21 of the Funniest British Comedians from the UK

British humor is renowned for its witty and often absurdist nature. From the likes of Monty Python to Ricky Gervais, British comedians have charmed audiences around the world with their unique brand of satire and dark comedy.

One key aspect that makes British comedy so endearing is its ability to poke fun at itself. Whether it’s taking jabs at Britain’s class system or poking fun at society’s idiosyncrasies, British comedies are always sure to make people laugh.

Furthermore, there’s something undeniably relatable about how British humor looks inward instead of outward – making these comedies universally relevant no matter where they’re being watched.

With that in mind, this article is all about the funniest British comedians of all time.

21 of the Funniest British Comedians of UK Descent

Being a funny British comedian from the UK is about more than just telling jokes. It’s about understanding and connecting with your audience, developing your comedic style, and perfecting timing – all while staying true to who you are as an artist.

Here’s a look at some of the best comedians that show what it takes to be a British comedian:

Ricky Gervais

A British comedian born in Reading, England, Ricky Gervais made a name for himself with his critically acclaimed sitcoms such as ‘The Office’, ‘Extras’ and ‘Derek’. His comedic style often includes a subtle blend of self-deprecating humour and observational comedy.

He also won several awards for his work in television, including Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards.

Hugh Laurie

Born in Oxford, United Kingdom in 1959, Hugh Laurie is best known for his iconic role as the grumpy doctor Greg House on the hit medical drama series ‘House’. His career began in the early 80s and since then he has starred in various movies and TV shows, including ‘Stuart Little’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and ‘Jeeves & Wooster’.

He also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama for his performance as Dr. House.

Bill Nighy

English actor Bill Nighy was born in Caterham, England in 1949. He is best known for his roles in the Richard Curtis films ‘Love Actually’ and ‘The Boat That Rocked’ as well as other popular movies such as ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest’, ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ and ‘Shaun of the Dead.

He has been nominated for various awards throughout his career and has won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in the Lead Role.

Sacha Baron Cohen

Hailing from Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom, actor Sacha Baron Cohen is best known for creating and playing characters such as Borat and Ali G. He has starred in several movies such as ‘Borat’, ‘Bruno’ and ‘The Dictator’. His comedic style often involves him playing outrageous characters with over-the-top behaviour.

He has been nominated for various awards including Golden Globe Awards, Academy Awards and Emmy Awards.

Craig Ferguson

Scottish comedian Craig Ferguson was born in Glasgow in 1962. He is best known for hosting the late night talk show ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson’. He has also starred in movies such as ‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events’ and ‘Saving Grace’.

His comedic style often focuses on self-deprecation and observational humor.

Emma Thompson

English actress Emma Thompson was born in Paddington, London, United Kingdom in 1959. Her career began in the late 80s and she is best known for her roles in various Richard Curtis films such as ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Sense & Sensibility’, as well as her Academy Award winning role in ‘Howards End’.

She is also an accomplished screenwriter, having written the screenplay for ‘Sense & Sensibility’, for which she won an Academy Award.

Stephen Fry

English actor, author and comedian Stephen Fry was born in Hampstead, London, United Kingdom in 1957. He is best known for his roles on the television series ‘A Bit of Fry & Laurie’ and ‘Jeeves and Wooster’.

He also starred in movies such as ‘V for Vendetta’, ‘Wilde’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’. His comedic style often focuses on satire and black humour.

Eddie Izzard

English stand-up comedian Eddie Izzard was born in the Colony of Aden (now part of Yemen) in 1962. His career began in the late 80s and he has starred in various movies and television shows, including ‘Mystery Men’, ‘Valkyrie’ and ‘The Riches’.

He is also an accomplished stand-up comedian who has won numerous awards for his work, including two Emmy Awards.

Mike Myers

Canadian actor, comedian and filmmaker Mike Myers was born in Scarborough, Ontario in 1963. His career began in the late 80s and he is best known for his iconic characters such as Austin Powers, Wayne Campbell from ‘Wayne’s World’ and Shrek.

He has been nominated for various awards throughout his career, including Golden Globe Awards and Academy Awards.

