Millions of people around the world have laughed hundreds of times at the jokes of these popular comedians. But, unfortunately, many of their lives turned out to be far from a comedy—they faced challenges brought on by fame, serious illnesses, and addictions...

Robin Williams — Then

Robin Williams burst onto the scene in the late '70s with Mork & Mindy but by the '80s and '90s, he was everywhere—stand-up specials, blockbusters like Mrs. Doubtfire, and even Oscar-nominated dramas like Good Will Hunting. He was the king of improvisation, seamlessly shifting from heartfelt monologues to wild impersonations. 

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In his prime, Williams took on over-the-top challenges, like filming Aladdin almost entirely improvised! Few knew, though, that behind the laughter, Williams struggled with addiction and depression. At one point, he spent a reported $20,000 on rehab trips to get sober, reflecting his commitment to turning his life around as The Guardian wrote.

Robin Williams — Now

Tragically, Williams passed away in 2014 but the details of his death shocked the world. Initially reported as suicide due to depression, a posthumous diagnosis revealed he had Lewy body dementia—a devastating neurological condition. His widow, Susan Schneider Williams, described it as “the worst case doctors had ever seen.” 

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Despite his passing, his legacy thrives, with fans revisiting his films and comedians still citing him as a major influence. In 2020, the documentary Robin’s Wish shed light on his battle with the disease, reminding audiences of his courage during his final days. His story continues to inspire dialogue around mental health and neurological disorders.

Roseanne Barr — Then

Roseanne Barr was the comedian super star the late '80s and early '90s with her sitcom Roseanne, offering an unapologetic take on blue-collar family life. Known for her sharp tongue, she once labeled herself the “Domestic Goddess,” flipping traditional homemaker stereotypes on their head. The show wasn’t just a hit; it became a cultural touchstone, drawing 16 million viewers weekly at its peak.

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But controversy wasn’t far behind. In 1990, she infamously sang a screechy rendition of the national anthem at a baseball game, followed by a mock spit and crotch grab. President George H.W. Bush called the performance “disgraceful,” and she faced many haters...

Roseanne Barr — Now

After a successful reboot of Roseanne in 2018, Barr quickly found herself at the center of scandal again. She wrote about Barack Obama's former African-American advisor Valerie Jarrett that she was the spawn of the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist organization and the movie Planet of the Apes. A racist tweet led to her firing and the cancellation of the reboot, despite its high ratings. While she apologized, blaming her comments on a mix of medication and misunderstanding, the damage was done.

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Barr has since retreated from Hollywood, focusing on stand-up gigs and smaller projects. In recent interviews, she remains defiant, claiming she was “canceled unfairly,” while continuing to embrace her controversial image.

Eddie Murphy — Then

In the '80s, Eddie Murphy was comedy royalty. From his breakout on Saturday Night Live to starring roles in Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America, he owned both the stand-up stage and the box office. Few could forget his edgy specials Delirious and Raw, which broke records as the highest-grossing stand-up films of all time.

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Murphy’s off-screen life, though, was just as colorful. He was arrested in 1997 for picking up a transgender sex worker, sparking a media frenzy. People Magazine wrote, that while Murphy maintained it was an 'act of kindness', the incident remained controversial in his otherwise stellar career.

Eddie Murphy — Now

After years of taking on less critically acclaimed projects, Murphy roared back into the spotlight with 2019’s Dolemite Is My Name, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. In 2020, he returned to SNL after 35 years, delighting fans with classic characters like Gumby and Buckwheat.

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These days, Murphy enjoys a quieter life with his family—he has 10 children! He calls fatherhood his greatest role, once joking that he spends most of his time “at home being boring.” In interviews, he’s hinted at new projects, including a stand-up comeback, leaving fans eager for his next move.

Whoopi Goldberg — Then

Whoopi Goldberg’s rise to fame in the '80s was meteoric. With her one-woman Broadway show and her Oscar-winning role in Ghost, Goldberg proved she could seamlessly blend comedy with drama. She was only the second Black woman in history to win an Academy Award, breaking barriers for countless performers.

