Stand-up comedy has long been a launching pad for some of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Many comedians hone their craft on stage, where they master timing, improvisation, and audience connection—skills that have propelled them to success on the big screen. Each of these comedians brings a unique flavor of comedy to Hollywood, redefining what it means to be both a stand-up and a star. Here’s a closer look at 20 comedians who made the leap from stand-up to Hollywood stardom.
Robin Williams
Stand-Up Style: Known for his boundless energy, wild improvisation, and character work, Williams could effortlessly blend humor with humanity.
Hollywood Success: Williams starred in acclaimed films such as Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, and Mrs. Doubtfire. His comedic versatility and depth earned him an Oscar for Good Will Hunting.
MARIO ANZUONI / Mario Anzuoni / Reuters
Eddie Murphy
Stand-Up Style: Edgy and observational, Murphy was known for his bold humor and impressions.
Hollywood Success: His roles in Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and The Nutty Professor made him one of the biggest box-office draws of the 1980s and ’90s.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty
Steve Martin
Stand-Up Style: Martin’s absurdist and intellectual humor set him apart, often using props and musical bits.
Hollywood Success: His unique style translated to successful films like The Jerk, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Father of the Bride, establishing him as a versatile actor and writer.
Jon Kopaloff
Jim Carrey
Stand-Up Style: Known for his physical comedy, impressions, and exaggerated facial expressions.
Hollywood Success: Carrey’s energetic performances in Ace Ventura, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber solidified him as a comedy superstar, while roles in The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind showcased his range.
variety
Whoopi Goldberg
Stand-Up Style: Goldberg’s stand-up often tackled social issues with humor and wit, blending comedy with poignant commentary.
Hollywood Success: She became a household name with films like The Color Purple, Ghost (for which she won an Oscar), and Sister Act, blending comedy and drama effortlessly.
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
Richard Pryor
Stand-Up Style: Known for his raw, autobiographical humor and storytelling, Pryor’s influence on comedy is profound.
Hollywood Success: Pryor starred in films like Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, and Harlem Nights, often bringing his insightful humor to the screen.
AP
Chris Rock
Stand-Up Style: Rock’s comedy is sharp and socially aware, often addressing race, relationships, and politics.
Hollywood Success: He brought his wit to films like Lethal Weapon 4, The Longest Yard, and Madagascar, and he also created and starred in Everybody Hates Chris.
Chloe Melas
Tiffany Haddish
Stand-Up Style: Haddish’s humor is frank, often rooted in personal experiences and delivered with high energy.
Hollywood Success: Her breakout role in Girls Trip made her a Hollywood favorite, leading to roles in Night School, The Kitchen, and The Last O.G..
Nathan Congleton / NBC
Kevin Hart
Stand-Up Style: Known for his energetic delivery, Hart often jokes about his family, personal challenges, and height.
Hollywood Success: Hart’s charisma has led to roles in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Ride Along, and Central Intelligence.
Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic
Sarah Silverman
Stand-Up Style: Silverman’s style is provocative, often tackling taboo topics with dark humor.
Hollywood Success: She has acted in School of Rock, Wreck-It Ralph, and I Smile Back, showing her range from animated comedy to serious drama.
Jason LaVeris | Credit: FilmMagic
Bill Murray
Stand-Up Style: Although more improv-based, Murray’s early work on SNL was filled with dry, sardonic humor.
Hollywood Success: Murray starred in iconic comedies like Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and Lost in Translation, where he mixed comedy with introspection.
Megan Thomas and Chris Boyette, CNN
Amy Schumer
Stand-Up Style: Known for her self-deprecating humor and feminist edge, Schumer often riffs on relationships and modern life.
Hollywood Success: Her semi-autobiographical film Trainwreck was a hit, leading to roles in I Feel Pretty and her own series, Inside Amy Schumer.
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
Louis C.K.
Stand-Up Style: C.K.’s comedy often focuses on his personal flaws and the absurdity of life.
Hollywood Success: He starred in and wrote Louie, which earned critical acclaim, blending comedy and drama in unique ways.
Circus King Productions
Aziz Ansari
Stand-Up Style: Ansari’s style is conversational, often dealing with modern culture, dating, and technology.
Hollywood Success: After his success on Parks and Recreation, he created Master of None, which won an Emmy and showcased his storytelling skills.
Tommaso Boddi/WireImage
Ray Romano
Stand-Up Style: Romano’s humor is relatable, often centered on family life and relationships.
Hollywood Success: Everybody Loves Raymond made him a household name, and he’s also appeared in The Big Sick and The Irishman.
Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images
Joan Rivers
Stand-Up Style: Rivers’ comedy was brash, tackling topics with honesty and humor that pushed boundaries.
Hollywood Success: In addition to her iconic comedy career, Rivers acted in Spaceballs and various TV projects, including The Joan Rivers Show.
Courtesy of the author
Jerry Seinfeld
Stand-Up Style: Known for his clean, observational comedy about life’s mundane moments.
Hollywood Success: Seinfeld became one of the most popular sitcoms ever, and Seinfeld continues to enjoy success with Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix
John Mulaney
Stand-Up Style: Mulaney’s comedy is sharp and self-reflective, with storytelling flair and clever punchlines.
Hollywood Success: After writing for SNL, Mulaney starred in Big Mouth and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Netflix
Adam Sandler
Stand-Up Style: Sandler’s early work was silly, often relying on characters and musical comedy.
Hollywood Success: Films like Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, and The Waterboy made Sandler a comedy icon, while Uncut Gems showcased his dramatic talent.
Dominique Charriau/WireImage
Zach Galifianakis
Stand-Up Style: Known for his deadpan delivery and surreal humor.
Hollywood Success: His breakout in The Hangover led to roles in Due Date, Birdman, and the series Between Two Ferns.
Everett Collection
