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

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s triple career

Image: E R

Arnold Schwarzenegger lifted his way to bodybuilding fame, then jumped into blockbuster movies, and later into California politics. Each chapter looked completely different from the last, yet he tackled them with the same drive. Few Americans can say they succeeded in three major worlds.

2

Ronald Reagan’s journey from film to the White House

Image: Nathan DeFiesta

Long before he sat in the Oval Office, Ronald Reagan was a rising actor in Hollywood. His path from movie sets to politics took time, but he carried his communication skills with him. By the time he reached the presidency, he was already a familiar face to millions.

3

Robert De Niro’s taste for fine dining

Image: Jakub Dziubak

Robert De Niro made his name in gritty films, yet he had a soft spot for world-class sushi. His partnership with chef Nobu Matsuhisa created a restaurant brand recognized worldwide. The chain brought Japanese fusion to a huge audience and showed that De Niro’s instincts go far beyond Hollywood.

4

Serena Williams is sewing her own path

Image: Aleksandr Galichkin

Serena Williams is known for dominating tennis, but she also made a name for herself in fashion. Her line on HSN featured modern, easy-to-wear pieces that made it to New York Fashion Week. With guidance from industry legends, Serena proved she could design clothes with the same confidence she brings to the court.

5

George Clooney’s smooth move into spirits

Image: Max Böhme

George Clooney and his friend Rande Gerber loved tequila so much that they created their own. What started as a private passion soon turned into Casamigos , a top-shelf brand with awards, celebrity fans, and plenty of buzz. The duo went from movie sets to tasting rooms without missing a beat.

6

Magic Johnson’s winning streak off the court

Image: Adeolu Eletu

After lighting up the NBA, Magic Johnson built a powerhouse company focused on investing in underserved communities. His deals stretched from movie theaters to restaurants to major teams. His business success soon rivaled his days on the court, turning him into one of America’s most admired entrepreneurs.

7

Kate Hudson turns activewear into a powerhouse

Image: Lauren

Kate Hudson co-founded Fabletics and quickly tapped into a growing fitness fashion market. The brand became the fastest-growing label under its parent company, TechStyle Fashion Group, and expanded from online sales into plans for dozens of physical stores. Even with challenges surrounding its parent company, Fabletics kept gathering new fans.

8

Will Ferrell builds a comedy hub

Image: 0xk

Will Ferrell helped launch Funny or Die , a comedy site filled with sketches, celebrity appearances, and user videos. It became a big name in online humor and produced shows and specials that fans still talk about. Even through bumps in the road, the company stayed influential in the comedy world.

9

Martha Stewart reinvents herself

Image: Ella Jardim

Before becoming the queen of homemaking, Martha Stewart modeled professionally and worked as a stockbroker. She later blended her love of cooking, decorating, and organization into a full lifestyle brand. That leap turned her into one of the most recognizable names in American media.

10

Kevin Costner tackles ocean cleanup

Image: OCG Saving The Ocean

Kevin Costner’s big career twist came after an oil spill caught his attention. He invested in technology that could separate oil from water and pushed the idea forward for years. When the Gulf of Mexico spill happened, BP bought dozens of its machines to help with the cleanup. His invention pulled in millions and showed a surprising side of the movie star.

1

American Bison

Image: Chloe Leis

The American bison once roamed the Great Plains in vast herds, a true icon of the American West. These massive mammals can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Due to overhunting and habitat loss in the 1800s, their numbers dwindled dangerously low, with the species being driven to the brink of extinction.

Fortunately, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, bison populations have rebounded miraculously and now roam freely through many of the United States' national parks, particularly in Yellowstone, where they have lived continuously since prehistoric times.

2

California Condor

Image: Kacie Long

The California condor is North America's largest flying land bird, boasting an impressive wingspan of nearly 10 feet. In the 20th century, populations dramatically declined due to various threats, including DDT and lead poisoning, poaching, and habitat loss. By 1987, only 27 individuals remained, with the species facing near-extinction.

Rigorous conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs, have increased the condor's numbers, and many individuals have been reintroduced to their natural habitats near the Grand Canyon area, Zion National Park, and the coastal mountains of California.

