1

Marx Bros

Image: Braydon Anderson

We’ll start strong with the family of actors considered by many to be the most groundbreaking comedians of their generation: the five Marx Brothers. They truly took the world by storm, leaving an unforgettable mark that forever changed Hollywood.

Throughout a career that lasted over 40 years, the Marx Brothers starred in 14 films, five of which were included in the American Film Institute's list of the greatest 100 comedies of all time. While it is indeed a gargantuan task to select the best moments from this remarkable career, we feel inclined to select 1933’s Duck Soup and 1935's A Night at the Opera as our top picks.

2

Abbot and Costello

Image: Los Angeles Daily News, CC BY 4.0

In the very likely event that you’ve ever played a game of baseball, we can almost guarantee that someone jokingly asked you, "Who’s on first?" in a marked Jersey accent. After all, any American born after the 1950s knows this legendary Abbott & Costello routine, which is considered by many to be one of the finest pieces of comedy ever conceived.

This iconic duo met in New York City in 1935. After Bud Abbott’s comedy partner fell ill before a performance at the Eltinge Burlesque Theater, Lou Costello substituted for him, marking their first unforgettable performance. Many believe the duo’s groundbreaking chemistry was already present in that very first show. Over the course of their nearly 20-year career, Abbott & Costello produced several hilarious routines, including "Niagara Falls," "The Piano Bit," and, of course, "Who’s on First?"

3

Jerry Seinfeld

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Years before he starred in his groundbreaking Show About Nothing , Jerry Seinfeld was a scrawny and hilarious comedian making appearances on talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman . While this young comedian’s talent was evident, little did anyone know that Jerry Seinfeld would soon become the world’s most famous comedian.

The TV show Seinfeld ran for 9 seasons between 1988 and 1998, winning a myriad of accolades and awards in the process. Part of the charm was that Jerry’s off-screen persona seemed like a carbon copy of his character: he was witty, sarcastic, and hysterically funny. After Seinfeld concluded, Jerry went on to produce several successful comedy specials, as well as the Emmy-nominated show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee .

4

Johnny Carson

Image: Arthur Osipyan

While Johnny Carson was not the first host of The Tonight Show , he is definitively considered a pioneer in late-night TV history. This groundbreaking comedian hosted the iconic talk show for 30 years, earning the well-deserved title of "King of Late-Night Television" in the process.

It’s difficult to describe how immense Carson’s influence was, not only on the history of talk shows but also in American culture in general. It only takes someone mimicking a swing of a golf club for anyone to realize they are paying tribute to this legendary comedian. Johnny received numerous awards during his lifetime, including six Primetime Emmys and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

5

Conan O’Brien

Image: Jay Dixit, CC BY 4.0

Conan O’Brien is truly a blue-collar comedian. Now, by no means are we trying to convey that other comedians didn’t work hard to get where they are; we are simply pointing out that Conan’s comedy resume dates back to his early twenties when he started writing for groundbreaking shows like Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons .

In 1993, Conan debuted as a late-night host with Late Night with Conan O'Brien . What followed was a 28-year career filled with hilarity and creativity, which only ended after Conan announced he would be retiring and taking a well-deserved break from performing. However, he still continues to host a hilarious series of podcasts called Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend .

6

Jackie Gleason

Image: Jazz Guy from New Jersey, United States, CC BY 2.0

If you happen to visit New York City (or if you are a New Yorker yourself), take a stroll to Port Authority Bus Terminal, and you’ll come across an eight-foot-tall bronze statue of a cheerful and lively bus driver. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that this is not a homage to any real-life bus driver. In fact, the man depicted in the statue is none other than the legendary comedian Jackie Gleason , portraying Ralph Kramden, his iconic character from The Honeymooners .

First broadcast in 1955, The Honeymooners was a groundbreaking sitcom that depicted the life of bus driver Ralph Kramden and his wife Alice. This show served as the inspiration for countless other sitcoms, including America’s favorite prehistoric family, The Flintstones .

7

Robin Williams

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Robin Williams’ legacy expands throughout several generations: People in the ‘70s adored him in Mork and Mindy , he inspired many ‘80s moviegoers with his films Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets’ Society , and he filled the childhoods of millions of ‘90s kids as the wisecracking genie from Aladdin .

What’s perhaps most astounding about Williams’ acting is the remarkable range he displayed. The fact that his performances in drama could move us to tears doesn’t diminish the effectiveness of his comedy chops. Not only that, but hundreds report that off-screen, Williams was an incredibly kindhearted and warm person, always ready to go the extra mile to make someone smile.

8

Chris Rock

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

Don’t let the title of his Emmy-nominated TV show fool you: Not everybody hates Chris Rock . In fact, we are willing to go even further and state that, despite being known for his crude and sarcastic style, he is still one of America’s most beloved comedians.

Chris Rock's first jump to prominence came when he joined the main cast of Saturday Night Live in 1990. After that, he went on to perform in several stand-up specials and provided hilarious comic relief in films such as Lethal Weapon 4 , The Longest Yard, and Death at a Funeral .

