John Cleese.

Don Knots
Jackie Gleason
Art Carney
Jerry Lewis

quote:

Originally posted by Pyker:
Peter Sellers

That's the first one who came to mind, for me.

I've always found it interesting, how many people, who are thought of as comedians, can cross over to dramatic acting. Examples would include people like Jackie Gleason, Jerry Lewis and Don Rickles. Of course, Leslie Neilsen made the switch in the opposite direction, "Who are you and how did you get in here?"
"I'm a locksmith and I'm a locksmith."

quote:

Originally posted by Ryanp225:
Currently I'd give it to Timothy Olyphant after watching Santa Clarita Diet.

That’s the show that convinced me of his versatility as an actor. He is hilarious.
The shift in character reminded me of Brad Pitt in Burn After Reading. Totally different person.

Adding Bob Newhart to the list.

Peter Sellers. (Look at my avatar.)

Buster Keaton.

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
Modern generation comedic actors seems to run either you love them or hate them.

Will Ferrell comes to mind. Along with Jim Carrey.

yep,


and both have had really good roles, or characters, and real big stinkers

OJ Simpson
Bill Cosby

Peter Sellers gets my vote.

Christopher Lloyd. "What...does...a...yellow...light...mean?

Just three, Wilder, Garr, and Leachman.

Moe Howard, Jerome Howard, Larry Fine.

quote:

Originally posted by pbslinger:
Moe Howard, Jerome Howard, Larry Fine.

My favorite was always Shemp.

Didn’t see Steve Martin mentioned.
Never cared for Jack Lemon.
John Cleese and Peter Sellers of course.
It cor me Buster Keaton was the funniest.
Unlike say, Bob Hope, Buster’s comedy never gets old.
I find Hope’s endless ethnic jokes e.g. in Son of Paleface make me cringe (and actually leave the theater).

Richard Mulligan