Best Comedy Performance?

Over the past few weeks I've watched the entire 100 episodes of 'Boston Legal' starring William Shatner and James Spader. Absolutely brilliant series that I highly recommend to everyone.

It's technically not a comedy as there are a lot of series issues in this legal drama, but William Shatner is absolutely hilarious as the character 'Denny Crane'. Seriously, every scene he is in just makes you want to laugh, the man is a legend.

The only other comedic performance to rival Shatner is that of David Hyde Pierce in 'Frasier'.

So my question to you is not what is your favourite comedy, but what is the best comedy character - it doesn't necessarily have to be from a comedy programme either.

Phil Silvers as Sgt Bilko is a tour de force. Sheer brilliance.

I'm not a huge Comedy tv/film watcher tbh, but I always thought John Candy had the perfect balance of comic timing and actual acting ability. 

in terms of just flat out slapstick I used to really love Chris Farley, films like Black Sheep and Tommy Boy, did all his own stunts too very underrated physical performer. 

both gone too soon sadly.

Hipster_Nebula wrote:I'm not a huge Comedy tv/film watcher tbh, but I always thought John Candy had the perfect balance of comic timing and actual acting ability. 

in terms of just flat out slapstick I used to really love Chris Farley, films like Black Sheep and Tommy Boy, did all his own stunts too very underrated physical performer. 

both gone too soon sadly.

I remember John Candy from when he was the coach in Cool Runnings, he died aged 43 in 1994.

boltonbonce wrote:Phil Silvers as Sgt Bilko is a tour de force. Sheer brilliance.

I agree. He was ahead of his time in many ways.

Runner up: Dermot Morgan as Father Ted

xmiles wrote:

boltonbonce wrote:Phil Silvers as Sgt Bilko is a tour de force. Sheer brilliance.

I agree. He was ahead of his time in many ways.

Runner up: Dermot Morgan as Father Ted

Spot on with both of these.

I also would include Rigsby (Rising Damp) to the list.

Bill Shatner is a riot iv'e seen him a few times and he's done some roasting of celebs and he's wicked, i also crack up at his recordings of pop songs in James T Kirk's voice the man IS a Legend.
Best thing to come out of Canada.
My other choice would be John Hannah and Suranne Jones for A Touch Of Cloth.

Love a lot of Steve Coogan's character creations but my favourite by far is Paul Calf (and also obviously his sister Pauline.) Comedy Genius.

You've got shit shoes on, ya shitty shoed bastard!

Warren Mitchell as Alf Garnett, Leonard Rossiter as Rigsby,John Cleese as Basil Fawlty,Rodney Bewes and James Bolam as Bob and Terry in The Likely Lads,Jimmy Nail as Oz in Auf Wiedershein Pet,Ricky Gervaise as David Brent in The Office.

My favorite Steve coogan character is Saxondale.

Angry Dad wrote:My favorite Steve coogan character is Saxondale.

Has to be Alan Partridge for me.

Victor Meldrew anyone????

Larry David in Curb your enthusiasm, Kramer off Se Infeld and Howard Moon off the Mighty Boosh

OneFinFreedman wrote:Larry David in Curb your enthusiasm, Kramer off Se Infeld and Howard Moon off the Mighty Boosh

I am not sure Larry David is performing rather than just being a slightly exaggerated version of himself - remember George Costanza?   

Reebok Trotter wrote:Victor Meldrew anyone????

I like him RT trouble is my wife say's I am a younger version and that she is dreading it when I'm his age. I think she's got a valid point as I can see it sometimes as well.