comedy

Don Rickles was jokingly known as "The Sultan of Insult."

Arts

Comedian Don Rickles, Merciless 'Merchant Of Venom,' Dies At 90

3:43pm April 06, 2017

The famed insult comic and showbiz veteran worked well into his 80s. In his prime, Hollywood elites like his friend Frank Sinatra considered it an honor to be roasted by Rickles.

John Oliver speaks at Comedy Central's "Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism Programs" in New York in 2015.

John Oliver On Facts, Donald Trump And The Supreme Court For Dogs

9:08am February 10, 2017

by David Folkenflik

In an NPR interview, the comedian talks about why facts matter more to him as a comedian than the president he's about to lampoon. Oliver's Last Week Tonight returns for a new season on HBO Sunday.

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Comedian Irwin Corey was known for his long-running act as "The World's Foremost Authority." He is pictured here in the 1970s. Corey died at the age of 102.

The World's Foremost Authority Has Died: Prof. Irwin Corey Was 102

3:30pm February 07, 2017

by Bill Chappell

Who else could have appeared in the 1976 film Car Wash — and also accept a National Book Award on behalf of the reclusive Thomas Pynchon?

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Stephen Agyei (left) and Roy Wood Jr. talk about what it takes to make it in comedy.

Arts

To Make It In Comedy You Have To Bet On Yourself

4:39pm November 22, 2016

by NPR Staff

Stephen Agyei is a Denver-based comedian who's ready to quit his day job and take his comedy full time. The Daily Show's Roy Wood Jr.'s advice? Move to a coast.

Aparna Nancherla says that making jokes about depression and anxiety injects "a little dose of hope."

Arts

Comedian Aparna Nancherla Makes Light Of The Heavy Stuff

4:20pm November 07, 2016

by NPR Staff

Nancherla is riding high with a new TV special, a tour and a new album, Just Putting It Out There — all while dealing with some difficult personal issues, like depression and anxiety, on stage.

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Political Smackdown: 'Candidates' Wrestle For A Good Cause

11:04am November 07, 2016

by Eddie Garcia

It's 15 minutes til showtime, and the basement level theatre of Geeksboro Coffeehouse Cinema is teeming with pre-bout excitement.

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A nosy bald eagle peeks out from behind the rocks to check out what photographer William Saunders is up to, Cordova, Ala.

PHOTOS: Finalists For The 2016 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

3:12pm October 21, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

A bear being fish-slapped. A decidedly not-regal eagle. An unfortunate buffalo/bird interaction.

Jennifer Ikeda stars as Nguyen's mother, Tong. Raymond Lee plays Nguyen's father, Quang.

National

'Vietgone': A Sex Comedy About Mom, Dad And Refugee Camps

6:51pm October 14, 2016

by Kat Chow

Playwright Qui Nguyen's latest work tells the story of how his parents met in an Arkansas refugee camp in 1975.

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Cameron Esposito (left) and her wife Rhea Butcher play married comedians in their new show Take My Wife.

Arts

Lucy Loves Lucy In 'Take My Wife'

4:34pm October 13, 2016

by NPR Staff

When Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher went to pitch their new show they compared it to I Love Lucy. It's a goofy, sweet show — only this time, with lesbian comedians who are married to each other.

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Kevin Hart was the most successful comedian last year. He's seen here speaking at the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners in Las Vegas.

Kevin Hart And Amy Schumer: The New King And Queen Of Comedy

6:02pm September 27, 2016

For the first time in a decade, someone other than Jerry Seinfeld tops Forbes' ranking of the highest-paid comedians.