Global Talent Directory

Comedians Directory

Browse comedian profiles, biographical summaries, country of origin, and official links.

1901 comedians

Alexander Armstrong

Alexander Armstrong, born Alexander Henry Fenwick Armstrong on March 2, 1970, in Rothbury, Northumberland, is a British entertainer with a diverse career spanning comedy, television presenting, acting, broadcasting, and singing. He grew up in Longframlington and Pauperhaugh, north-east England, experiencing a childhood rich in folk culture and music festivals. Attending Mowden Hall School, St Mary's Music School in Edinburgh, Durham School, and Trinity College, Cambridge formed part of his schooling; at Trinity College, Cambridge he served as a choral scholar within the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, while also investigating music and comedy. He played piano and cello during his studies. Armstrong’s comedic journey began with his involvement in the Footlights in 1992, followed by a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1996, earning him a Perrier Award nomination. He is best known for his comedy duo Armstrong and Miller, formed in the 1990s with Ben Miller. Together, they appeared in four seasons of *Armstrong and Miller* (1997-2001) and subsequently took *The Armstrong and Miller Show* on tour, performing 62 shows in 2010. He has also appeared in television shows like Beast , Life Begins , Hunderby , and Danger Mouse . The partnership produced The Armstrong and Miller Book in 2010, solidifying their place in British comedy. Beyond comedy, Armstrong is a versatile talent. He presents a weekday mid-morning show at Classic FM, initially writing extensive scripts for the program. He has hosted numerous travel shows, including those filmed in India, Sri Lanka, Iceland, and South Korea. His vocal talents extend to voice acting roles like Mr. Smith in The Sarah Jane Adventures and Doctor Who, as well as providing the voice for Hey Duggee and Danger Mouse . Armstrong is a bass-baritone singer who has released three studio albums, including A Year of Songs (2015), which achieved Gold certification in the UK. His musical performances feature a range of styles including classical crossover, traditional British songs, Christmas music, folk music, and musical theatre. He is also an author; his new book, Evenfall: The Tempest Stone , is the second installment in a literary fantasy series for children aged 9-12. Currently, he is preparing for a UK tour in 2026 with Aled Jones on The Big Christmas Sing-A-Long Tour and has been a prominent figure in British entertainment for over 20 years.

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Cheuk Wan Chi

Cheuk Wan-chi, who also uses the stage names Vincci, G and GC Goo‑Bi, is a Hong Kong media figure active as a stand‑up comic, scriptwriter, director, master of ceremonies, and occasional TV commentator and talk‑show presenter. She first gained public attention as a disc jockey and radio presenter for Hong Kong’s Commercial Radio (CRHK).

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Chris Barrie

Chris Barrie, born Christopher Jonathan Brown on March 28, 1960, began his life in Hanover, Lower Saxony, West Germany. His father served in the British Army, which influenced his early years. He later attended Methodist College in Belfast, Northern Ireland. After dropping out of a Combined Studies course at Brighton Polytechnic and briefly working as a grave filler, he embarked on a career in entertainment. To avoid confusion with an existing Chris Brown on Equity lists, he adopted the surname 'Barrie'. Barrie’s television journey began in 1982 with impersonations of sports personalities on The David Essex Showcase. He quickly gained recognition as a regular performer on Saturday Live and appeared on Carrott's Lib between 1983 and 1984. His comedic talents extended to voice acting, providing the voice of Ronald Reagan for Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s 'Two Tribes' in 1984. From 1984 to 1985, he had a starring role in his own sketch program, initially titled *Pushing Up Daisies* and subsequently *Coming Next*. However, he is perhaps best known for his role as Arnold Rimmer in Red Dwarf, a part he played from 1988 to 2020, appearing in almost every episode. Additionally, he provided narration for the initial two installments of the *Red Dwarf* book series: *Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers* (1992) and *Better Than Life* (1995). Beyond Red Dwarf, Barrie’s career encompassed diverse roles, including the character of Gordon Brittas in The Brittas Empire from 1991 to 1997. In 2014, he returned to that character in the music video accompanying Little Mix’s song 'Word Up!' Television programs such as *Britain's Greatest Machines* (2009-2010), *Chris Barrie’s Massive Engines*, and *Chris Barrie’s Massive Machines* on the Discovery Channel demonstrate his enthusiasm for mechanical devices. He documented his passion for vintage vehicles in Chris Barrie's Motoring Wheel Nuts (1995) and maintains a collection including a Triumph TR2, MGB-GT, Wolseley 1500, and Jaguar XJ6 as of 2022. Currently, he participates in a 'Comic-Con tour', with appearances scheduled at Exeter Comic-Con, XCON Dudley, Milton Keynes Comic-Con, Southampton Comic-Con, Southend Comic-Con, and MEGACON Live Birmingham in 2026. Barrie’s commitment extends beyond entertainment. He was married to Monica De Meo from 1987, and he recently participated in the recording of 'Red Dwarf Titan' (book and audiobook) in June 2026, finding the project humorous and expressing pride in being a part of Rob Grant’s final work. He is also an Ambassador for Nature’s Haven since 2022, supporting their aim to provide community access to therapeutic gardening and nature. Furthermore, he actively supports small local charities, particularly those assisting veterans, believing the state's treatment of veterans has been shocking.

