Top 10 British Comedians: Legends and Rising Stars in Comedy

British comedians have a knack for leaving audiences in stitches, blending wit, sarcasm, and impeccable deadpan delivery. Their humor has not only shaped the entertainment industry but also influenced politics, culture, and everyday attitudes with a uniquely British flair.

But who are the best British comedians? This comprehensive list delves into the comedic landscape, exploring 10 British comedians known for their iconic works, delighting audiences across generations.

List of Best British Comedians

1: Rowan Atkinson

Date of Birth: January 6, 1955, Consett, County Durham, England

Best Works:

• Mr. Bean in Mr. Bean
• Johnny English in Johnny English
• Walter Goodfellow in Keeping Mum
• Enrico Pollini in Race
• Ron Anderson in The Tall Guy

Accolades:

• BAFTA Awards
• CableACE Awards
• Ethnic Multicultural Media Awards
• Telvis Awards

Rowan Atkinson, an actor, comedian, and writer, first gained attention in 1979 with the comedy series The Atkinson People. Known for his masterful physical comedy, slapstick humor, and impeccable timing, Atkinson has captivated audiences for decades. His portrayal of Mr. Bean (1990–1995), featuring minimal dialogue and brilliant physical gags, made the character a global phenomenon and one of the most beloved comedic figures of all time.

Atkinson’s talents extend beyond television; he has showcased his theatrical prowess in stage productions, including Shakespearean plays, earning acclaim for his versatility. Recognized as one of the best British comedians, The Observer included him in its 2003 list of the 50 funniest actors in British comedy.

Outside his illustrious acting career, Atkinson is an avid car enthusiast. He has participated in car races and boasts a remarkable collection of vehicles, including the McLaren F1, Honda NSX, and Audi A8, reflecting his passion for high-performance automobiles.

2: Jimmy Carr

Date of Birth: September 15, 1972, London, England

Best Works:

• Gary’s Manager in Alien Autopsy
• Antoni in Confetti
• John R. Crawford in Stormbreaker
• Video Store Guy in I Want Candy
• Gentleman in Telstar: The Joe Meek Story

Accolades:

• British Comedy Award
• LAFTA Award

Jimmy Carr has made marks with his sharp wit, dark humor, and expertly crafted one-liners. Since beginning his comedy career in 1997, Carr has become a mainstay of UK television, hosting hit shows like Channel 4’s The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. His quick-fire humor and distinctive delivery have made him a household name.

In 2015, Carr made history as the first UK comedian to sign a stand-up deal with Netflix, releasing three highly acclaimed specials: Funny Business (2016), Best of Ultimate Gold Greatest Hits (2017), and His Dark Material (2021). Beyond the screen, Carr is a prolific stand-up performer with a global following. His Terribly Funny 2.0 tour (2022–2024) has been a massive success, selling over one million tickets worldwide.

3: Sacha Baron Cohen

Date of Birth: October 13, 1971, Hammersmith, London, England

Best Works:

• Aladeen, Efawadh in The Dictator
• Brüno Gehard in Brüno
• Station Inspector in Hugo
• Ali G, Borat in Ali G Indahouse
• Thenardier in Les Misérables

Accolades:

• BAFTA Awards
• British Comedy Awards
• Chicago Film Critics Association Awards
• Golden Globes
• Evening Standard British Film Awards

Sacha Baron Cohen first rose to prominence in 1998 on the satirical television show The 11 O’Clock Show. Known for his bold and politically incorrect humor, Baron Cohen uses social satire and controversial comedic approaches to challenge societal norms, making him one of the most distinctive figures in entertainment.

In 2000, he made his film debut with a minor role in The Jolly Boys’ Last Stand, setting the stage for a flourishing career. Baron Cohen’s iconic characters—Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev, and Brüno Gehard—are comedic masterpieces that explore and critique social and political issues, blending humor with biting commentary.