3

American Alligator

Image: David Clode

The American alligator, a formidable reptile, is native to the southeastern United States. As apex predators, they consume a wide range of prey, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. These powerful creatures can grow up to 15 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds.

Once hunted nearly to extinction for their hides, American alligators have made a remarkable comeback thanks to strict protection laws. Today, they thrive in swamps, marshes, and rivers, where they play a crucial role as ecosystem engineers. By constructing small ponds known as alligator holes, they create both wet and dry habitats that support a variety of other organisms.

4

Bald Eagle

Image: Ingo Doerrie

The bald eagle is not only America's national bird but also a powerful symbol of freedom all over the world. An opportunistic feeder that primarily subsists on fish, it is classified as a type of sea eagle, closely related to the European white-tailed eagle. Found throughout North America, this majestic bird has a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet and uses its sharp talons to snatch prey from the water.

Despite its name, the bald eagle is not actually bald. The name comes from an older use of the word "bald," which used to mean "white-headed." This bird of prey is also known for building the largest nest of any North American bird—a structure that can be up to 13 feet deep, 8 feet wide, and weigh almost 1 metric ton on average.

5

Gila Monster

Image: David Clode

The Gila monster, native to the southwestern United States, is one of the few venomous lizards in the world. These brightly colored reptiles are slow-moving and rarely attack humans, but they can deliver a powerful bite if threatened or mishandled. Gila monsters are a unique part of America's desert fauna, often inhabiting burrows or sheltering under rocks where conditions are favorable.

The name "Gila monster" refers to the Gila River Basin in Arizona and New Mexico, where these lizards were once abundant. Because the species has remained relatively unchanged morphologically since at least the Miocene, they are occasionally regarded as living fossils.

6

Red Wolf

Image: Patrick Fobian

A canid native to the southeastern United States with a size that falls between a gray wolf and a coyote, the red wolf is often classified either as a subspecies of the gray wolf or as a type of coywolf (a genetic hybrid of wolf and coyote). Despite their size, red wolves play a crucial role in their ecosystem as apex predators.

While their original range covered the southeastern United States to as far north as the state of New York, the species is currently critically endangered, with fewer than 20 individuals remaining in the wild. Efforts to save the species include captive breeding and reintroduction programs aimed at restoring their presence in the wild.

7

Florida Panther

Image: Maheera Kulsoom

The Florida panther, a subspecies of the cougar, roams the forests and swamps of southern Florida. Its modern range includes national parks and natural reserves such as the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. With only around 200 individuals left in the wild, these solitary and elusive cats are considered endangered and currently occupy only 5% of their historic range.

Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and reducing vehicle collisions, the leading cause of death for these big cats. Since 1982, this majestic feline has been officially recognized as Florida’s state animal.

8

Hawaiian Monk Seal

Image: Sebastian Coman Travel

Found only in the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiian monk seal is one of the only two mammals endemic to the islands, alongside the Hawaiian hoary bat. Its common name comes from the short hairs on its head, resembling a monk's tonsure, but native Hawaiians know it as ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua, which translates to "dog that runs in rough water."

Considered one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, with a population of about 1,400 individuals, these seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

9

Pronghorn

Image: Patrick Hendry

The pronghorn, native to North America's grasslands, is the second fastest land animal in the world, capable of reaching speeds up to 55 mph. Often mistaken for antelopes, pronghorns are actually unique to the American continent and are not related to Old World antelope species.

In fact, the pronghorn's closest living relatives are the giraffe and okapi. Remarkably, their incredible speed evolved as a defense mechanism against now-extinct predators, such as Miracinonyx , commonly known as the American cheetah.

10

Black Bear

Image: Robert Thiemann

The black bear, the most widely distributed bear species in North America, is found in forested areas from Canada to Mexico. These adaptable omnivores can weigh up to 600 pounds and are skilled climbers and swimmers.

Not related to grizzly or polar bears, black bears share more genetic similarities with the Asian black bear than with any other species. And before the migration of brown bears to the continent, American black bears were likely the only bear species present in much of North America. Despite their size and strength, black bears are generally shy and tend to avoid human contact whenever possible.