In no order Romesh Ranganathan Micky Flannagan Jack Whitehall Mentions to the greats .... Peter Kay, Billy Connolly
Rik Mayall (and Ade Edmondson by default) As GLP said, Hills-Widdicombe-Brooker Monty Python Robin Williams, George Carlin, a lot of the early SNL lineup. Peter Kay Tim Minchin Loads of others too. Depends on what in particular you're after, standup or sketch/tv/film? For example, I wouldn't call Simon Pegg a comedian, but he's great when he does comedy. Can't stand Gervais, but he's obviously appealling to some out there. I like Peter Kay even more now knowing BCC hates him.
As an aside, I just learned that Cliff Richard is the second best selling British male solo artist of all time. He must be great.
To be fair to BCC on the Peter Kay thing, Michael McIntyre made shedloads and he is the ****ing worst. Peter Kay is still great though.
Andy Parsons. Unfunniest man alive, I appreciate this isn't a thread naming unfunny comedians but seeing as though I started it I can post what I like. Deal with it.
Since we're talking about comedy actors too, Steve Carell. Particularly his character in the Anchorman films.
"Do you remember space hoppers and teachers making you come into the school when it rained at lunch time?"
Indeed. The children's books were comedy. His production company makes comedy. It's as you said; 'The most successful comedian (in fanancial terms) is Ricky Gervais and he's a right annoying twat.'
It's not a row, it's a discussion. I just didn't realise that units shifted were a reflection on quality. Turns out I was wrong all along.