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What most people don’t know? As Vanity Fair wrote, Goldberg was once homeless, living in a car before making it big. Her perseverance is part of what makes her story so inspiring.

Whoopi Goldberg — Now

Today, Goldberg is a co-host on The View, where she delivers sharp commentary on everything from politics to pop culture. She also continues to act, appearing in films and on stage.

@variety.com

Outside of her career, Goldberg is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has invested in cannabis-based wellness products, citing them as a remedy for migraines. Despite facing occasional backlash for her honest opinions, she remains one of the most influential figures in entertainment.

Steve Martin – Then

Steve Martin was a comedy superstar in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, with his absurdist stand-up routines and hilarious roles in films like The Jerk and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Known for his banjo playing, wild antics, and signature catchphrases like “Well, excuuuuuse me!”, Martin became a pop culture phenomenon. He even released a comedy album, Let’s Get Small, which won him a Grammy in 1977.

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However, at the peak of his stand-up career, Martin abruptly quit performing live in 1981. His reason? Burnout and a desire to focus on other creative endeavors. According to Vanity Fair, Martin later revealed that the constant pressure to outdo himself had drained him of joy for the craft.

Steve Martin – Now

These days, Martin is enjoying a late-career renaissance. His role in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building has earned him Emmy nominations, and his onscreen chemistry with Martin Short is as delightful as ever. Offscreen, Martin has embraced his passion for banjo music, winning several more Grammys for his bluegrass albums. 

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At 78, Martin remains as sharp and creative as ever, though he’s hinted at retiring from acting once Only Murders concludes. According to The New York Times, Martin stated, “I’m not interested in retiring. I’m interested in winding down.”

Andrew Dice Clay – Then

Andrew Dice Clay exploded onto the comedy scene in the late ‘80s as the self-proclaimed "bad boy" of stand-up. His raunchy, controversial routines earned him a massive fanbase—and just as much criticism. Clay became the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row, a feat that cemented his status as a comedy icon.

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But with fame came controversy. Clay's X-rated "Nursery Rhymes" routine was considered so offensive that MTV banned him after his profanity-laden set at the 1989 Video Music Awards. Rolling Stone called him “America’s most divisive comedian,” and several talk shows, including Saturday Night Live, refused to book him. Despite this, he pushed forward, starring in the 1990 film The Adventures of Ford Fairlane—a critical and box office disaster that marked the beginning of his career decline.

Andrew Dice Clay – Now

Surprisingly, Clay has experienced a career revival in recent years. He’s taken on dramatic roles, including a critically acclaimed turn in Blue Jasmine and a memorable appearance in A Star Is Born alongside Lady Gaga. The “Dice Man” has also returned to his comedy roots, performing stand-up and leaning into the nostalgia of his '80s humor.

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Clay has spoken candidly about his career ups and downs, calling himself “the original cancel culture victim.” In a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he explained, “I’ve been banned and unbanned so many times, I lost count. I’m still here, though.” Love him or hate him, Clay remains one of comedy’s most polarizing figures.

Paula Poundstone – Then

In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Paula Poundstone was one of the most innovative comedians in the business. Known for her quick wit and improvisational skills, she became a regular on The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman. Her quirky, observational humor earned her a devoted following and made her a standout in an era dominated by male comedians.

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In 1993, Poundstone made history by becoming the first woman to host the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Her sharp yet good-natured jabs at the Washington elite set a new standard for the event. But behind the scenes, Poundstone faced struggles, including legal issues and a battle with alcoholism, which briefly derailed her career in the early 2000s. According to NPR, she described that time as “a wake-up call to rebuild from the ground up.”

Paula Poundstone – Now

Poundstone has since made an impressive comeback. She’s a regular panelist on NPR’s hit show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! and continues to perform stand-up nationwide. Her self-deprecating humor and razor-sharp observations remain as funny as ever.

@paulapoundstone/Instagram.com

She’s also authored multiple books and launched a successful podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone, where she hilariously tackles everything from science to pop culture. According to The Washington Post, Poundstone says her career revival comes from “embracing her imperfections” and focusing on what she loves most: making people laugh.

