The Funniest Comedians From Michigan

Pat Alexander
Updated May 1, 2024 46 items
Voting Rules

Vote up the best comedians from the Great Lakes State.

Who are the funniest comedians from Michigan?  The state of Michigan has a rich history of producing some of the top comedians in the world. Michigan comedians often take up the profession with a love of the medium and they can deliver jokes with the best of them. From charming Midwest accents to Great Lakes references to clever punchlines and wholesome jokes, these Michigan comics can seriously make audiences laugh. So, who is the funniest comedian from Michigan? Which Michigan stand up comedians do you love?  

When it comes to the best stand up comedians from Michigan, David should be up there with anyone. Hailing from Birmingham, the comedian was one of the biggest comedy movie stars of the 1990s and he also has one of the most popular stand up comedy specials in Netflix history. Other great Michigan stand ups include Tim Robinson, Gilda Radner, Keegan-Michael Key, and Sinbad.

Vote up the funniest comedians to come out of Michigan, and help decide who is the Wolverine state's favorite son!

  • David Spade
    1
    Birmingham, Michigan
    35 votes
    David Spade, born on July 22, 1964 in Birmingham, Michigan, is an American actor, stand-up comedian, writer, and television personality. He gained fame in the mid-1990s as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where his unique brand of sarcasm and snide commentary helped to define the show's comedic style. After leaving SNL, Spade went on to star in a variety of film and television roles that further solidified his status as a comic force. His most notable roles include the sarcastic office worker Dennis Finch in the television series Just Shoot Me!, and the dim-witted but lovable Joe Dirt in the film of the same name. In addition to his acting career, Spade has made significant contributions as a writer and producer. He co-wrote the Emmy-nominated SNL sketch The Chris Farley Show, a tribute to his late friend and fellow cast member. He also co-created the animated series Beavis and Butt-Head with Mike Judge, and served as a writer on the sitcom 8 Simple Rules. Despite his success, Spade remains grounded, often citing his humble beginnings and the influence of his family as key factors in his approach to comedy and life. Spade's career has been marked by high points and personal challenges. In 2003, he suffered a nearly fatal skiing accident, but his determination and resilience allowed him to return to work just months later. Throughout his career, Spade has also been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, using his platform to raise awareness and advocate for mental health. Despite the ups and downs, David Spade continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, his dry humor and keen observational skills resonating with audiences around the world.
  • Keegan-Michael Key
    2
    Southfield, Michigan, USA
    43 votes
    Keegan-Michael Key (born March 22, 1971) is an American actor, comedian, producer and screenwriter. He co-created and co-starred alongside Jordan Peele in Comedy Central's sketch series Key & Peele (2012–2015) and co-starred in USA Network's Playing House (2014–2017). He spent six seasons as a cast member on Mad TV (2004–2009) and has made guest appearances on the U.S. version of Whose Line is it Anyway? on The CW. He also appeared alongside Peele in the first season of the FX series Fargo in 2014, and had a recurring role on Parks and Recreation from 2013 to 2015. He hosted the U.S. version of The Planet's Funniest Animals on Animal Planet (2005–2008), and has hosted Game On! on CBS since 2020.
  • Mary Lynn Rajskub
    3
    Detroit, Michigan
    29 votes
    Mary Lynn Rajskub (born June 22, 1971) is an American actress and comedian, best known for portraying Chloe O'Brian in the Fox action thriller series 24. She appeared on HBO's Mr. Show, and in the films Dude, Where's My Car?, Sweet Home Alabama, Punch-Drunk Love, Safety Not Guaranteed, The Kings of Summer and Night School, among others.
  • Sam Richardson
    4
    Detroit, Michigan, USA
    32 votes
    Sam Richardson (born January 12, 1984) is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known for playing Richard Splett in the HBO political comedy series Veep (2012–2019), co-creating and co-starring in the Comedy Central comedy series Detroiters (2017–2018) alongside Tim Robinson, and playing various characters in the Netflix sketch show I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2019–present), and co-starring in The Afterparty (2022).
  • Dax Shepard
    5
    Highland Township, Michigan
    28 votes
    Dax Randall Shepard (born January 2, 1975) is an American actor, writer, director and podcast host. He is best known for his work in the feature films Without a Paddle (2004), Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005), Employee of the Month (2006), Idiocracy (2006), Let's Go to Prison (2006), Hit and Run (2012), and CHiPs (2017), the last pair of which he also wrote and directed, and the MTV practical joke reality series Punk'd (2003). He portrayed Crosby Braverman in the NBC comedy-drama series Parenthood from 2010 to 2015. Since 2018, he has hosted the popular podcast Armchair Expert.
  • Gilda Radner
    6
    Detroit, Michigan
    27 votes
    Gilda Radner, an icon of comedy, was born on June 28, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan. She established her career in the entertainment industry as a comedian and actress, quickly rising to prominence as one of the original cast members of the critically acclaimed NBC show Saturday Night Live (SNL). Radner's remarkable ability to bring characters to life with her unique brand of humor earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in Variety or Music in 1978. Radner was known for several memorable SNL characters, including the obnoxious news reporter Roseanne Roseannadanna and the elderly, hard-of-hearing Emily Litella. These characters not only brought laughter to millions but also showcased Radner's unparalleled talent for character creation and improvisation. Beyond her SNL fame, she also made significant contributions to theater and film, such as her Broadway show Gilda Radner - Live from New York and her roles in movies like Hanky Panky and Haunted Honeymoon. Despite her successful career, Radner faced personal challenges. In 1986, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a battle she fought publicly, becoming a symbol of courage and resilience. Her autobiography, It's Always Something, published posthumously in 1989, offered candid insights into her journey. The legacy of Gilda Radner extends beyond her comedic genius, and her advocacy continues to inspire and support those battling cancer through organizations like Gilda's Club. Radner's life was a testament to the power of laughter, even in the face of adversity.
