Comedy as a form of art and public entertainment has been around for much longer than one might expect. As far back as 700 BCE, comedy and tragedy were the primary pillars of ancient Greek theater. In fact, the iconic comedy/tragedy masks often used to represent the theatrical arts are based on Thalia, the muse of comedy, and Melpomene, the muse of tragedy.
Despite being on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum, comedy and tragedy are closely connected. As the actor and filmmaker Peter Ustinov once said, “Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious,” an idea that has been echoed by many comedians through the ages. For hundreds of years, comedians have used humor to help audiences cope with heavy topics and minor annoyances alike, as well as to make observations on the hilarity hidden in everyday life.
Here are some quotes about the ineffable art of comedy from comedians themselves, including Charlie Chaplin, Robin Williams, Sarah Silverman, and more.
Comedy is a weird but very beautiful thing. Even though it seems foolish and silly and crazy, comedy has the most to say about the human condition. Because if you can laugh, you can get by.Mel Brooks
Mel Brooks is a true titan of comedy, with a career spanning seven decades and encompassing everything from stand-up to directing. He’s also one of only 18 entertainers to have achieved an EGOT (winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards).
Comedy is surprises, so if you’re intending to make somebody laugh and they don’t laugh, that’s funny.Norm Macdonald
Canadian comedian and “Saturday Night Live” alum Norm Macdonald was known for his deadpan delivery, whether performing stand-up or appearing in one of his many movies.
Comedy has to be based on truth. You take the truth and you put a little curlicue at the end.Sid Caesar
Sid Caesar was a groundbreaking comic actor whose pioneering live television shows were watched by tens of millions of viewers during the 1950s.
My definition of comedy is tragedy revisited … If it's a serious tragedy, you have to give it time before you talk about it, but small tragedies, that's what comedy's all about.Phyllis Diller
Phyllis Diller was a stand-up comedian and actress who appeared in many TV shows throughout her storied career, from “The Muppet Show” to “Family Guy.” She was one of the first female comics to become a true household name in the U.S.
In the creation of comedy, it is paradoxical that tragedy stimulates the spirit of ridicule; because ridicule, I suppose, is an attitude of defiance: We must laugh in the face of our helplessness against the forces of nature — or go insane.Charlie Chaplin
Born into poverty in Victorian England, Charlie Chaplin rose to worldwide fame in the era of silent films and became one of the film industry's most illustrious and iconic figures.
What is comedy? I don't know. Does anybody? Can you define it? All I know is that I learned how to get laughs, and that's all I know about it. You have to learn what people will laugh at, then proceed accordingly.Stan Laurel
Stan Laurel was one half of the bowler hat-wearing comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, who appeared together in a whopping 107 films. The pair began their slapstick comedy routine in the silent era before successfully transitioning into the “talkies.”
Comedy is a scarily tricky medium … It’s expressive, but I think that’s what makes comedy a little more dangerous in terms of your own mental health, you don’t know what other people will like.Patti Harrison
Actress and comedian Patti Harrison is best known for her roles in recent TV series such as “Shrill” and the 2021 comedy “Together Together.”
Comedy is about talking about my own experience, and I'm a woman, and that's my experience, and just because it isn't yours doesn't invalidate it.Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman appeared on one season of “SNL” before going on to become one of the biggest — and most hilariously outspoken — stand-up comedians currently on the circuit. She also has appeared in numerous TV shows and films; Disney fans might recognize her as the voice of Vanellope von Schweetz from the “Wreck-It Ralph” movies.
The best kind of comedy to me is when you make people laugh at things they've never laughed at, and also take a light into the darkened corners of people's minds, exposing them to the light.Bill Hicks
Widely regarded as one of the greatest stand-up comics of all time, Bill Hicks earned a huge and loyal fan base with his acerbic wit and willingness to take on the most controversial of subjects.
Nobody is great at stand-up comedy right away and it’s important to have room to experiment, find your voice and, most important, to fail.Ali Wong
Ali Wong is one of the most popular modern comedians in the U.S. Her Netflix stand-up specials, including “Baby Cobra” and “Hard Knock Wife,” have helped her reach an even wider global audience.
Some people are scared of taboo subjects, but I think it’s always important to point and hold the mirror up. That’s what a comedian’s job is; they’re not politicians. Politicians worry about popularity, whereas comedians shouldn’t worry about popularity, they should worry about the truth.Ricky Gervais
Ricky Gervais became a massive star in the U.K. after co-creating and starring in “The Office.” His stand-up tours have sold out around the world, he has starred in a bevy of Hollywood movies, and his hosting appearances at the Golden Globe Awards have become the stuff of comedy legend.
With comedy, you're like fiddling with people's souls. You resonate on the same frequency as them, trying to greet them to relate.Tiffany Haddish
Tiffany Haddish has forged a comedy career that includes stand-up specials, TV shows, films, and even a memoir, “The Last Black Unicorn.” She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by “Time” magazine in 2018.
You know what I like about comedy? You can't laugh and be afraid at the same time — of anything. If you're laughing, I defy you to be afraid.Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert’s first professional performance was as an understudy for Steve Carell in the renowned improvisational theater troupe Second City. He later became famous for his work on the satirical news shows “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.”
Comedy is acting out optimism.Robin Williams
Robin Williams is regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time, known for his incredible improvisational abilities, zany characters, and hilarious yet heartfelt roles in many hit movies.
Featured image credit: Daniel Zuchnik/ WireImage via Getty Images