Peter Sellers

English actor Peter Sellers was born in Southsea, England in 1925. He is best known for his role of Inspector Clouseau in ‘The Pink Panther’ franchise and as Chauncey Gardiner in ‘Being There’. His comedic style often involves physical comedy and character acting. He won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his roles in the films ‘The Mouse That Roared’ and ‘Dr. Strangelove’.

Billy Connolly

Scottish comedian Billy Connolly was born in Anderston, Scotland in 1942. His career began as a folk musician before making a name for himself as an actor and comedian. He starred in various movies such as ‘The Boondock Saints’, ‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events’ and ‘Mrs. Brown’.

His comedic style often focuses on observational humor and self-deprecation.

Dudley Moore

English actor, comedian and musician Dudley Moore was born in Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom in 1935. He is best known for his roles in the films ‘Bedazzled’, ’10’ and Arthur’. He won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his role in the film ‘Arthur’.

He also starred alongside Peter Cook in the comedy duos Beyond The Fringe and Pete & Dud.

Jimmy Carr

British stand-up comedian Jimmy Carr was born in London Borough of Hounslow, London, United Kingdom in 1972. His career began as a radio host before transitioning to television and stand-up comedy. He has been nominated for various awards throughout his career, including a BAFTA Award and British Comedy Awards.

His comedic style often involves dark humor, self-deprecation and satire.

Rowan Atkinson

English actor Rowan Atkinson was born in Consett, United Kingdom in 1955. He is best known for his iconic characters such as Mr. Bean and Edmund Blackadder from the BBC sitcom ‘Blackadder’. His comedic style often involves physical comedy, verbal humour and character acting.

He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including two British Comedy Awards and an Emmy Award.

Graham Chapman

English actor, writer and comedian Graham Chapman was born in Stoneygate, United Kingdom in 1941. He is best known for being one of the Monty Python members alongside John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

He often employed surreal humor in his performances. He won a BAFTA Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance for the Python sketch show ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’.

Simon Pegg

English actor and comedian Simon Pegg was born in Brockworth, United Kingdom in 1970. His career began as a stand-up comedian before making a name for himself in various movies such as ‘Shaun of the Dead’, ‘Hot Fuzz’ and the ‘Star Trek’ franchise.

He often employs situational comedy, verbal humor and satire in his performances. He won an Empire Award for Best Actor for his role in the film ‘Shaun of the Dead’.

Stephen Merchant

English actor, writer and comedian Stephen Merchant was born in Bristol, England, UK in 1974. His career began as a radio presenter before making a name for himself as an actor and writer alongside Ricky Gervais on various projects such as ‘The Office’, ‘Extras’ and ‘Life’s Too Short’.

His comedic style often involves self-deprecation, improvisation and satire. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in 2015.

Eric Idle

English actor, writer and comedian Eric Idle was born in South Shields, United Kingdom in 1943. He is best known for being one of the Monty Python members alongside John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

His comedic style often involves physical comedy and satire. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for his work on ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’.

Jennifer Saunders

English actress, writer and comedian Jennifer Saunders was born in Sleaford, United Kingdom in 1958. Her career began as a performer for BBC Radio before making a name for herself as an actress and writer on various projects such as ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ and ‘French & Saunders’.

Her comedic style often involves physical comedy, verbal humor and character acting. She won a British Academy Television Award for Best Comedy Performance in 1996.

Steve Coogan

English actor, writer and comedian Steve Coogan was born in Middleton, United Kingdom in 1965. His career began as a stand-up comedian before making a name for himself in various films such as ‘The Parole Officer’ and ‘Night at the Museum’.

His comedic style often involves satire, improvisation and self-deprecation. He won an Empire Hero Award for his performance in the film ’24 Hour Party People.

Catherine Tate

English actress, writer and comedian Catherine Tate was born in Chiswick, London, England in 1968. Her career began as a performer for BBC Radio before making a name for herself on various projects such as ‘The Catherine Tate Show’ and ‘Doctor Who’.

Her comedic style often involves physical comedy and character acting. She won a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actress in 2006.

Why People Around the World Love British Comedians

British comedians have a unique sense of humor that has made them popular around the world.

Their jokes often rely on wordplay, puns, and satire, which makes them very clever and entertaining. They also tend to make light of difficult topics and situations, making it easier for people to find the comedy in challenging moments.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our list of the hottest British women in the world!

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