  • Andy Richter
    7
    Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
    26 votes
    Paul Andrew Richter (born October 28, 1966) is an American actor, voice actor, writer, comedian, and late night talk show announcer. He is best known for his role as the sidekick of Conan O'Brien on each of the host's programs: Late Night, The Tonight Show on NBC, and Conan on TBS. He is also known for his work as the voice of Mort in the Madagascar franchise.
  • Tim Meadows
    8
    Highland Park, Michigan, USA
    28 votes
    Tim Meadows, widely recognized as one of the longest-running cast members on NBC's Saturday Night Live, has etched a remarkable signature in the entertainment industry. Born on February 5, 1961, in Highland Park, Michigan, Meadows began his journey in the world of comedy at a young age. He attended Wayne State University before moving to Chicago, where he refined his comedic skills at the legendary improv group, The Second City. Meadows's tenure on Saturday Night Live lasted from 1991 to 2000, during which he created an array of memorable characters including "Leon Phelps," also known as "The Ladies' Man." This particular creation was so beloved that it led to a spin-off movie under the same title in 2000. Beyond SNL, Meadows had the versatility and talent to transition seamlessly into other roles in television and film. His notable credits include principal roles in sitcoms like The Bill Engvall Show, The Michael Richards Show, and Son of Zorn. In the realm of film, Tim Meadows demonstrated equal prowess. His filmography features appearances in popular movies such as Mean Girls, Grown Ups, and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Additionally, he lent his voice to animated projects like Bob's Burgers and The Simpsons.
  • David Alan Grier
    9
    Detroit, Michigan
    21 votes
    Born in Detroit, Michigan, David Alan Grier is an acclaimed actor and comedian with a multitude of roles under his belt that span across theater, television, and film. Grier's early life was marked by a strong interest in performing arts, which led him to study at the prestigious Yale School of Drama where he earned his Master of Fine Arts. He then took his first steps into professional acting, landing Broadway roles that introduced him to the world of Hollywood. Grier's career began to take off in the 1990s when he became a standout performer on the sketch comedy television show, In Living Color. His memorable characters and comedic talent secured him three nominations for the Image Award. Beyond television, Grier has also had considerable success in film. He has appeared in over 50 films including notable roles in Jumanji and Bewitched. His diverse range in acting showcases his ability to execute both comedic and serious roles with finesse. On stage, Grier's performances are equally impressive. He received Tony nominations for his roles in The First, Race, and The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. His stellar performances on stage have demonstrated his commitment to his craft and his ability to captivate audiences.
  • Terry Crews
    10
    Flint, Michigan
    27 votes
    Terry Crews, born on July 30, 1968 in Flint, Michigan, USA, is a multitalented personality known not only for his acting but also for his professional sports career. He spent his early years juggling between education and athletics. A product of Western Michigan University, he secured an Interdisciplinary Art scholarship for his exceptional talent in Football, which later paved the path to his NFL journey. Crews was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991 and over the next five years, he played as a defensive end/linebacker for several NFL teams including the San Diego Chargers and the Washington Redskins. Crews turned towards acting after retiring from football and proved his mettle with his debut in the TV series Battle Dome. However, it was his role in the comedy series Everybody Hates Chris that garnered him widespread recognition. His nuanced portrayal of Julius Rock, a thrifty and hard-working father, won him critical acclaim. He further showcased his versatility by starring in action films like The Expendables series and Deadpool 2, displaying his ability to seamlessly shift gears between genres. In addition to being a successful actor and athlete, Terry Crews is a prominent advocate for women's rights and has openly discussed his experiences with sexism in Hollywood. His candidness about his personal struggles, such as overcoming addiction, has made him a powerful voice for mental health awareness as well. Crews's autobiography Manhood: How to Be a Better Man-or Just Live with One offers an insightful look into his life, underscoring his journey from the grit of NFL fields to the glamour of Hollywood, while maintaining a strong stand on pertinent social issues.
  • Tim Robinson
    11
    Detroit, Michigan
    39 votes
    Tim Robinson (born May 23, 1981) is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He is best known for co-creating, co-writing, and starring in the Comedy Central series Detroiters (2017–2018) and the Netflix series I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2019–present), and for his work as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live (2012–2014).
  • Sandra Bernhard
    12
    Flint, Michigan
    21 votes