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Jimmy Finlayson

James Henderson "Jimmy" Finlayson, a Scottish comedian, was born on August 27, 1887, in Larbert, Stirlingshire, Scotland. His parents were Alexander and Isabella (née Henderson) Finlayson. He began his acting career early in life, working as a tinsmith before pursuing it. From the silent film era through the early sound film period, Finlayson employed a comedic approach characterized by exaggerated facial expressions, a wide-eyed gaze, a distinctive “double take and fade away” head reaction, and the repeated phrase “d'ooooooh.” In May 1912, he appeared in ‘The Great Game’ in New York City as a detective disguised as a Scotsman. Ince's studio. A contract with the Mack Sennett Comedies Corporation was finalized in October 1919, marking his entry as one of the initial Keystone Kops. Finlayson’s association with Hal Roach Studios proved particularly fruitful. Finlayson participated in many Sennett comedies, often alongside the Keystone Cops, and spent four years starring in two-reelers produced by Roach Studios. He was part of the 'All-Star Comedy' series with Laurel, Hardy, Edna Marion, and others, sometimes referred to as a ‘famous comedy trio.’ He appeared in 33 Laurel and Hardy films, often portraying a villain. Stan Laurel credited Finlayson’s raised eyebrows and squint as contributing significantly to the success of their films. After his contract with Roach expired, he worked on nineteen features for other studios. He made uncredited appearances in films like 'Foreign Correspondent' (1940), 'To Be or Not to Be' (1942), and 'Royal Wedding' (1951). The 1933 film *Stout Hearts and Willing Hands*, which included Finlayson, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Comedy Short Subject. He died on October 9, 1953, at his Hollywood home, aged 66, with Stephanie Insall finding his body; she had breakfast with him for 20 years prior to his death.

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Julian Barratt

Julian Barratt, born Julian Barratt Pettifer on May 4, 1968, in Leeds, England, is an English comedian, actor, and musician. To prevent any mix-ups with a journalist sharing his first name, he chose to use his middle name as his last. From his beginnings performing stand-up comedy while at the University of Reading, he has cultivated a career marked by surreal humour and black comedy. Barratt attended Reading University, studying American studies but left before graduating. A pivotal moment in his career occurred in 1997 when he met Noel Fielding at a stand-up gig at the Hellfire comedy club. Shortly thereafter, around 1998, they began performing together. They debuted 'The Mighty Boosh' at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that same year. The partnership resulted in a radio program consisting of six episodes airing on BBC London Live in 2001; subsequently, it transitioned to BBC Radio 4. The television show The Mighty Boosh followed, running from 2004 to 2007 on BBC Three, and comprising three series shown on BBC 2 and BBC 3. The show toured nationwide in 2006 and again in 2008/9. His father, a science teacher and jazz music fan, even appeared in The Mighty Boosh , demonstrating the personal connection to his work. Beyond The Mighty Boosh , Barratt has accumulated an extensive acting resume. He has starred in various projects including 'Unnatural Acts', 'Nathan Barley', and 'Garth Marenghi's Darkplace'. In 2013, he appeared in A Field In England alongside Michael Smiley, and in The Harry Hill Movie . He also had roles in Treasure Island , Little Crackers , NTSF:SD:SUV , White Heat , Aaaaaaaah! , and Lucky Break . Barratt’s directorial debut was with Curtains in 2010, and he has directed two films overall. He co-wrote and starred in the 2017 film Mindhorn , which received a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. He continues to work as an actor, appearing in series such as Flowers and Killing Eve . Barratt has acted in 49 films, written eight films, composed music for two films, produced two films, and worked as an editor and executive producer.

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Louise Rennison

Louise Rennison is a comedian from United Kingdom, born in 1951. Known for Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, It's OK, I'm Wearing Really Big Knickers, Knocked Out by My Nunga-Nungas.