Sinbad – Then

Sinbad was one of the biggest comedy stars of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, with his family-friendly humor and infectious energy. Known for his work on A Different World and films like Houseguest and Jingle All the Way, Sinbad became a household name without ever resorting to edgy or vulgar material.

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But despite his squeaky-clean image, Sinbad faced financial difficulties in the late 2000s. In 2013, he filed for bankruptcy, listing millions in debt. People Magazine reported that Sinbad joked about his struggles during stand-up routines, saying, “I’m not broke; I’m just not liquid.”

Sinbad – Now

Sinbad has faced serious health challenges in recent years. In 2020, he suffered a debilitating stroke that left him partially paralyzed. However, the comedian has shown incredible resilience, undergoing extensive therapy to regain his mobility. His family regularly updates fans on his progress via social media, and Sinbad himself has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

@Everett Collection/today.com 

Before his stroke, Sinbad was performing stand-up and working on new projects, including a reboot of The Sinbad Show. According to Variety, his family remains hopeful that he’ll return to comedy in some capacity, saying, “If anyone can beat the odds, it’s Sinbad.”

Phil Hartman – Then

Phil Hartman was a comedy genius whose sharp impressions and versatile performances made him a standout on Saturday Night Live and in films like Jingle All the Way. Known for characters like Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and his uncanny impression of Bill Clinton, Hartman earned the nickname “The Glue” of SNL because of his ability to hold sketches together.

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Before comedy, Hartman worked as a graphic designer and even created album covers for bands like America. But his rise to fame wasn’t without struggles. In the ‘90s, Hartman’s personal life took a dark turn. His marriage to Brynn Omdahl was plagued by turmoil, partly fueled by her struggles with substance abuse. According to The New York Times, Hartman often confided in friends that he didn’t know how to help her and tried to focus on his work as an escape.

Phil Hartman – Now

Hartman’s life was cut short in 1998 when his wife, Brynn, fatally shot him before taking her own life in a murder-suicide. The incident shocked Hollywood and left fans mourning the loss of one of comedy’s most beloved talents. Following his death, colleagues like Mike Myers and Dana Carvey described him as “irreplaceable,” with The Washington Post calling him “a comedic force that Hollywood lost far too soon.”

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His children, who were just six and nine at the time of his death, have largely stayed out of the public eye but have worked to honor their father’s memory.

Joan Rivers – Then

Joan Rivers was a trailblazer in comedy, known for her biting wit and fearless commentary on taboo subjects. In the 1980s, she became the first woman to host her own late-night talk show, The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers, a gig that famously led to her falling out with mentor Johnny Carson. Despite being blacklisted from The Tonight Show for decades, Rivers carved out a niche for herself as a queen of insult comedy.

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Her personal life, however, was as dramatic as her punchlines. Rivers faced devastating losses, including the suicide of her husband, Edgar Rosenberg, in 1987. According to People Magazine, Rivers admitted she considered quitting comedy altogether but ultimately used humor as a way to cope.

Joan Rivers – Now

Rivers passed away in 2014 at age 81 after complications during a routine throat procedure but not before leaving an indelible mark on comedy and pop culture. She reinvented herself time and again, becoming a red-carpet icon and host of Fashion Police. Even in her final years, Rivers remained a controversial figure, with her unapologetic humor sparking both praise and backlash.

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Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, has since taken over her legacy, overseeing documentaries and projects like Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Melissa said, “My mother’s legacy isn’t just her comedy—it’s her resilience.”

Dana Carvey – Then

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Dana Carvey was one of the brightest stars in comedy, thanks to his legendary stint on Saturday Night Live. With characters like the Church Lady, Garth Algar (from Wayne’s World), and his unforgettable impressions of George H.W. Bush, Carvey became a superstar. His impeccable mimicry and ability to create absurd yet relatable characters earned him widespread acclaim and an Emmy Award in 1993.

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However, his attempts to transition to leading roles in Hollywood stumbled, most notably with The Master of Disguise, a film that was critically panned but later gained a cult following. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Carvey often turned down lucrative opportunities to focus on raising his family, choosing personal happiness over nonstop fame.

