Self-explanatory.  Sorry, ladies, start another poll.  It's hard to narrow it to 16.  I was thinking more movies (so that's why no Seinfeld or Larry David), but some people were too good to keep out (Jerry Stiller).

I also tried to stick with actors who mainly did only comedy, or were best known for that.  I wasn't real scientific about, so don't shoot me because I missed someone.

Also, had they not died tragically young, I think this poll would only need to be between 2 people.

Hard to choose, though.  I can't decide who has the best overall body of work (trying to ignore the guys who were actual comedians and not just actors).

Well, the person I quote the most you dont even have on there...Sandler. I dont think he is the best, though probably top 16. But his movies came when I was young and so I quote him to this day.

Anyway, went Williams. But a ton of those guys are incredible.

posted by Laley23

Well, the person I quote the most you dont even have on there...Sandler. I dont think he is the best, though probably top 16. But his movies came when I was young and so I quote him to this day.

I almost put him on there.  Actually, I'd compare him to Chevy Chase - I think he's funny, he just doesn't LOL crack me up.

Also, I find it painful to watch Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, but I know they're pretty popular.

Bill Murray gets my vote.

Lot of great names on the list. It's an absolute shame we lost Candy, Belushi, and Farley so young.

I went with Bill Murray.

I think Bill Murray is the best comedy actor.  The overrall best actor on the list, in my opinion is Robin Williams.  I think he's as great a dramatic actor as the giants of this era (Nicholson, Hackman, Denzel, etc.)  As a sketch comedian, I think Ferrell is tops, but he's not the actor Bill Murray is.  I love Belushi, but I think his short life did not provide a long enough resume.

I went with Farley, but only because I thought he was better at comedy than Williams. Williams was by far the better over all actor, just look at some of his serious rolls like in Good Will Hunting.

Williams was one of my favorite overall actors, but I laugh more at Chris Farley movies.

Adam Sandler probably should have been on the list...

Harvey Korman and Tim Conway – The Carol Burnett Show ………..gets no better.  (Not a movie, I know.)   Also, Steve Martin could have been on your list, although not my favorite.

My favorite comedic actor that didn't make the list, and is more of a TV guy, is Bob Newhart.

posted by QuakerOats

 

Harvey Korman and Tim Conway – The Carol Burnett Show ………..gets no better.  (Not a movie, I know.)   Also, Steve Martin could have been on your list, although not my favorite.

I almost mentioned Martin. 

I’d also like to switch my vote to Candy. Legit didn’t see him listed. Del Griffith, Uncle Buck are great characters and the way he plays off the guys in Cool Runnings is pretty flawless. Doesn’t do too much, but delivers the perfect lines at the perfect time.

Loved Steve Martin in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

I was a big fan of Rodney Dangerfield. 
 

“Well maybe you can help me straighten out my Longfellow.”

posted by Dr Winston O'Boogie

 As a sketch comedian, I think Ferrell is tops, but he's not the actor Bill Murray is. 

That's really another thread - best SNL regular.  Bill Murray, Belushi and Chevy Chase were before my time, and I haven't watched the show much in years.

But I'd have to give it to Farley.  Then probably Dana Carvey.  Eddie Murphy's "Best of" tape is frickin' hilarious.

posted by Laley23

I almost mentioned Martin. 

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles was pretty darn good.

posted by QuakerOats

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles was pretty darn good.

This scene is so good. "Four fucking wheels and a seat."

I should have included Steve Martin.  For some reason I blanked on his body of work.  He might be top-5, easily top-10.

They are all great in their own catagory of comedy.  Jim Carey brand of physical comedy isnt the same as David Spade acting out a funny character like in Tommy Boy.

posted by gut

Also, had they not died tragically young, I think this poll would only need to be between 2 people.

Hard to choose, though.  I can't decide who has the best overall body of work (trying to ignore the guys who were actual comedians and not just actors).

I went Murray, considered Belushi.