Famous British Stand-up Comedians

British comedian and actor Rowan Atkinson has entertained audience globally with his brilliant performance as the eponymous character in the Mr. Bean series and its film adaptations. Earlier, he established himself as a fine comedy actor with Blackadder and then went on to work in movies like Never Say Never Again, The Witches and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Although best known for her surreal and digressive stand-up comedies, Eddie Izzard is also a popular film and television actor. Born as Edward John Izzard, she began her career as a street performer, eventually making her first stage appearance at the age of twenty-five, quickly drawing larger and larger audience with her stream-of-consciousness delivery, achieving fame both home and abroad.

A Guinness record holder for the most-watched leading man on TV, three-time Golden Globe-winner and two-time SAG Award-winner Hugh Laurie has also dabbled in blues music and written a novel. From starting his career with sketch comedy, to winning the OBE and CBE, the actor/comedian has come a long way.

A popular English comedian, actor, writer, and presenter, Jack Whitehall has hosted the BRIT Awards on multiple occasions. He has also performed stand up comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Apart from playing important roles in Bad Education and The Bad Education Movie, he also co-wrote the projects. Whitehall has established an impressive career despite dropping out of college.

Well-known for his use of black comedy and surreal humor, Noel Fielding is an English comedian, musician, writer, and actor. He co-created a television program called The Mighty Boosh, which has gained a cult fan following. Also an artist, Noel Fielding has exhibited many of his paintings in London.

Jimmy Carr is one of the biggest selling live comedians of Britain. The award-winning performer is best known for shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and jokes about everything from politics to sex. He has gained fame for his signature deadpan delivery, his high-pitched laughter, and his dark humor.

English comedian James Acaster is best known for his shows such as The Island and We the Jury. While he initially studied music and played drums for various bands, Acaster found fame with stand-up comedy. He has penned bestsellers such as James Acaster's Classic Scrapes and also has a Netflix special.

Multi-talented English comedian, Victoria Wood was also an actress, lyricist, singer, composer, pianist, screenwriter, producer, and director. Wood started her career with the TV show That's Life! and established herself as one of Britain's greatest stand-up comedians. She wrote sketches, dramas, and popular sitcoms and her self-deprecating humor got her 14 BAFTA nominations of which she won four. 

Born to musician Derek Pascoe, comedian Sara Pascoe was raised by her mother amid poverty after her parents’ divorce. Initially a tour guide, she later stepped into comedy and never looked back. She is known for shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Twenty Twelve.

Creator of such popular comedy shows like Bo' Selecta!, Celebrity Juice and Keith Lemon's Very Brilliant World Tour, Leigh Izaak Francis is an English comedian-actor, specializing in character comedy, impressions, parody and sketch. Some of his other important works are Through the Keyhole and The Keith Lemon Sketch Show.

Comedian, writer, and presenter Michael McIntyre is best known for his popular shows Michael McIntyre's Big Show and Michael McIntyre's The Wheel. Born to a comedian father, he was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps. He is also known for his energetic and restless appearance during his performances.

Known for his hit Roadrunner tour, English comedian Lee Evans has also appeared in movies such as The Fifth Element and There's Something About Mary. After gaining immense fame for his slapstick and physical humor, he retired in 2014. In 2021, he was spotted in public, riding a bicycle, after years.

Primarily known for his stand-up comedies, Ken Dodd was also a celebrated actor and singer. Working mainly as a solo comedian, he became noted for his rapid delivery of one liner jokes, often interspersed with songs. Over his long career spanning more than six decades, he had also appeared in numerous television productions and had released many hit albums.

Born in London to Iranian parents, Omid Djalili got his first taste of success in stand-up comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He has also been seen in the Netflix drama The Letter for the King and a number of movies such as Gladiator and The Mummy.

Comedian Jim Bowen is best remembered for appearing on the ITV game show Bullseye for over a decade. Born to an unwed mother, he was put up for adoption and ended up being adopted by a bricklayer. He grew up to be a PE teacher and later stepped into stand-up comedy.

Best known for his one-liners, comedian Tim Vine holds an unusual Guinness world record for telling the highest number of jokes in an hour. He is also a talented musician and often sings comedy songs in his acts. He is also known for shows such as The Sketch Show.

Jack Dee is an English stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He is best known for writing and starring in the sitcom Lead Balloon. He is famous for his sarcasm, irony, and deadpan humor. He began a career in the entertainment industry despite his mother’s protests. He performs live comedy and also appears in TV shows and films.

Popular host of shows such as The Generation Game and Big Break, comedian Jim Davidson has often been dragged into controversies for his jokes. A YouTube rant posted by him on the George Floyd issue caused social-media users to call for a ban on him. He has been married five times.