Dana Carvey – Now

Today, Dana Carvey remains an active and beloved comedy star. He performs stand-up regularly and has a popular podcast, Fly on the Wall, with former SNL co-star David Spade, where they discuss behind-the-scenes stories and interview other comedy legends. 

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In recent years, Carvey has been open about his near-death experience during heart surgery in the late 1990s, which he revealed in an interview with People. He’s used that experience as a reminder to prioritize family and health over the grind of Hollywood.

Paul Reubens – Then

Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-wee Herman, was a pop culture icon in the 1980s. His whimsical character entertained children and adults alike through the hit TV series Pee-wee’s Playhouse and movies like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. But his meteoric rise came crashing down in 1991 when he was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult theater. According to The New York Times, Reubens had been attending a screening of an X-rated film when undercover officers conducted a sting operation, leading to his arrest.

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The scandal was a career-killer at the time, with Reubens becoming a punchline for late-night hosts and tabloids. According to The New York Times, Reubens later described the incident as a “moment of poor judgment” but maintained his sense of humor about it, joking that the arrest was a “great career move” in hindsight.

Paul Reubens – Now

Reubens successfully revived Pee-wee in the 2010s with a Broadway show and a Netflix movie, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he credited the loyalty of his fans for his comeback, saying their unwavering support helped him navigate the darkest moments of his life. Reubens has also worked to repair his public image by opening up about his personal struggles. He’s become an advocate for mental health, sharing his battles with anxiety and depression in interviews with People.

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However in 2023, the adored actor died at the age of 70. Acute hypoxic respiratory failure was indicated as Reubens' immediate cause of death on his death certificate, which PEOPLE was able to get. It was also revealed that the deceased actor had been fighting two types of cancer before he passed away.

Chris Rock – Then

Chris Rock's rise to fame in the '90s was meteoric, thanks to his sharp wit and fearless commentary on race, relationships, and social issues. His big break came after being discovered by Eddie Murphy, leading to a spot on Saturday Night Live and a series of hilarious stand-up specials like Bring the Pain (1996). Rock's raw, unapologetic humor made him a star, with Bring the Pain becoming one of the most influential stand-up specials ever. His bit about race relations—particularly the infamous "Black people vs. N***as" joke—became iconic and cemented his position as one of the most fearless voices in comedy.

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His career flourished with major film roles in Lethal Weapon 4, Down to Earth, and Madagascar, while his social commentary became a vital part of his comedy. But Rock wasn't just making audiences laugh—he was also stirring controversy with his in-your-face commentary about race and social issues. His edgy comedy would often push boundaries, and while some praised his bravery, others found it too provocative. 

Chris Rock – Now

The most public and talked-about moment in his recent career was the infamous Oscars slap incident in 2022. At the Academy Awards, Will Smith stormed the stage and slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Rock, however, handled the moment with composure, later addressing the incident in his 2023 Netflix special Selective Outrage. 

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Despite the scandal, Rock's career has thrived. He's toured extensively, bringing his stand-up to arenas across the globe. On a personal level, Rock has been open about his struggles with therapy and mental health, especially following his 2016 divorce from Malaak Compton-Rock after 20 years of marriage. His candidness about co-parenting his two daughters also revealed a more vulnerable side to the comedian.

Jim Carrey – Then

With his zany energy, rubbery face, and a comedic style that bordered on the absurd, Carrey became one of the most bankable movie stars of the 90s'. His breakthrough came with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), followed by The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, and Liar Liar, each film adding to his comedic repertoire. 

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However, Carrey was more than just a comedian—he was a trailblazer. His ability to blend slapstick humor with thought-provoking themes was evident in movies like The Truman Show (1998), where he won critical acclaim for playing a man unaware that his life was a TV show. But despite his professional success, Carrey's personal life was often in the spotlight, especially his highly publicized relationships. His romance with actress Lauren Holly, his engagement to actress Renée Zellweger, and his long-term relationship with actress Jenny McCarthy all drew significant media attention.

