Bobby Caldwell of Erie, PA, has always been a massive fan of British comedy. While American comedic actors are often known for their bombastic behavior, British comedians often use their wits and cunning to make an audience roll over laughing. Today, Robert Caldwell of PA, will discuss some of his favorite all-time British comic actors. If these men are in the show or movie you are watching, you are most certainly in for a treat.
Before diving in, Bobby Caldwell of Erie, PA, notes that his favorite British comedians are from the golden age of British comedies. You won’t find some of the most well-known British comic actors of the modern era on his list, but he understands if you love Ricky Gervais, Simon Pegg, and other contemporary British actors.
Any fan of British comedy throughout the years needs to mention Laurel & Hardy. These two were pioneers in slapstick comedy. From the late 1920s through the mid-1940s, Laurel partnered with the American in Hardy to produce multiple films that have stood the test of time. Bobby Caldwell of Erie, PA, recommends that any fan of comedy fires up some YouTube clips of classic Laurel & Hardy bits.
Charlie Chaplin is a name that all comedy fans know, but Bobby Caldwell of Erie, PA, is fascinated by the fact that many Americans don’t know that Chaplin was born in London. The true face of the silent film era, Charlie Chaplin is a legend who would inspire generations of comedy actors after him.
Sid James and Kenneth Williams are two legends in British comedic film history. The Carry On films starring these two gentlemen released 31 low-budget British comedy motion pictures. The films taught multiple generations about puns and innuendoes. When you watch their work, you get a sense of how often their style has been mimicked.
Bobby Erie of Caldwell, PA, notes that the actual British satire boom took off during the 1960’s. Peter Cook and Dudley Moore had an absurdist comedy show called Not Only… But Also, which is an absolute classic. Peter Cook and Dudley Moore also had a stage show, which must have influenced America’s Saturday Night Live. Fans loved attending as Peter Cook would actively try to make Dudley Moore break character and laugh uncontrollably on stage.
Anyone who has ever seen Dr. Strangelove knows who Peter Sellers is from his classic line, “You can’t fight in here, this is the war room!” Peter Sellers was also the star of the classic Pink Panther franchise. His portrayal of Inspector Clouseau is one of Bobby Caldwell of Erie, PA’s favorite performance of all time.
Finally, you can’t make a list of classic British comedians without mentioning the men from Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin all have an unmatched influence over British comedy. Their contributions will forever be recognized amongst the best in the British comedy industry.