Beyond his live-action work, Baron Cohen has showcased his vocal talents in animated films, including his portrayal of King Julien XIII in the Madagascar series (2005–2012) and Uncle Ugo in Pixar’s Luca (2021). His exceptional contributions to comedy earned him a spot on The Times’ 2018 list of the 30 best living comedians.

A fearless performer and sharp satirist, Sacha Baron Cohen continues to push boundaries and redefine modern comedy, solidifying his status among the best British comedians.

4: John Bishop

Date of Birth: November 30, 1966, Everton, Liverpool, England

Best Works:

• Le Boucher in Seven Psychopaths
• Park Worker in Malcolm

Accolades:

• British Comedy Awards

John Bishop is a multifaceted entertainer—comedian, presenter, actor, and former semi-professional footballer. Before venturing into comedy and acting, Bishop played as a midfielder for clubs such as Winsford United F.C. and Crewe Alexandra F.C. His journey into television began in 2007 as a regular panelist on the comedy show The Panel.

Remarkably, Bishop began his comedy career at the age of 40. His first stand-up performance in 2000 led to appearances in major comedy competitions, including So You Think You’re Funny, where he honed his comedic voice. In addition to comedy, Bishop showcased his acting chops in seasons 3 and 4 of the E4 teen drama Skins and received critical acclaim for his role in Ken Loach’s film Route Irish (2010).

As a host, Bishop has fronted several popular shows, including John Bishop’s Only Joking (2013), John Bishop’s Britain (2010–2011), and The John Bishop Show (2015, 2022), cementing his influence among the best British comedians. His late start in comedy and subsequent rise to fame testifies to his talent and perseverance.

5: Lee Evans

Date of Birth: February 25, 1964, Bristol, England

Best Works:

• Tucker in There’s Something About Mary
• Lars Smuntz in Mouse Hunt
• Arthur Watson in The Medallion
• Jack Parker in Funny Bones
• Robert Martin in The Martins

Accolades:

• British Comedy Awards

Lee Evans is one of Britain’s most iconic comedians, celebrated for his high-energy performances, physical comedy, and slapstick humor. Rising to fame in the 1990s, Evans captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic stand-up routines, characterized by his expressive style and relatable humor.

Evans made his film debut in the 1995 comedy-drama Funny Bones, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He continued to excel both on stage and screen, becoming a beloved figure across the entertainment world. His record-breaking performance at Manchester Arena in 2005, drawing an audience of 10,108 people, cemented his status as a comedy legend.

Beyond his stand-up success, Evans appeared on television shows like Viva Cabaret, further demonstrating his wide-ranging appeal. With his distinctive comedic style and capability to connect with audiences, Lee Evans has carved out a lasting legacy in British entertainment.

6: Jack Whitehall

Date of Birth: July 7, 1988, London, England

Best Works:

• Alfie Wickers in The Bad Education Movie
• Zack Zimm in Mother’s Day
• McGregor Houghton in Jungle Cruise
• Charles Cameron in Robots

Accolades:

• British Comedy Awards

Jack Whitehall, known for his comedic timing, has charmed audiences with his stand-up performances and on-screen presence. His journey into comedy began in 2009 with his debut stand-up show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A year earlier, he made his first appearance on Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, followed by a breakout role in the comedy-drama Fresh Meat (2011–2016), which catapulted him to stardom.

From 2012 to 2018, Whitehall was a regular panelist on the hit comedy game show A League of Their Own. He further showcased his hosting skills on Have I Got News for You and took the stage as host of the BRIT Awards from 2018 to 2021. Beyond live comedy and television, Whitehall ventured into film, lending his voice to the animated classic Frozen as Gothi. His diverse talents and undeniable wit have solidified his place as a standout figure in the entertainment industry.

7: Alan Davies

Date of Birth: March 6, 1966, Loughton, England

Best Works:

• Phil in Dog Eat Dog
• Vince in Roman Road
• Bob Nicolson in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
• Older Dave in The Bromley Boys

Accolades:

• Best Actor Award (Monte Carlo TV Festival)

Alan Davies began his comedy career in 1988 at the Whitstable Labour Club. He’s perhaps best known for portraying the title character in the BBC mystery drama Jonathan Creek and for being the only permanent panelist on the popular BBC quiz show QI since 2003. His comedic style, marked by observational humor, wit, and clever wordplay, has resonated with audiences worldwide.