Jim Carrey – Now

Jim Carrey’s life has changed dramatically in the past decade. In the 2010s, he shifted away from his slapstick comedy roles and focused on more dramatic and introspective projects, such as the TV show Kidding, where he played a children's television host struggling with his own inner demons. Carrey has become increasingly vocal about his political views and his personal philosophy. He has been outspoken in his support of progressive causes and has publicly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump, often using his iconic SNL impersonation as a platform for political commentary.

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Carrey has also opened up about his personal struggles, particularly with depression. He revealed in 2017 that he had suffered from the condition for years, even while achieving fame. His journey through mental health struggles became a major part of his personal narrative, with Carrey becoming a strong advocate for therapy and self-awareness. 

Carol Burnett – Then

Carol Burnett was a trailblazer in comedy during the 1960s and 1970s, with The Carol Burnett Show running from 1967 to 1978. It became one of the most celebrated comedy-variety shows in TV history, earning 25 Emmy Awards during its run. By the late '80s and early '90s, Burnett continued to shine, with roles in films like Annie and guest appearances on popular TV shows. Her wit and improvisational genius cemented her as one of comedy’s most iconic figures.

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But Burnett’s personal life wasn’t all laughs. According to People, she endured struggles with her daughter Carrie’s drug addiction, which became a defining and heartbreaking chapter in her life. Carrie eventually overcame her struggles but tragically passed away in 2002 from cancer, leaving a lasting impact on Burnett’s outlook on life.

Carol Burnett – Now

At 91 years old, Burnett is as sharp and charming as ever. She recently celebrated her milestone birthday with a special NBC tribute, featuring tributes from stars like Steve Carell and Amy Poehler (Variety). While she’s largely stepped away from acting, Burnett continues to make occasional appearances, including a guest role on Better Call Saul that delighted fans.

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Burnett has also opened up about her life in memoirs, including In Such Good Company, which provides behind-the-scenes stories about her legendary show.

Lily Tomlin – Then

Lily Tomlin rose to stardom in the late 1970s and 1980s with her hilarious performances in 9 to 5 and The Incredible Shrinking Woman. Known for her razor-sharp humor and ability to tackle social issues through comedy, Tomlin became a beloved star in Hollywood.

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In the '80s, Tomlin was also breaking barriers as an LGBTQ+ icon. She had been in a long-term relationship with writer Jane Wagner since 1971 but didn’t come out publicly until years later. According to The Advocate, Tomlin opted to let her work speak for itself rather than making her  private life a focal point.

Lily Tomlin – Now

Today, Tomlin is thriving in her late 80s. She co-starred with Jane Fonda in the hit Netflix series Grace and Frankie, which ran for seven seasons and became the platform’s longest-running original series. Tomlin continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental issues, often using her social media to address important causes.

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In interview with Deadline, Tomlin reflected on her career, saying, “Comedy should always make people think while making them laugh.”

Tim Allen – Then

Tim Allen became a comedian superstar in the 1990s as the star of Home Improvement, a sitcom that made him America’s favorite TV dad. At the same time, he was also voicing Buzz Lightyear in Pixar's Toy Story franchise, cementing his place in pop culture history. However, before his rise to fame, Allen had a darker past.

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In the late 1970s, he was arrested for drug trafficking after being caught with over a pound of cocaine at the Kalamazoo airport. Facing a possible life sentence, Allen cooperated with authorities and served two years in prison. This shocking fact has often surprised fans who only knew him as the lovable “Tool Man.” According to Rolling Stone, Allen credits his time behind bars for pushing him to pursue comedy seriously after his release.

Tim Allen – Now

Today, Tim Allen continues to thrive. After Home Improvement, he starred in another successful sitcom, Last Man Standing, which ran for nine seasons. He also returned to his iconic role as Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 4 (2019) and reprised his role as Scott Calvin in The Santa Clauses, a Disney+ series continuation of The Santa Clause movies (Variety).

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On the personal front, Allen, now 71, has been married to his second wife, Jane Hajduk, since 2006, and they share a daughter. He’s also a proud father to another daughter from his first marriage. Allen has been vocal about his sobriety, often speaking about how overcoming addiction shaped his career and personal life, as The Hollywood Reporter wrote.

