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History of Comedy

By iadlowitz
  • Birth of Thomas Dartmouth "Daddy" Rice

    Birth of Thomas Dartmouth "Daddy" Rice

    Daddy Rice is credited with inventing minstrel shows. He first performed his minstrel show in Louisville, KY in the year 1828.
  • Period: to

    Minstrel Shows Were the Most Popular form of Comedy Entertainment

  • Period: to

    Vaudeville popularizes musical comedy theater

    Vaudeville also creates a revolution of Musical Comedy
  • May Irwin given unofficial title of "Secretary of Laughter" by President Woodrow Wilson

    May Irwin given unofficial title of "Secretary of Laughter" by President Woodrow Wilson

    Vaudeville comedienne May Irwin privately performed for President Woodrow Wilson in the 1920s to take his mind off of WWI.
  • The Marx Brothers release first film titled "Humor Risk"

    The Marx Brothers release first film titled "Humor Risk"

    This film was silent film that starred Chico, Harpo, Groucho, and Zeppo.
  • Laurel and Hardy release their first film titled "The Lucky Dog"

    Laurel and Hardy release their first film titled "The Lucky Dog"

  • First Three Stooges short "Woman Haters" was released by Columbia Pictures

    First Three Stooges short "Woman Haters" was released by Columbia Pictures

  • Universal releases Abbott and Costello's 15th movie "The Naughty Ninties"

    Universal releases Abbott and Costello's 15th movie "The Naughty Ninties"

    This movie featured what is regarded as one of the funniest comedy routines of all time "Who's on First?"
  • Lenny Bruce makes his stand up comedy debut

    Lenny Bruce makes his stand up comedy debut

  • Make Room for Daddy (The Danny Thomas Show) Goes on the Air

    Make Room for Daddy (The Danny Thomas Show) Goes on the Air

  • The Tonight Show with Steve Allen debuted on NBC

    The Tonight Show with Steve Allen debuted on NBC

  • Bill Cosby makes stand-up debut at The Gaslight Cafe in New York City

    Bill Cosby makes stand-up debut at The Gaslight Cafe in New York City

  • Richard Pryor makes televised stand-up debut

    Richard Pryor makes televised stand-up debut

  • George Carlin releases debut comedy album titled "Take-Offs and Put-Ons"

    George Carlin releases debut comedy album titled "Take-Offs and Put-Ons"

  • Mel Brooks' first film "The Producers" debuts in theaters.

    Mel Brooks' first film "The Producers" debuts in theaters.

  • Saturday Night Lives airs on NBC

    Saturday Night Lives airs on NBC

    Hosted by comedian George Carlin with musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian
  • Seinfeld debuted on NBC

    Seinfeld debuted on NBC

  • The Simpsons debuted on FOX

    The Simpsons debuted on FOX