9

Steve Martin

Image: Marianna Diamos, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0

In 1967, thousands of American families tuned in to watch another episode of the extremely popular game show The Dating Game . While that particular installment came and went without a second thought, it marked legendary comedian Steve Martin ’s first appearance on national television. Little did anyone know that it wouldn’t be by any means his last.

It was only a few years after that appearance on The Dating Game that Martin took the world by storm. By the mid-1970s, he was already showcasing his hilarious routines on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson , The Muppets, and Saturday Night Live . Today, at 79 years old, Martin continues to be as hysterical as ever, starring in the acclaimed show Only Murders in the Building .

10

Charlie Chaplin

Image: Edo Nugroho

While it is true that Charlie Chaplin was English, it would feel wrong not to include such a Hollywood legend in this list. In that regard, we have reserved the last spot for someone who many consider to be the best comedian of all time. Chaplin’s career goes as far back as the early days of cinema, first appearing as his iconic "Tramp" character in the 1914 film Kid Auto Races at Venice .

What’s perhaps most remarkable about Chaplin’s legacy is not only his hilarious and groundbreaking skits but also his unique ability to both inspire and entertain his audience. We’ll close this article by remembering what is probably his most famous line of dialogue (and that’s saying something for a mostly silent actor): the final speech in his 1940 film The Great Dictator .

1

NYC

Image: Pedro Durigan

Buying a hot dog in New York City is as easy as breathing. Just get out on the street, and you will find a hot dog cart. The key components are simple, but tried and true. A beef frankfurter (usually boiled) on a hot dog bun, onions, and sauerkraut. For the condiments, mustard does the trick. Decades of New Yorkers repeating the recipe tell us that it works.

2

Chicago

Image: SuckerPunch Gourmet

Chicagoans do not share the New Yorkers' simple approach to hot dogs. They are all about the accoutrements. On a poppy-seed bun, a beef frankfurter is loaded with seven specific toppings: yellow mustard, white onions, sweet pickle relish, dill pickle, tomatoes, pickled peppers, and celery salt. Not for the faint of heart.

3

Cincinnati Coney

Image: Anju Ravindranath

One of the most famous coneys —or hot dogs topped with meat sauce—a Cincinnati-style hot dog takes toppings in a totally different direction. The usual frankfurter and bun (toasted, obviously) are now the vehicle for a spread of mustard, a generous scoop of Cincinnati chili —much more spiced than your regular chili con carne, with cinnamon, allspice, cumin, and cloves—, and a helping of finely-diced yellow onions. If you are in the mood for a cheese coney, you can add shredded cheddar cheese to your heart's desire.

4

Sonoran

Image: Jenna E.

Popular in Arizona but with roots in the Mexican state of Sonora, this hot dog proudly displays its ancestry. The typical bun is replaced by a Mexican-style bolillo bun, with a crunchy crust but a soft interior. The sausage is wrapped in bacon, grilled, and topped with onions, tomatoes, and pinto beans. Popular condiments include mustard, mayonnaise, and jalapeño salsa.

5

Kansas City

Image: Kelsey Todd

Kansas City deviates from the usual all-beef frankfurter. Instead, a pork sausage(grilled or steamed) is served on a sesame bun and topped with mustard, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Another popular variant replaces these toppings with brisket burnt ends and barbecue sauce.

6

Michigan Coney

Image: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Riley Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Allegedly born among Greek immigrants, the Michigan coney is much more straightforward than its Cincinnati counterpart. While the key elements are the same —an all-beef frankfurter on a steamed bun, topped with chili, mustard, and onions— they are set apart by the meat sauce. Where Cincinnati’s flavors rely on a multitude of spices, Michigan’s chili is beanless, meat-forward, and savory. Different, but not less comforting.

7

Italian Dog

Image: Sergio Contreras

A New Jersey delicacy, the Italian dog has multiple versions. The og recipe features a deep-fried sausage on an Italian roll, mustard, and a combination of fried peppers, onions, and potatoes. Variations include swapping the traditional hot dog for a different protein or replacing the potatoes with French fries. The addition of ketchup is a point of contention for locals.

8

Seattle

Image: Megumi Nachev

Seattle-style hot dogs feature an unlikely choice as their star ingredient: cream cheese. Created by a former bagel vendor, the original buns were also bagel-style; however, standard hot dog buns or hogies are now the norm. The buns are toasted and slathered with cream cheese, topped with a grilled sausage and caramelized onions. Jalapeños are also a common addition, and vendors might offer different types of cream cheese.

9

Cleveland Polish Boy

Image: Allen Rad

The star element of a Polish boy is, no doubt, the sausage. In this case, the choice is kielbasa, a smoked meat sausage, either grilled or fried. The typical toppings are barbecue sauce, French fries, and coleslaw. Fun fact: the Polish boy is the center of an ongoing discussion. While it has all the components of a hot dog, many consider it a sandwich.