Margaret Cho – Then

Margaret Cho exploded onto the comedy scene in the 1990s with her sharp, boundary-pushing humor, often tackling taboo topics like race, sexuality, and identity. She made history as the first Asian-American woman to headline her own sitcom, All-American Girl, in 1994. 

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However, as The New York Times reported, network executives pressured her to lose weight and criticized her appearance, leading to severe health issues and a struggle with body image. Cho has since called this period one of the most challenging times in her life, as she felt caught between her cultural identity and Hollywood’s expectations.

Margaret Cho – Now

Margaret Cho, now in her 50s, remains a bold and unapologetic star in comedy. She continues to perform stand-up, often addressing social justice issues and her own struggles with addiction, mental health, and identity. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Cho shared how her openness about past struggles has helped fans connect with her on a deeper level.

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Cho is also an activist, frequently advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism, and mental health awareness. Recently, she’s appeared in projects like The Flight Attendant and Fire Island, proving her versatility as both a comedian and actress.

Bobcat Goldthwait – Then

Bobcat Goldthwait was one of the most eccentric and unpredictable comedians of the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his distinctive raspy voice and energy, he became a favorite through films like Police Academy and his stand-up specials. However, Goldthwait’s career wasn’t without controversy.

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In 1994, during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Goldthwait set fire to the guest chair, causing $10,000 in damages and earning him a lifetime ban from NBC (Entertainment Weekly). The stunt was intended as a joke but led to widespread backlash, cementing his reputation as comedy’s wild card.

Bobcat Goldthwait – Now

In recent years, Bobcat Goldthwait has reinvented himself as a director and writer, focusing on dark comedies and documentaries. His critically acclaimed films, such as World’s Greatest Dad and Call Me Lucky, showcase his ability to balance humor with deeper themes.

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Goldthwait has also reconciled with his past, often poking fun at his chaotic antics during his stand-up sets. In a 2022 interview with Variety, he reflected, saying, “I used to think being outrageous was the only way to get noticed. Now I realize the best way to stand out is to tell stories that matter.”

Wanda Sykes – Then

In the 1990s, writing for The Chris Rock Show and earning an Emmy for her work. Known for her sharp, observational humor and quick wit, Sykes quickly became a fan favorite, appearing in films like Pootie Tang and Down to Earth.

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Despite her success, Sykes kept her personal life private during much of her early career. However, in 2008, she publicly came out as a l*sbian during a same-s*x marriage rally, becoming one of the few openly g*y Afroamerican comedians at the time (HuffPost). Her announcement was widely praised but it also sparked controversy in some circles.

Wanda Sykes – Now

Wanda Sykes remains a comedic powerhouse, continuing to star in hit shows like The Upshaws and Black-ish. She also co-hosted the 2022 Oscars, where her humorous take on Hollywood controversies earned rave reviews.

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Sykes has been married to her wife, Alex Niedbalski, since 2008, and they share twins. She’s been open about navigating fame as an LGBTQ+ parent, often using her experiences as material for her stand-up routines. In a 2023 interview with Vulture, Sykes said, “Comedy is my way of processing life. If I’m laughing, I know I’m on the right track.”

Gallagher – Then

Gallagher, born Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr., was a prop comic phenomenon in the 1980s, famous for his "Sledge-O-Matic" routine, where he smashed watermelons and other objects on stage. His comedy specials were staples of TV, with his over-the-top antics and wordplay drawing millions of fans.

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However, Gallagher's career wasn't calm. In the 1990s, he became embroiled in legal disputes with his brother, Ron Gallagher, who started impersonating him in performances without permission (The Hollywood Reporter). The fallout caused confusion among fans and damaged his reputation.

Gallagher – Now

In his later years, Gallagher stepped back from the spotlight, citing health issues, including multiple heart attacks. While still performing occasional shows, he faced criticism for incorporating offensive material into his routines as Variety wrote. 