    Sandra Bernhard (born June 6, 1955) is an American actress, comedian, singer and author. She first gained attention in the late 1970s, with her stand-up comedy in which she often bitterly critiqued celebrity culture and political figures. Bernhard is best known as portraying Nancy Barlett Thomas on the ABC sitcom Roseanne from the fourth season (1991) to the end of the show in 1997. She is currently starring as Nurse Judy Kubrak in the FX drama series Pose. Bernhard is number ninety-six on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest stand-ups of all time.
  • Sinbad
    13
    Benton Harbor, Michigan
    21 votes
    Sinbad, whose real name is David Adkins, was born on November 10, 1956, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He is well-known for his stand-up comedy and acting career. His journey in the entertainment industry began humbly. The son to Reverend Dr. Donald Beckley Adkins and Martha Adkins, Sinbad served in the United States Air Force before he ventured into comedy. He developed a love for stand-up while deployed and subsequently won the Air Force's Talent Contest, which led him to pursue comedy full-time. Sinbad broke into the entertainment world in the 1980s when he competed on the popular television show, Star Search. His repeated appearances on this platform projected him to national fame. Later, he landed a role on The Redd Foxx Show and A Different World, the latter of which firmly established Sinbad as a household name. His character, Coach Walter Oakes, resonated with audiences for its blend of humor and heartwarming sincerity. Beyond television, Sinbad also thrived in the realm of film. He starred in several notable films such as Houseguest, First Kid, Jingle All the Way, and Good Burger. Moreover, his comedic style, often devoid of vulgarity and profanity, earned him a unique niche in the comedy world. Sinbad's clean humor, infused with tales of his childhood experiences and insightful social commentary, made him a favorite across different age groups. In recognition of his talent, Sinbad received an Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on A Different World.
  • Seth Meyers
    14
    Okemos, Michigan
    29 votes
    Seth Adam Meyers (born December 28, 1973) is an American television host, comedian, writer, political commentator, and actor. He hosts Late Night with Seth Meyers, a late-night talk show that airs on NBC. Prior to that, he was a cast member and head writer for NBC's Saturday Night Live (2001–2014) and hosted the show's news parody segment, Weekend Update.
  • Jordan Klepper
    15
    Kalamazoo, Michigan
    30 votes
    Jordan Klepper is an American comedian. He is a correspondent on The Daily Show.
  • Ken Jeong
    16
    Detroit, Michigan
    38 votes
    Ken Jeong, a man of many talents, is an American actor, comedian, and physician. Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Jeong's journey into the world of entertainment was far from conventional. He earned his undergraduate degree at Duke University before pursuing a medical degree at the University of North Carolina. While his passion for medicine led him to complete his internal medicine residency in New Orleans, it was during this time that Jeong discovered another passion - comedy. Jeong started off by performing stand-up comedy during his spare time while working as a licensed physician in California. His unique blend of humor and wit quickly caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to minor roles in various sitcoms and movies. However, it was his breakout role as Leslie Chow in the blockbuster movie The Hangover that catapulted him into stardom. The film's success gave Jeong the recognition he deserved, making him one of the most sought-after comedic actors in Hollywood. Despite his successful acting career, Jeong has never lost touch with his medical roots. He even used his medical expertise on set, most notably when he aided a woman having a seizure during one of his stand-up comedy shows. His diverse career paths have not only made him a versatile actor but also a compassionate human being.
  • Tim Allen
    17
    Birmingham, Michigan
    26 votes
    Tim Allen, born Timothy Alan Dick on June 13, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, USA, is an acclaimed American comedian and actor. He is best known for his groundbreaking role as Tim "The Toolman" Taylor on the popular sitcom Home Improvement, which aired from 1991 to 1999 and earned him a Golden Globe Award. This role also catapulted him to fame, securing his place as one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. His distinctive gruff voice has also been showcased in several animation features, most notably voicing Buzz Lightyear in the globally successful Toy Story franchise. Allen's journey to stardom was not a smooth one. In his early 20s, he faced a significant setback when he was incarcerated for over two years on a drug trafficking charge. However, this proved to be a turning point for him. Following his release, he started honing his comedic craft in Detroit's comedy circuit, eventually making it big in Los Angeles. His stand-up routines often drew on his experiences and observations of everyday life, leading to relatable content that resonated with viewers. Apart from acting and stand-up comedy, Allen has also made a name for himself in the literary world. His debut book, Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man, topped the New York Times Best Seller list, highlighting his ability to connect with audiences through various mediums. His other pursuits include automotive design and restoration, a passion reflected in his role as host of the documentary-style series Assembly Required.
  • Brandon T. Jackson
    18
    Detroit, Michigan
    16 votes
    Brandon Timothy Jackson (born March 7, 1984) is an American stand-up comedian, rapper, actor, and writer. He is known for his roles in the films Roll Bounce (2005), Tropic Thunder (2008), Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010), Lottery Ticket (2010), Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (2011), and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013).
  • Dave Coulier
    19

