The Best Male Stand Up Comedians of the 2000s
- 1Dec. at 71 (1937-2008)
A legendary comic, George Carlin was a fierce critic of American society and a master of wordplay. His groundbreaking "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" routine earned him icon status. With 14 HBO specials and five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums, Carlin's influence on modern comedy cannot be overstated.
- 2Dec. at 63 (1951-2014)
A beloved entertainer, Robin Williams was known for his incredible improvisational abilities and contagious energy. He rose to fame as the quirky alien Mork in Mork & Mindy, with the big screen quickly following in critically acclaimed roles like Good Morning, Vietnam and Dead Poets Society. Williams' stand-up specials such as Live at the Met showcase his ability to seamlessly switch between characters and accents, making him an unforgettable comedic presence.
- 3Age: 55
Known for his blunt, observational humor and biting social commentary, Bill Burr has been a staple in the comedy world for over two decades. He's known for his successful animated Netflix series F is for Family and the Monday Morning Podcast. A frequent talk show guest, his stand-up specials include Walk Your Way Out and Paper Tiger.
- 4Age: 60
With his trademark dry wit, Norm Macdonald excelled at deadpan delivery and offbeat humor. Best known for his tenure on Saturday Night Live in the 90s as the Weekend Update anchor, his comedic style influenced countless comedians who followed. His stand-up specials include Me Doing Standup and the Netflix original Hitler's Dog, Gossip & Trickery.
- 5Age: 56
A prolific writer, Louis C.K. has been praised for his raw, confessional humor exploring topics from parenthood to human nature. He created and starred in the award-winning TV series Louie and directed several comedy specials. Despite a temporary hiatus due to personal controversies, he has returned to performing stand-up with his latest special, Sincerely Louis CK.
- 6Age: 57
A master of observational humor, Jim Gaffigan excels at finding humor in everyday situations. He is particularly well-known for his jokes about food, with his Hot Pockets routine becoming a classic bit. With multiple comedy specials, including Quality Time and King Baby, his clean, family-friendly humor has endeared him to fans around the globe.
- 7Age: 44
With his high-energy, physical brand of comedy, Kevin Hart has become a major figure in the stand-up world. Known for drawing on his personal life and family for material, his comedic storytelling resonates with audiences. Hart boasts a string of successful stand-up specials like Laugh at My Pain and What Now?, as well as a successful acting career in films like Jumanji and Ride Along.
- 8
Brian Regan
Age: 66Clean and relatable, Brian Regan's comedy focuses on everyday experiences and his own personal quirks. His expressive facial expressions and physical humor have made him a stand-up favorite for years. With numerous appearances on late-night television, his specials include Nunchucks and Flamethrowers and On the Rocks.
- 9Age: 54
Quirky and offbeat, Zach Galifianakis rose to fame with his unique brand of alternative humor. Best known for his role in The Hangover films, he also gained attention with his Between Two Ferns talk show parody series, interviewing celebrities in an awkward and hilarious manner. His stand-up specials include Live at the Purple Onion and Zach Galifianakis: Of Mice and Little Men.
- 10Dec. at 44 (1965-2010)
Known for his biting wit and sharp tongue, Greg Giraldo was a popular comedian and television personality before his untimely death in 2010. He was a regular on Comedy Central's Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn and often appeared as a guest on late-night talk shows. His insightful humor can be enjoyed in his stand-up specials, including Good Day to Cross a River and Midlife Vices.
- 11Age: 55
A versatile comic, Patton Oswalt is known for his intelligent humor, pop culture references, and masterful storytelling. He has appeared in numerous television shows, including The King of Queens and The United States of Tara, and voiced the character of Remy in the Pixar film Ratatouille. His stand-up specials include Talking for Clapping and Annihilation.
- 12Age: 48
Daniel Tosh is known for his dark humor, sarcasm, and edgy one-liners. As the host of Comedy Central's long-running series Tosh.0, he rose to fame critiquing internet videos and pop culture phenomena. His stand-up specials include Completely Serious and People Pleaser.