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Mel Smith

Melvyn Kenneth Smith, known professionally as Mel Smith, was a British comedian, writer, actor, and director. He was born on December 3, 1952, in Chiswick, west London, the son of Kenneth and Vera Smith. His father initially ran a greengrocer's store that later became the first betting shop in Chiswick. Smith attended Hogarth Primary School and Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith before studying Experimental Psychology at New College, Oxford. Early in his career, Smith’s interest in performing began at age six when he directed plays with friends. During his time at Oxford University, he held the position of president within the drama group and both produced 'The Tempest' and participated in the Edinburgh Fringe festival as a student. Following university, he worked at the Royal Court Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, and Sheffield Crucible as an assistant director. He also spent two years as associate director of Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. His collaboration with John Lloyd led to his involvement in the sketch comedy show Not the Nine O'Clock News , which ran from 1979 to 1982 and featured sketches, skits, and musical parodies. Smith, Rhys Jones, and Rowan Atkinson wrote for this series. Smith is perhaps best known for his partnership with Griff Rhys Jones. They co-starred in Not the Nine O'Clock News and the long-running sketch comedy show Alas Smith and Jones , which premiered in 1984 and ran for ten series over 14 years. Together, they founded Talkback Productions in 1981, which produced shows like Da Ali G Show and Alan Partridge's Knowing Me Knowing You . Pearson acquired the company in 2000 for £62 million. Smith also appeared in films such as Morons from Outer Space (1985), The Princess Bride (1987) as the Albino, and Brain Donors (1992). He directed films including The Tall Guy (1989) and Bean (1997). He collaborated with Kim Wilde to record a single in 1987 benefiting Comic Relief, which peaked at number three on the UK charts. Smith died on July 19, 2013, from a heart attack at the age of 60.

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Neil Innes

An English songwriter, writer, comedian, and musician, Neil James Innes entered the world on December 9, 1944, in Danbury, Essex. His father was a Scottish warrant officer in the British Army, which led to his childhood being spent in West Germany. He received piano lessons from age seven to fourteen and subsequently taught himself to play guitar. His educational journey included studies at Thorpe Grammar School, Norwich School of Art, and Goldsmiths College, London, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art in 1966. While studying at Goldsmiths, he joined the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band in 1963. The band gained attention through appearances on the UK television series Do Not Adjust Your Set in the late 1960s, and achieved a hit with 'I'm The Urban Spaceman,' released in 1968, which reached No. 5 in the UK charts; Paul McCartney produced it under the pseudonym Apollo C. Vermouth, earning Innes an Ivor Novello Award in 1968. He also collaborated with Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Eric Idle on Do Not Adjust Your Set before Monty Python formed. In 1971, Innes briefly collaborated with former members of the Bonzo Dog Band to create Let’s Make Up and Be Friendly, and subsequently established a short-term touring group called Freaks, featuring Keith Moon on drums. He was considered an honorary member, or "The Seventh Python," by Terry Gilliam, and contributed significantly to The Bonzo Dog Band's sound and creative direction. Innes’s comedic songwriting talents were further showcased in his collaborations with Eric Idle, notably in the creation of The Rutles. The Rutles, which originated as a sketch on a mid-1970s BBC comedy show, mirrored the success of another Liverpool band (The Beatles), and led to the 1978 mockumentary All You Need Is Cash , whose soundtrack album received a GRAMMY nomination in 1979. He played Ron Nasty within The Rutles. From 1979 to 1981, he hosted the surreal TV series The Innes Book of Records , featuring six songs per episode with guest stars and creative scenarios. Additionally, he contributed as both a writer and performer for Monty Python, starring in their films Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, and participated in tours across the UK and Canada with them. Neil Innes died on December 29, 2019, at the age of 75, due to natural causes.

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Patrick Marber

Patrick Albert Crispin Marber, an English comedian who also writes plays, directs, performs and crafts screenplays, was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2002.

