The Most Iconic Jokes of All-Time
Stand-up comedy has been a major contributor to our culture, so much so that there are some bits out there that people still quote and parody to this day.
This week Winnipeg’s best comedy club — Rumor’s — is counting down the most iconic stand-up bits of all time as we count down to our re-opening on August 29th.
Abbott and Costello - Who’s on First
It’s perhaps the most famous comedy bit of all-time, and it’s still as impressive and hilarious as it was all the way back in 1938. The timing of Abbott and Costello is impeccable, and their commitment to the bit is what makes it sing.
George Carlin - 7 Words You Can Never Say on Television
George Carlin was no stranger to controversy. The opinionated stand-up was actually arrested seven times for performing what would become his most famous bit.
Chris Rock - Crazy White Kids
Hot on the heels of one of the most notorious school shootings, Chris Rock took on America’s gun culture in a very funny and nuanced way. The logic of the bit, in conjunction with the timing and energy that Rock puts into it made it an instant classic. Who wasn’t calling for more bullet control back then?
Joan Rivers - Going to the Gynecologist
Equal parts glamorous and down-and-dirty, Joan Rivers’ brand of self depreciation made her the voice of a generation of women. Joan was known for her dirty one-liners, but this bit was longer and created a torrid pace toward the finish line of her incredible album, What Becomes a Semi-Legend Most.
Bert Kreischer - The Machine
This one hilarious story inspired a whole movie. Enough said.
Jim Gaffigan - Hot Pockets
This was the signature bit that launched Jim Gaffigan’s career to new heights. The bit was featured on his 2006 album Beyond the Pale, where he also accurately predicted the glazed donut breakfast sandwich which landed on the Dunkin’ Donuts menu in 2013.
Norm MacDonald - The Moth Story
It’s not exactly a stand-up bit, but Norm was just as well known for his legendary late night appearances as he was for his work on stage. This clip of him telling the moth story has made the rounds for good reason. Long live Norm MacDonald!
Bob Newhart - Sir Walter Raleigh
One of the most unique voices in comedy and a true pioneer, Bob Newhart was so dang funny that he won a Grammy for Album of the Year for a comedy record where he had a one-sided telephone conversation as the straight man. This bit about the discovery of tobacco became his calling card.
Jim Jefferies - Gun Control
Hot-button issues are a gold mine for a skilled comic. We’ve already seen one comedian take on the gun control issue in Chris Rock, but Jim Jefferies put down one of the greatest bits ever on the topic. His position as an Australian observing America with fresh eyes makes it all the more impactful and funny.
Bill Burr - Being a Mother
This bit is Bill Burr pushing buttons in the way that only Bill Burr can. It’s not surprising that Bill’s career exploded after this bit went viral.
Ellen Degeners - Phone Call to God
After the heartbreaking loss of her girlfriend, Ellen began to ponder death and life and the reason that some things exist and others are taken away. That led her to think of a phone call with God that might sort everything out. In the vein of Bob Newhart, Ellen wrote the bit that led to all of her great success.
Henny Youngman - Take my wife, please
We’ve all heard it. It’s a turn of phrase expertly whose meaning is expertly spun with the addition of a single word. Sometimes the classics are classics because of their simplicity.
Russell Peters - Somebody Gonna Get Hurt Real Bad
There was a time where Russell Peters had retired this joke because it wasn’t getting the kind of response he wanted. A friend encouraged him to bring the bit back and the rest is history.
Kristen Schall - Kristen Schall is a Horse!
Fans of Bob’s Burgers know Kristen Schaal as the voice of Louise Belcher, but if you were dialed into the alt comedy scene of the early 2000s, you know that this was how Kristen Schaal first made a name for herself.
Wanda Sykes - Strip Clubs
Named one of the funniest people in America by Entertainment Weekly, Wanda Sykes career has been long and varied. She won a Primetime Emmy in 1999 for her writing on the Chris Rock Show, and she won our hearts with iconic bits like this one.
More: 40 for 40: Forty Facts About Rumor’s Comedy Club
Catch the next iconic bit at Rumor’s
After two long weeks of renovations, Rumor’s is finally back in business this Thursday with Ian Fidance headlining. We’re very excited to have Ian, who you might know from his popular podcast Bein’ Ian with Jordan. You can get your tickets online or by calling 204-488-4520, and be sure to check out our upcoming events calendar to see who else we’ve got coming through. You never know, you might be seeing the next iconic bit right before your very eyes.
And while you’re on our website, why not sign up for the Birthday Club? We’ll keep you up-to-date on all the great comedians coming to Winnipeg in 2024, and you could get free entry and a little gift from us, too.
We can’t wait to see your fresh faces at our club for some live comedy in Winnipeg!