Laughter is a universal language, and few have mastered its art better than the legends of American comedy. These comedic giants have brought joy to millions and shaped the fabric of humor with their wit, timing, and unapologetic truth-telling. Their influence stretches far and wide, from stand-up stages to silver screens, leaving an indelible mark on generations of fans.

Dive into the world of American comedy and discover the famous American comedians who have earned their place in the pantheon of laughter, proving that sometimes, the best medicine is a hearty dose of humor.

List of 7 American Comedians

1: Gabriel Iglesias

Date of Birth: July 15, 1976, California, U.S.

Best Works:

• I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy
• Hot & Fluffy
• Mr. Iglesias
• Magic Mike
• Space Jam: A New Legacy

Accolades:

• ALMA Awards (Nominee, 2012)
• Imagen Foundation Award (Nominee, 2021)
• H.O.P.E Award (2012)
• Ranked among the top 10 highest-paid comedians in the world in 2018

Gabriel Jesús Iglesias is a renowned stand-up comedian and actor, celebrated for his observational, clean, and surreal humor. He gained early recognition on Nickelodeon’s “All That” and made a notable appearance when he competed on “Last Comic Standing” in 2006, where he reached the final eight before being disqualified.

Known for his signature Hawaiian shirts and cheerful persona, Gabriel’s comedy is both relatable and engaging. He often humorously explores themes related to his weight, affectionately calling himself “Fluffy,” and humorously categorizes fatness into five levels, adding a sixth for comedic effect.

Gabriel’s humor frequently revolves around global matters and politics, allowing him to connect deeply with audiences through his insightful and entertaining storytelling.

2: Al Madrigal

Date of Birth: July 4, 1971, San Francisco, California, U.S.

Best Works:

• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
• Night School
• I’m Dying Up Here
• Why Is The Rabbit Crying?
• Lopez vs. Lopez

Accolades:

• He was a nominee for Best Supporting Actor in “About A Boy”
• Imagen Foundation Award (Nominee, 2020)

AI Madrigal is a prominent American comedian and actor known for his observational comedy and satire. His unique style explores themes such as American culture, human behavior, family dynamics, fatherhood, cultural assimilation, and political absurdity, often skewering Hispanic stereotypes.

Madrigal made a significant impact by joining “The Daily Show” in 2011 as its first-ever Senior Latino Correspondent. Transitioning to stand-up comedy in his late 20s, AI Madrigal’s distinctive approach to comedy played a key role in his success on the show. His sharp wit and insightful commentary on cultural and political issues have earned him recognition.

AI Madrigal is an American comedian hailed for his versatility as a comedian, actor, writer, and producer, contributing significantly to comedy across various platforms.

3: Cristela Alonzo

Date of Birth: January 6, 1979, Hidalgo, Texas

Best Works:

• Last Comic Standing
• Conan
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
• The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
• Cristela Alonzo: Lower Classy

Cristela Alonzo’s journey into comedy began in 2002 after the passing of her mother. She found her comedic voice in the small Dallas comedy scene and quickly gained recognition. Her big break came in 2006 when she was hired as a writer for a Comedy Central show. Over the next few years, she honed her craft, including touring with comedian Carlos Mencia.

In 2013, Alonzo made history by co-creating and starring in the ABC sitcom Cristela, a show loosely based on her life.

Beyond stand-up and television, Cristela Alonzo is known for her infectious laugh and observational humor, often reflecting her life experiences and cultural background. Her work continues to resonate with audiences, breaking barriers and expanding her influence across multiple platforms.

4: Tom Segura

Date of Birth: April 16, 1979, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.

Best Works:

• Thrilled
• White Girls With Cornrows
• Completely Normal
• Mostly Stories
• Cutman
• Instant Family
• Comedy Central Presents

Tom Segura started his stand-up comedy career shortly after college while balancing various jobs, including an internship at Kopelson Entertainment and working as a logger for reality TV shows. His comedic talents led him to perform at major festivals – the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Comedy Festival, the Global Comedy Festival, and Just For Laughs.

Recognized as one of the well-known American comedians, Segura is hailed for his sharp observational comedy, biting sarcasm, insult comedy, and deadpan delivery. His unique style has established him as a standout figure in the comedy world.

5: Jesus Sepulveda

Best Works:

• They Can’t Deport Us All
• Entre Nos
• Mr. Tough Life

Accolades:

• Top finalist in the NBC Diversity Showcase in 2015

Jesus Sepulveda, recognized as the “funny kid” from a young age, has made people laugh for as long as he can remember. He began performing stand-up at a local comedy club at just 15 years old and quickly gained attention. By 2009, he had become a fixture in the LA comedy scene, known for his high-energy performances and relatable storytelling.

Sepulveda’s comedy is deeply rooted in his Latino heritage and personal experiences growing up, with a gift for bringing vivid characters from his past to life. His connection with audiences makes them feel like they share laughs with an old friend. As he continues to build a strong following, his relatable humor and engaging performances have earned him a loyal fanbase and solidified his place among the famous American comedians.

6: Steve Treviño

Date of Birth: January 16, 1978, Gregory-Portland, Texas, U.S.

Best Works:

• La esquina
• Mind of Mencia
• Steve Treviño: ‘Til Death
• Steve Treviño: Grandpa Joe’s Son
• Steve Treviño: Relatable
• Steve Treviño: ‘Til Death
• Steve Treviño: My Life in Quarantine

Steve Treviño is an American comedian, writer, and producer renowned for his stand-up comedy, particularly his insights into relationships. He began his comedy career at the age of 19 in 1997, frequently performing at the Addison Improv Comedy Club in Texas. A significant milestone in his early career was opening for Carlos Mencia. Treviño also gained valuable exposure and experience by volunteering to accompany headlining comedians to promotional radio interviews.

Treviño’s comedy is grounded in relatable, everyday experiences, often centered on marriage, family life, and his American heritage. His storytelling style, rich with personal anecdotes and universal themes, has made his humor resonate with diverse audiences.

7: Horatio Sanz

Date of Birth: June 4, 1969, Santiago, Chile

Best Works:

• Saturday Night Live
• In the Motherhood
• The George Lucas Talk Show
• Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time

Accolades:

• Stoner of the Year
• ALMA Awards (2009, Nominee)

Horatio Sanz honed his comedic talents in Chicago, performing at notable venues such as The Court Theater and The Second City, where he became a key member of the Chicago ETC Theater. He was also a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), a renowned sketch comedy and improv troupe that has impacted the comedy world.

Sanz’s career in comedy expanded to television, where he played a variety of memorable roles. He is particularly celebrated for his groundbreaking work as a Hispanic comedian on Saturday Night Live (SNL). His contributions to the comedy scene remain influential, and his performances are fondly remembered for their humor and relatability, cementing his place among famous American comedians.