The 30 Funniest Stand-Up Comedians of All-Time

1. Richard Pryor

Image Source: BBC News

Richard Pryor went through an evolution in his life and work. He survived a disturbing childhood. Colorful personalities from his youth shaped the basis of his early act. Pryor worked through a clean-cut phase before finding cocaine. Eventually, he burst out of a staid Vegas lounge act. Pryor went to San Francisco with the goal of turning stand-up on its ear. One of the most influential comics of all time (regardless of race or style), Pryor’s body of work is beyond reproach.