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His jokes often included racially insensitive jokes and stereotypical remarks about minority groups, which sparked outrage among audiences and critics alike. Despite this, Gallagher remained unapologetic, telling Rolling Stone, "Comedy is supposed to provoke thought. If you don’t like it, that’s on you." The comedian died at the age of 76.

Marc Maron – Then

Marc Maron’s comedy career began in the 1990s when he frequently appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Known for his self-deprecating humor, Maron earned respect among his peers, often called a "comedian’s comedian." However, mainstream recognition seemed just out of reach.

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Behind the scenes, Maron was battling a severe addiction to cocaine and alcohol, which he’s since described as both destructive and isolating. In his memoir Attempting Normal, Maron shared raw details about how his substance abuse spiraled out of control, leading to strained relationships, erratic behavior, and career instability. At one point, he was reportedly using cocaine daily, numbing his feelings of failure and frustration with his career.

Marc Maron – Now

Maron’s career skyrocketed in the 2010s, thanks to his groundbreaking podcast, WTF with Marc Maron. The show, which features deep, personal interviews with celebrities, became a cultural phenomenon, even attracting President Barack Obama as a guest (Rolling Stone).

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Maron has also found success as an actor, earning acclaim for his role in the Netflix series GLOW. Tragically, in 2020, he lost his partner, filmmaker Lynn Shelton, to a sudden illness. He channeled his grief into his stand-up, delivering one of his most poignant specials, End Times Fun.

Louie Anderson – Then

Louie Anderson became a comedy icon in the 1980s with his clean, self-deprecating humor about his weight and family. He starred in his own animated series, Life with Louie, and hosted Family Feud in the late 1990s.

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Behind the scenes, Anderson faced personal struggles, including being blackmailed in the late ’90s by a man threatening to expose Anderson’s sexuality (The Advocate). Anderson paid the man to stay silent but later went public, saying the experience taught him the importance of self-acceptance.

Louie Anderson – Now

In the 2010s, Anderson experienced a career resurgence, earning an Emmy for his role as Christine Baskets, a matriarch in the dark comedy series Baskets. He credited the role with helping him reconnect with his late mother, who inspired the character as Variety wrote.

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In his final years, Anderson was open about his health struggles, including a battle with lymphoma that led to his death in 2022. In his last interviews, he expressed gratitude for his career and the support of his fans.

Janeane Garofalo – Then

Back in the 1990s, Janeane Garofalo was one of the coolest names in comedy. She stood out with her sarcastic, no-nonsense humor and became a favorite for her roles on The Ben Stiller Show and The Larry Sanders Show. Plus, she had some memorable moments in movies like Reality Bites and The Truth About Cats & Dogs.

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But while fans loved her, Garofalo wasn’t a big fan of Hollywood. She often called out the unrealistic beauty standards for women in the industry and hated how fake everything felt. As she told The New York Times, “I wasn’t trying to fit in; I just wanted to do my thing.”

Janeane Garofalo – Now

These days, Garofalo stays away from the Hollywood spotlight and focuses on stand-up comedy and smaller acting gigs. She’s open about her career struggles and even jokes about her “outsider” status during her shows.

@lohud.com

She recently told The Guardian that she doesn’t regret stepping back from fame. “I never cared about being a star; I just wanted to do good work,” she said. While she’s not all over the big screen anymore, you can still catch her performing at comedy clubs, where her sharp wit and honest takes on life keep audiences hooked.

Emo Philips – Then

Emo Philips was one of the quirkiest comedians of the ’80s and ’90s. With his weird voice, unique delivery, and bizarre one-liners, he built a loyal fanbase. He even appeared in the cult comedy film UHF, leaving a lasting impression with his oddball style.

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Unlike many comedians of his era, Emo stayed out of scandals and drama. He was all about the craft and didn’t care much for the fame game.

Emo Philips – Now

While Emo isn’t as mainstream as he once was, he’s still performing. Recently, he’s been touring with “Weird Al” Yankovic, opening for his concerts and bringing his signature humor to new audiences.

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In an interview with Vulture, Emo explained why he’s still passionate about comedy after all these years: “Comedy isn’t just a job—it’s how I see the world.” His dedication to making people laugh proves he’s still one of a kind.