The 30 Funniest Stand-Up Comedians of All-Time

12. Robin Williams

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Robin Williams made his audiences’ heads spin — largely on the basis of micro-impressions, free associations, and countless riffs. Full of frenetic energy and an almost otherworldly ability to improvise, Williams had more comedic talent than perhaps any other comedian to grab a mic. His stand-up specials in the late-’70s and ’80s were full of hysterical impressions. These performances paved the way for a hugely successful film career. Give the man a stage, and you never knew where Williams would go. You just knew he was damn near unstoppable.