five Heartbeats. His multiple HBO Partners In Crime Comedy specials, are what make up today’s Chappelle’s Show. Robert Townsend was on the writing team for comedy legends like Eddie Murphy, and Richard Pryor.
4. Kevin Hart
Easily the hardest working man in the entertainment business, Kevin Hart has rasied the industry of Stand-Up Comedy to knew heights. Sell-out specials, blockbuster movies, and a hilarious television series, it’s no wonder Kevin Hart is on this list. Kevin Hart is still the hottest comedian in the business. His success is strictly the result of hard work and perseverance.
5. Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor is the Michael Jordan of Stand-Up Comedy. He is still the first person that people bring up, when they talk about great comedians. His 1982 special Live: On The Sunset Strip is one of the first comedy specials I ever watched. Pryor paved the way for comedians of all backgrounds. Between films, comedy specials, and TV appearances, the blueprint Pryor left behind is one the live by.
Not only are these people hilarious, and very good at their jobs. These 5 people are more than just Stand-Up Comedians. They are Writers, Actors, and Businessmen. The influence they had on the world is legendary. They created the careers for themselves that all comedians aspire to.