    Dave Coulier

    St. Clair Shores, Michigan
    25 votes
    David Alan Coulier (born September 21, 1959) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice actor, impressionist television host and private pilot. He is well known for playing Joey Gladstone on the ABC sitcom Full House and for voicing Peter Venkman on the "The Real Ghostbusters", the cartoon adaptation of Ghostbusters, and the infant incarnations of Animal and Bunsen on Muppet Babies.
  • Billy West
    20
    Detroit, Michigan
    20 votes
    William Richard Werstine (born April 16, 1952), known professionally as Billy West, is an American voice actor, comedian, singer, musician, songwriter and former radio personality. He is known for his voice-over work in a number of television series, films, video games, and commercials. He has done hundreds of voice-overs in his career such as Ren (season 3 to season 5) and Stimpy on The Ren & Stimpy Show; Doug Funnie and Roger Klotz on Doug; and Philip J. Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg, Zapp Brannigan and a number of others on Futurama. He does voices for commercials and is the current voice of the red M&M and was also the voice of Buzz, the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee until 2004. In addition to his original voices, he has voiced Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Shaggy Rogers, Popeye and Woody Woodpecker during later renditions of the respective characters. He was a cast member on The Howard Stern Show, noted for his impersonations of The Three Stooges' Larry Fine, George Takei, as Lieutenant Sulu, of Star Trek fame, and Marge Schott, long-time President and CEO of the Cincinnati Reds baseball franchise.
  • Jon Glaser
    21
    Southfield, Michigan
    20 votes
    Jonathan Daniel Glaser (born June 20, 1968) is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director. He is best known for his work as a writer and sketch performer for many years on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, creating and starring in the Adult Swim series Delocated and Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter as well as the truTV series Jon Glaser Loves Gear. Glaser had a recurring role as Councilman Jeremy Jamm on the NBC series Parks and Recreation and appeared as Laird on the HBO series Girls. Glaser was also a writer on the Comedy Central sketch series Inside Amy Schumer.
  • Lily Tomlin
    22
    Detroit, Michigan
    27 votes
    Lily Tomlin, born Mary Jean Tomlin in 1939, is a distinguished American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she began her career as a stand-up comedian in the late 1960s. Tomlin quickly gained recognition with her unique comedic style that often involved creating vivid, quirky characters. Her breakthrough came in 1969 when she joined the cast of the popular television show, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, where her comedic prowess and distinctive character portrayals, including Ernestine the telephone operator and Edith Ann, the philosophical five-year-old, won her widespread acclaim. In the following decades, Tomlin successfully branched out into film and theatre, proving herself as a versatile artist. Her performance in Robert Altman's film Nashville (1975) earned her an Academy Award nomination. She also made waves on Broadway with her one-woman show, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, written by her long-time collaborator and partner Jane Wagner. The show, which debuted in 1985, was a critical success and won Tomlin the Tony Award for Best Actress. Off-stage and screen, Tomlin is known for her activism, particularly supporting feminist and LGBTQ+ causes. Tomlin's contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Emmys, two Tonys, and a Grammy. In 2003, she was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, acknowledging her significant impact on the world of comedy.
  • John Witherspoon
    23
    Detroit, Michigan
    18 votes
    John Witherspoon (born January 27, 1942) is an American comedian and actor who has performed in many television shows and films.Best known for his role as Willie Jones for the Friday series, Witherspoon has also starred in films such as Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Boomerang (1992) and Vampire In Brooklyn (1995). He has also made appearances on television shows such as The Wayans Bros. (1995–99), The Tracy Morgan Show (2003), Barnaby Jones (1973), The Boondocks (2005–present), The Five Heartbeats (1991) and Black Jesus (2014). He wrote a film, From the Old School, in which he played an elderly working man who tries to prevent a neighborhood convenience store from being developed into a strip club.
  • Moses Storm
    24
    Kalamazoo, Michigan
    22 votes
    Moses Jacob Storm (born May 6, 1990) is an American writer, actor, and comedian, who has appeared in film, radio, and television.
  • Norm Augustinus
    25