In addition to his comedy work, Davies is a familiar television personality. He has hosted various shows, including The Dog Rescuers on Channel 5 and Alan’s Big One, a three-series show on BBC Radio 1. Beyond television, Davies has written several books, including My Favourite People & Me: 1978-1988 and Just Ignore Him, further showcasing his talents beyond the comedy stage.

8: Ricky Gervais

Date of Birth: June 25, 1961, Reading, Berkshire, England

Best Works:

• Mark Bellison in The Invention of Lying
• Dr. McPhee in Night at the Museum
• Bertram Pincus in Ghost Town
• Dominic Badguy in Muppets Most Wanted
• Mr. Taylor in Cemetery Junction

Accolades:

• BAFTA Awards
• British Comedy Awards
• Primetime Emmy Awards
• Golden Globe Awards
• Writers Guild of America Awards

Ricky Gervais is gifted with his sharp wit, fearless approach to comedy, and distinctive delivery, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Before achieving success in comedy, Gervais worked in the music industry and even tried his hand at pop stardom in the 1980s as the lead singer of the Seona Dancing (new wave band).

He started his stand-up career in the late 1990s, going on to perform in five major international comedy tours. Gervais gained widespread recognition for creating and starring in the groundbreaking television series The Office (2001–2003). In 2008, he took on his first leading role in the film Ghost Town, which received positive reviews from critics.

Throughout his career, Gervais has appeared in numerous television shows and hosted the Golden Globe Awards multiple times, earning a dedicated fanbase and solidifying his status as one of the best British comedians.

9: Harry Enfield

Date of Birth: May 30, 1961, Horsham, England

Best Works:

• Kevin the Teenager in Kevin & Perry Go Large
• King George VI in Churchill: The Hollywood Years
• Martin Wickers in The Bad Education Movie

Accolades:

• BAFTA Awards
• British Comedy Awards
• Royal Television Society Awards
• Writers’ Guild of Great Britain

Harry Enfield has become a beloved figure in traditional entertainment, renowned for his catchphrase-driven comedy. He rose to fame on Channel 4’s Saturday Live, where he created several iconic characters alongside Paul Whitehouse. His memorable portrayals, including Kevin the Teenager, Loadsamoney, and Smashie and Nicey, have won over audiences for decades.

Before achieving fame, Enfield appeared in various television commercials, including notable ads for Tetley in 1987 and Dime Bar in 1994. In 2000, he starred in his first leading film, Kevin & Perry Go Large, which became a modest success and showcased his comedic talent on the big screen.

In addition to his comedy career, Enfield also lent his voice to the British satirical puppet show Spitting Image, further cementing his versatile contributions to entertainment.

10: Greg Davies

Date of Birth: May 14, 1968, St. Asaph, Flintshire, Wales

Best Works:

• Paul ‘Wicky’ Wickstead in The Cleaner
• Daniel Davies in Man Down
• Ken Thompson in Cuckoo
• Phil Gilbert in The Inbetweeners

Accolades:

• Awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from his alma mater, Brunel University London.

Greg Davies has quickly become a household name. He is known for his distinctive humor and larger-than-life personality, establishing himself as one of the top British comedians. He made his television debut in 2003 on Dick & Dom in da Bungalow before launching his stand-up career in 2005. In 2010, Davies took to the stage with his first solo show, Firing Cheeseballs at a Dog.

Davies gained widespread recognition for his roles as Mr. Gilbert in The Inbetweeners (2008–2010) and Ken Thompson in Cuckoo (2012–2019), showcasing his acting range across both television and film. He’s also appeared on popular comedy shows like The News Quiz and Just a Minute, where his quick wit and sharp thinking have been on full display. Through his unforgettable performances, Davies continues to leave a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.