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Peter Butterworth

Peter William Shorrocks Butterworth, born on February 4, 1915, in Bramhall, Cheshire, was a British actor and comedian. His career spanned from 1965 to 1978, encompassing 85 film and television projects. Butterworth’s prominence in British comedy history is largely due to his roles within the ‘Carry On’ series. Janet Brown, an actress and impressionist, was Butterworth's wife; together they had two children: Tyler and Emma. Butterworth's early life was significantly impacted by World War II. In 1940, while serving as a lieutenant with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy, he was captured as a prisoner of war after his aircraft was shot down. Held at Stalag Luft III near Sagan in Poland, he formed a duo with Talbot Rothwell, performing in camp shows. These performances included a song called 'The Letter Edged In Black'. He was involved in escape plots from the prison, including being on the organizing committee for The Wooden Horse and contributing to preparations for 'The Great Escape', and was a member of MI9. After World War II, Butterworth began to receive wider acclaim through pantomime performances across the United Kingdom and subsequently debuted on film in William Comes to Town (1948). He appeared in Terry-Thomas’ sketch show How Do You View? (1953) as Lockitt, and presented children's television programs such as Saturday Special (1951-1953) and Butterworth Time . He joined the ‘Carry On’ film series in 1965 with Carry On Cowboy , appearing in sixteen films including Carry On Abroad (1973), Carry On Henry (1971), Carry On Behind (1975), and Carry on Dick (1976). He frequently played quiet and subtly eccentric characters, often cast as a stooge, and collaborated with Joan Sims in 21 projects. Other frequent collaborators included Sid James, Bernard Bresslaw, and Kenneth Williams.

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Rob Delaney

Robert Thomas Delaney, an American comedian, actor, and writer, was born on January 19, 1977, in Boston, Massachusetts. Of Irish descent, he spent his formative years growing up in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Delaney’s education culminated in a degree from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in musical theater in 1999, marking an early step toward his creative pursuits. He now resides in London with his wife Leah and their four sons, having become a UK citizen in 2024. Delaney’s rise to prominence began online; he started posting on Twitter in 2009 and quickly gained popularity. Paste magazine, among others, highlighted his humor by including him in their list of the 10 funniest Twitter users in 2010. The Comedy Awards honored his comedic abilities in May 2012, presenting him with the 'Funniest Person on Twitter' award. Numerous publications, such as Rolling Stone and Vice Magazine, have repeatedly identified him as being among the funniest individuals on Twitter. This online presence helped launch his career, leading to appearances on British panel shows like Have I Got News for You and Would I Lie to You? and a debut stand-up special, Rob Delaney: Live at the Bowery Ballroom , now available on Netflix. Delaney is perhaps best known for co-creating and starring in the sitcom Catastrophe , which premiered on Channel 4 and Amazon Prime in 2015. The series, which concluded in 2019 and broadcasts in over 130 countries, earned numerous awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing in 2016 and a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Scripted Comedy in 2018. Catastrophe also secured the BAFTA TV Craft Awards for Best Comedy Writing in 2016. Beyond television, Delaney has appeared in films such as Hobbs & Shaw , Deadpool 2 (playing Peter Wisdom), and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One . He also played “Peter W.” in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). He continues to write, having penned articles for Vice and The Guardian, and regularly performs stand-up comedy worldwide, participating in events at festivals like the Manchester Literature Festival in 2022.

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Tom Baker

Thomas Stewart Baker, born January 20, 1934, in Liverpool, is a British stand-up comedian with a diverse and extensive career. His upbringing was shaped by his parents, Mary Jane and John Stewart Baker, a Merchant Navy steward, and he was raised as a devout Roman Catholic. Initially intending to pursue a religious vocation, Baker trained to become a Christian brother before shifting his focus to acting. He received formal training at Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama for three years and also served in the Royal Army Medical Corps from 1954 to 1956. Early in his career, he appeared in a film while at university and later joined the National Theatre company in 1968. He gained significant recognition in 1971 when nominated for two Golden Globes for his portrayal of Grigori Rasputin in Nicholas and Alexandra . However, he is perhaps best known for playing the fourth incarnation of Doctor Who from 1974 to 1981, a role that made him the longest-serving actor in the series. He reprised this iconic role in audio dramas beginning in 2009 and made a cameo appearance as the Doctor in The Day of the Doctor in 2013. Beyond his work as the Doctor, he has appeared in television series such as Medics , Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) , and Monarch of the Glen , and provided narration for the comedy series Little Britain and Little Britain USA . He also contributed to the acclaimed political satire The Thick Of It and the film In The Loop , collaborating with Armando Iannucci, whose production style involves extensive shooting and a commitment to continuous improvement. Tom Baker continues to be active in the entertainment industry. His voice remains highly recognisable, earning him a fourth-place ranking in 2006 for most recognisable voice in the UK. Baker has also written columns and expresses an interest in writing a film if a compelling story arises. He firmly believes that settling for "That's good enough" hinders creative growth, reflecting his dedication to excellence in his work.

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