    Norm Augustinus

    Detroit, Michigan
    12 votes
    Norman Theodore Augustinus, Jr is an American writer.
  • Ed McMahon
    26
    Detroit, Michigan
    14 votes
    Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. (March 6, 1923 – June 23, 2009) was an American announcer, game show host, comedian, trapeze artist, police officer, actor and singer. McMahon and Johnny Carson began their association in their first TV series, the ABC game show Who Do You Trust?, running from 1957 to 1962. McMahon then made his famous thirty-year mark as Carson's sidekick, announcer and second banana on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1962 to 1992. He also hosted the original Star Search from 1983 to 1995, co-hosted TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes with Dick Clark from 1982 to 1998 and also presented sweepstakes for the direct marketing company American Family Publishers (not, as is commonly believed, its main rival Publishers Clearing House). McMahon annually co-hosted the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon from 1973 to 2008. In the 1970s and 80s, he anchored the team of NBC personalities conducting the network's coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. McMahon appeared in several films, including The Incident, Fun With Dick and Jane, Full Moon High and Butterfly, as well as briefly in the film version of Bewitched. He also performed in numerous television commercials. According to Entertainment Weekly, McMahon is considered one of the greatest "sidekicks".
  • Verne Troyer
    27
    Sturgis, Michigan
    16 votes
    Verne Jay Troyer (January 1, 1969 – April 21, 2018) was an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer who played Mini-Me in the Austin Powers film series. He was only 2 ft 8 in (81 cm) tall, the result of cartilage–hair hypoplasia; this made him one of the shortest men in the world.
  • A. Whitney Brown
    28
    Charlotte, Michigan
    4 votes
    Alan Whitney Brown (born July 8, 1952) is an American writer and comedian best known for work on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s. In addition to writing for the program, he appeared opposite Dennis Miller in a biting satirical Weekend Update commentary segment called "The Big Picture." He won a 1988 Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program, along with Al Franken, Tom Davis, Phil Hartman, Mike Myers, Lorne Michaels and Conan O'Brien. He was also one of the original correspondents on Comedy Central's The Daily Show from 1996 to 1998.
  • Arte Johnson
    29
    Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA
    4 votes
    Arthur Stanton Eric Johnson (January 20, 1929 – July 3, 2019) was an American comic actor who was a regular on television's Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In — where he played characters including a German soldier with the catchphrase "verrrry interesting...", and an old man who habitually propositioned Ruth Buzzi's spinster character.
  • Dick Martin
    30
    Detroit, Michigan, USA
    3 votes
    Thomas Richard Martin (January 30, 1922 – May 24, 2008), known professionally as Dick Martin, was an American comedian and director. He was known for his role as the co-host of the sketch comedy program Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In from 1968 to 1973.