10

Texas Tommy

Image: Wright Brand Bacon

Don’t be fooled by the name; this hot dog comes from Philadelphia. Some say that ‘Texan’ was a common way to refer to all hot dogs, and it caught on. What makes a Texas Tommy different? The sausage is opened lengthwise, stuffed with cheese, wrapped with bacon, and then grilled or fried until the bacon is crispy. Considering all that’s going on with the sausage, toppings are left to the consumer’s discretion, although mustard, onions, chili, or extra cheese are popular choices.

1

Joan Crawford vs. Bette Davis

Image: Shubham Panwar

The feud between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis began in 1935 when Bette fell for her co-star Franchot Tone, only for Joan to marry him soon after filming ended .

Their rivalry peaked during the tense 1962 shoot of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? The tension never eased, and the two reportedly never reconciled before their deaths.

2

Kim Cattrall vs. Sarah Jessica Parker

Image: Erhan Çoban

On Sex and the City , Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker played close friends, but off-screen their relationship was far from warm . Tensions reportedly surfaced when Kim declined to join a third Sex and the City movie.

In 2018, things worsened after Sarah publicly offered condolences over the death of Kim’s brother. Kim responded sharply on Instagram, writing, "You are not my friend. You are not my family.

3

David Letterman vs. Jay Leno

Image: Diogo Cardoso

The biggest late-night feud kicked off in 1992 when Johnny Carson retired from The Tonight Show . Many expected David Letterman to take over, but NBC chose Jay Leno instead.

Letterman left for CBS to launch The Late Show , going head-to-head with Leno. Their rivalry, known as the "Late-Night Wars," lasted for years as both battled for ratings before eventually retiring .

4

Gwyneth Paltrow vs. Martha Stewart

Image: Lesya Tyutrina Andrey Biyanov

The feud between Gwyneth Paltrow and Martha Stewart began in 2014, when Martha criticized Gwyneth’s lifestyle brand , saying she should stick to acting.

Things escalated with cheeky recipe jabs—Martha’s "Conscious Coupling" and Gwyneth’s "Jailbird Cake," a nod to Martha’s past prison time.

5

Vin Diesel vs. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Image: Ayu Anggraini

The rivalry between Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Vin Diesel began during the filming of The Fate of the Furious in 2016, when The Rock called out unnamed co-stars for unprofessional behavior on social media .

Fans quickly guessed he was referring to Vin, especially after The Rock thanked the cast and crew in a post, but noticeably left out Vin Diesel.

6

Elton John vs. Madonna

Image: Mélody P

Elton John and Madonna’s feud began in 2002, when Elton slammed her Bond theme, calling it "the worst of all time." He later accused her of lip-syncing during live shows.

Things heated up again in 2012, when both were nominated for a Golden Globe. Elton claimed Madonna had "no chance"—but she won. Backstage, Madonna said she adored him and hoped he’d win another award.

7

Elizabeth Taylor vs. Debbie Reynolds

Image: Venti Views

The drama between Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor began when Debbie's husband, Eddie Fisher, left her for Elizabeth, who was her close friend at the time.

Their affair began after Eddie comforted Elizabeth following the death of her husband, Mike Todd, in 1958. Years later, after Elizabeth and Eddie split, Debbie and Elizabeth reconciled and remained friends until Taylor’s death.

8

Frank Sinatra vs. Marlon Brando

Image: David Clode

Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando clashed while filming Guys and Dolls (1955), thanks to their huge egos and very different acting styles .

Sinatra gave Brando rude nicknames, while Brando deliberately ruined takes during a cheesecake scene, forcing Sinatra to eat far more than he wanted.

9

Dean Martin vs. Jerry Lewis

Image: Akbar Nemati

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were a wildly popular comedy duo from 1946 to 1956, dominating film, radio, and television. But behind the scenes, tensions grew.

Martin felt Lewis was taking over the act , leading to their split in 1956. Though both went on to solo success, their friendship suffered for years. They finally reconciled in 1976, thanks in part to Frank Sinatra.

10

Angelina Jolie vs. Jon Voight

Image: Daniil Komov

Family ties don’t always guarantee harmony in Hollywood. The feud between Jon Voight and Angelina Jolie largely stems from Voight’s infidelity toward Jolie’s mother , Marcheline Bertrand.

Though they’ve had brief periods of reconciliation, their relationship has repeatedly broken down over the years, making their feud long-lasting and complicated.

11

Will Smith vs. Chris Rock

Image: Frida Lannerström

Will Smith and Chris Rock’s feud exploded publicly at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, when Will slapped Chris after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith . The slap was not scripted and took everyone—especially Rock—by surprise.

The incident went viral and had major consequences for Smith. Despite the fallout, there are hints that the two might eventually repair their friendship.

12

Johnny Carson vs. Joan Rivers

Image: Long Ma

The legendary Johnny Carson often featured Joan Rivers as a guest and occasional guest host on The Tonight Show. But when Rivers launched her own late-night show without telling Carson , he saw it as a major betrayal.

Carson never forgave her, and their feud lasted until his death. Sadly, Rivers’ show struggled and never quite matched his success.