The 1980s gave us some of the most beloved comedy actors of all time, from Eddie Murphy to Robin Williams. These actors paved the way for modern-day comedy and made an indelible mark on pop culture with their unique brand of humor and charisma.
In this article, we will look back to the 80s and remember some of the actors and comedians that make this decade one of the funniest and most memorable.
The Funniest Comedians and Actors of the 80s
The 1980s was an era of some truly iconic comedy actors. From Eddie Murphy to Billy Crystal, they shaped the way we view comedy today. Today, these actors are remembered for their talents and wit. Let’s take a look at some of those classic comedic names from the 80s.
21 – Tracey Ullman
Tracey Ullman is an English-American actress, comedian, singer, and writer. She rose to fame in the 1980s with her television show The Tracey Ullman Show which featured her original characters and sketches. Her comedy was praised for its mix of wit and intelligence.
20 – Jim Varney
Jim Varney was an American actor, comedian, and playwright best known for his role as Ernest P. Worrell in a series of films throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
His endearing comedic style made him a favorite among audiences everywhere, who loved his unique brand of physical comedy.
19 – Rick Moranis
Canadian-born Rick Moranis is a multi-talented actor, writer, and musician who rose to fame in the 1980s with popular films such as Spaceballs, Ghostbusters, and Little Shop of Horrors.
His comedic style is often characterized by a lovable nerdy character whose antics are both charming and laugh-out-loud funny.
18 – Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan is a Hong Kong-born actor, martial artist, filmmaker, comedian, singer, and stunt performer.
He won over audiences worldwide in the 1980s with his endearing slapstick comedy style and daredevil stunts which made him an international star.
17 – Kathleen Turner
Kathleen Turner was an American actress best known for her roles in Romancing the Stone (1984), The War of the Roses (1989), and Serial Mom (1994).
Her unique blend of sex appeal, wit, and intelligence made her a fan favorite throughout the 1980s.
16 – Dudley Moore
Dudley Moore was an English actor, comedian, musician, and composer best known for his roles in 10 (1979) and Arthur (1981).
His offbeat style of comedy combined physical slapstick with dry humor that won over audiences everywhere.
15 – Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis is an American actress who rose to fame in the 1980s with iconic roles in films such as Halloween (1978) and A Fish Called Wanda (1988).
She proved to be just as talented at comedy as she was at horror, earning her the title of “scream queen.”
14 – Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox is a Canadian-American actor, author, producer, and activist best known for his roles in Back to the Future (1985) and Spin City (1996-2000).
His intelligent comedy style has made him one of the most beloved actors of all time.
13 – Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, director and television host who rose to fame in the 1980s with films such as The Princess Bride (1987) and When Harry Met Sally (1989).
He was praised for his dry wit and comedic timing that kept audiences laughing.
12 – Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin is an American actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer who rose to fame in the 1970s with her television series Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.
She became a household name in the 1980s thanks to her unique brand of absurdist comedy that combined physical humor with clever satire.
11 – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American actor, filmmaker, businessman, author, philanthropist and former professional bodybuilder who rose to fame in the 1980s with iconic roles in films such as The Terminator (1984) and Twins (1988).
His deadpan delivery and action hero style made him a fan favorite throughout the decade.
10 – Gene Wilder
Gene Wilder was an American actor, director, producer, screenwriter and author best known for his roles in comedy films such as The Producers (1968), Young Frankenstein (1974), and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971).
His unique style of physical comedy combined with impeccable timing made audiences laugh out loud.
9 – John Candy
John Candy was a Canadian actor and comedian who rose to fame in the 1980s with many memorable roles in films such as Splash (1984), Spaceballs (1987) and Home Alone (1990).
He quickly became one of America’s favorite funny men thanks to his lovable everyman persona.
8 – Rodney Dangerfield
Rodney Dangerfield was an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice artist, author and screenwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s for his signature one-liners and catchphrase “I don’t get no respect!”
His irreverent humor earned him an audience of all ages.
7 – Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks is a two-time Academy Award winning actor best known for his roles in Splash (1984), Big (1988) and A League of Their Own (1992).
He has proven himself to be equally talented at drama as he is at comedy, earning him much critical acclaim throughout the decade.
6 – Dan Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd is an American-Canadian actor, comedian, writer and businessman who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in films such as The Blues Brothers (1980) and Ghostbusters (1984).
His unique brand of physical comedy combined with a laidback charm earned him legions of fans.
5 – Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase is an American actor, comedian and writer best known for his work on Saturday Night Live (1975–1976) and National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983).
He made audiences laugh out loud with his clever one-liners and self deprecating humor.
4 – Steve Martin
Steve Martin is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer and musician who rose to fame in the 1980s with films such as The Jerk (1979), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) and Parenthood (1989).
His unique brand of physical comedy combined with sharp wit earned him a devoted fanbase.
3 – Leslie Nielsen
Leslie Nielsen was a Canadian-American actor, comedian and producer best known for his roles in Airplane! (1980) and The Naked Gun series (1988–1994).
He was praised for his deadpan delivery that consistently had audiences laughing out loud.
2 – Bill Murray
Bill Murray is an American actor, comedian, writer and film producer best known for his roles in Ghostbusters (1984), Groundhog Day (1993) and Lost in Translation (2003).
He has been praised for his unique brand of dry humor and comedically deadpan delivery.
1 – Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy is an American comedian, actor, writer, singer and producer who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in films such as 48 Hrs. (1982), Beverly Hills Cop (1984) and Coming to America (1988).
His unique style of physical comedy combined with witty one-liners kept audiences laughing throughout the decade.
The Hilarious Comedians and Acting Talent of the 80s
These comedic talents of the 1980s kept us laughing with their unique styles and impeccable timing.
Each actor has left a lasting mark that will be remembered for years to come. From Gene Wilder’s deadpan delivery to Eddie Murphy’s physical comedy, these funny men and women of the 80’s will always be remembered.
It is no wonder why they have been so successful in the decades since then!
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