Fred Toucher and Rich Shertenlieb delved into the world of comedy by reading off a list of the top comedians of all time from StudyFinds.org, which compiled from multiple lists of Top 5 comedians (We’ve reached that point). From timeless legends like Richard Pryor and George Carlin to more recent stars like Dave Chappelle, Toucher and Rich covered a wide range of comedic talent, offering their own insights and opinions.

• 1. RICHARD PRYOR

  

  American comic actor Gene Wilder, originally Jerry Silkman stars with nightclub comedian Richard Pryor in the action comedy ‘Silver Streak’. Directed by Arthur Hiller, the film was chosen for the 31st Royal Film Festival. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

• Pryor ranked at the top on almost half of the lists the website reviewed, and it’s not hard to see why. He was a skilled performer who could take his own personal hardships and turn them into comedic material. According to Rolling Stone, “Richard Pryor went through an evolution in his life and work: He survived a disturbing childhood whose scary and colorful personalities shaped the basis of his early act; worked through a clean-cut Cosby phase; found cocaine and eventually burst out of a staid Vegas lounge act, fleeing to San Francisco and becoming the outspoken, unfettered spirit that turned stand-up on its ear.”

• 2. GEORGE CARLIN

  

  NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Comedian George Carlin speaks about his new book “When Will Jesus Bring The Pork Chops?” at a book signing at Barnes and Noble October 18, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)

• Similar to Pryor, Carlin earned a spot in the top five on every list the website consulted, and was ranked as number one 30 percent of the time. Carlin’s brand of comedy is a fusion of various styles, incorporating witty observations and clever wordplay. “Between his brilliant social and political commentary, genius-level observational skills, and legendary command of the English language, Carlin was a true master of the craft,” writes HICONSUMPTION. 

• 3. CHRIS ROCK

  

  HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Chris Rock speaks onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

• Let us be clear, once you go beyond Richard Pryor and George Carlin, the lists tend to diverge in their rankings. Nevertheless, Chris Rock is an iconic comedian who is considered one of the greatest of all time. “Chris Rock’s bold, smart cultural commentary has been striking a chord with audiences for over 20 years. He’s equally insightful when it comes to both the personal and the political, critiquing the flaws of society and the ridiculousness of relationships on both a micro and macro scale,” writes Paste Magazine. 

• 4. DAVE CHAPPELLE

  

  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Dave Chappelle looks on during UFC 264: Poirier v McGregor 3 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

• Similar to Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle is a comedian who has earned legendary status. Chappelle has been entertaining audiences for more than three decades, from “Chappelle’s Show” to his recent stand-up specials on Netflix. “Glancing at his career before and after the groundbreaking Chappelle’s Show makes one thing clear: Stand-up is his first (and perhaps only) love. After a pair of stunningly good early specials, his beloved Comedy Central show and a much ballyhooed visit to Africa, Dave Chappelle has not only reasserted himself in the game but put himself right back on top. He talks race, celebrity and politics in a way that belies the incisive and ferocious nature of his observations,” explains Rolling Stone.  

• 5.) ROBIN WILLIAMS

  

  NEW YORK – APRIL 27: (FILE PHOTO) (US TABLOIDS OUT) Actor Robin Williams appears onstage during MTV’s Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios on April 27, 2006 in New York City. It was announced on August 9, 2006 that Williams is seeking treatment for alcoholism after being sober for 20 years. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

• Williams, the revered and departed comedian and actor was ranked in the top 10 on over 50% of the sources we referred to, making him an obvious pick for this list (Fred and Rich disagree). “Full of frenetic energy and an almost otherworldly ability to improvise, Robin 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 fast, furious, and full of hysterical impressions, and they paved the way for a hugely successful film career. We’re also gonna call him the funniest talk show guest in the history of the medium,” writes HICONSUMPTION. 

• LISTEN HERE:

• Nick Gemelli is a Producer for the Toucher and Rich program and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. you can follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.

  Follow @Toucherandrich on Twitter, @Toucherandrichofficial and @fredtoucher on Instagram to keep up with the show!

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