- 13Age: 75
An angry comic with an intellectual edge, Lewis Black is known for his rants about politics, religion, and pop culture. A frequent contributor on The Daily Show, his loud, finger-pointing style has become iconic. His stand-up specials include Old Yeller: Live at the Borgata and Black on Broadway.
- 14Age: 50
With a fast-paced, confrontational style, Katt Williams has been entertaining audiences with his raw, honest comedy for years. He often discusses racial issues, relationships, and celebrities in his material. His stand-up specials include The Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1 and Great America.
- 15
Mike Birbiglia
Age: 45A skilled storyteller, Mike Birbiglia weaves personal anecdotes and observational humor in his stand-up routines. He gained fame with his off-Broadway show Sleepwalk With Me which he later adapted into a successful film and memoir. Birbiglia's thoughtful, introspective comedy can be seen in specials like My Girlfriend's Boyfriend and The New One.
- 16Age: 47
Nicknamed "Fluffy," Gabriel Iglesias combines storytelling, impressions, and sound effects in his energetic routine. He frequently discusses his Hispanic heritage and experiences with weight loss in his material. His numerous stand-up specials include Hot and Fluffy, I'm Not Fat... I'm Fluffy, and One Show Fits All.
- 17Age: 47
An energetic, physical comic, Nick Swardson is known for his hilarious characters and sketch comedy. He has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including Reno 911! and Grandma's Boy. His stand-up specials feature his trademark humor, with titles like Seriously, Who Farted? and Taste It.
- 18Age: 33
Starting as a YouTube sensation, Bo Burnham is known for his musical comedy, clever wordplay, and biting social commentary. His stage shows often employ theatrical elements and elaborate staging. Burnham's notable comedy specials include Words, Words, Words and Make Happy.
- 19Age: 59
Snarky and sarcastic, David Spade is known for his work on Saturday Night Live and in films like Tommy Boy and Joe Dirt. His dry, self-deprecating humor has made him a popular figure in comedy for decades. His stand-up specials include My Fake Problems and Lights Out with David Spade.
- 20Age: 57
An uncompromising comic, Doug Stanhope tackles controversial topics with brutal honesty and caustic wit. His confrontational style often targets politics, religion, and societal norms. Stand-up specials like Beer Hall Putsch and No Place Like Home showcase his fearless approach to comedy.
- 21Age: 52
With a manic energy and flamboyant stage presence, Dane Cook rose to fame with his high-energy storytelling and exaggerated gestures. His comedy often focuses on personal experiences, pop culture references, and observational humor. His stand-up specials include Retaliation and Rough Around the Edges: Live from Madison Square Garden.
- 22Age: 70
Creator and star of the legendary sitcom Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld is a master of observational humor. His comedy often revolves around the mundane aspects of daily life, making it easily relatable and timeless. With multiple stand-up specials, including I'm Telling You for the Last Time and 23 Hours to Kill, his influence on modern comedy is undeniable.
- 23Age: 58
Known as the "Roastmaster General," Jeff Ross is an expert at insult comedy and has become a staple of Comedy Central's celebrity roasts. His rapid-fire jokes and clever wordplay make him a formidable comedic force. His stand-up specials include No Offense: Live from New Jersey and Jeff Ross Roasts Criminals.
- 24Age: 62
Acerbic and brutally honest, Nick DiPaolo is known for his no-holds-barred approach to comedy. Tackling topics such as politics, relationships, and social issues, he often appears on radio shows and podcasts. His stand-up specials include Raw Nerve and Inflammatory.
- 25Age: 61
A charismatic comic, D. L. Hughley rose to fame through sitcoms like The Hughleys and as an original member of the "Kings of Comedy" tour. He often discusses topics like race, politics, and family life in his material. His stand-up specials include Reset and Contrarian.
- 26Age: 60
Dry and deadpan, Todd Barry delivers his comedy with precision and sharp timing. He talks about a range of topics, from pop culture to personal experiences. His stand-up specials include Medium Energy and Spicy Honey.
- 27Age: 64
With a distinctive deep voice and towering height, Brad Garrett is known for his roles in the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond and his appearances on late-night talk shows. His self-deprecating humor often centers around his own life experiences. His stand-up specials include The World According to Brad and Til Death.
