Nobody has mentioned the greatest unknown comedic genius of our time. Bill Hicks. Brilliant, hilarious, and with the balls to attack any institution he wanted to, viciously and fearlessly. Dennis Leary stole a lot from Hicks.
Also, Richard Pryor in the 70s was in a total league of his own.
Best Stand-Up Comedian EVER I cannot believe that out of all these posts no-one has mentioned a standup God. MITCH HEDBERG! " I disagree with picket lines... but I don't know how to show it."
I dunno, I watch Robin Williams and I have the urge to give him a Ritalin and a Valium, hoping either or both will work.
What, no votes for Drew Carey, Roseanne, Denis Leary or Ellen DeGeneres? Or Jay Leno, Bob Hope or Andy Kaufman?
Actually, I'm gonna throw out Janeane Garofalo's name. Not that I think she's the funniest, but I think she does the greatest deadpan, like a female version of Stephen Wright, whose name I'm also throwing out here.
I don't think it's possible to name a "greatest" stand-up comedian of all time. I think that all we can do is pick our favorites, and my favorite (while recognizing the brilliance of Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Robin Williams, et al) is one of the ones you've named: Ellen DeGeneres. She's an incredibly brilliant technician, and her material is very original. She's both physical and cerebral, and she was blessed with the perfect instrument...the athletic body, the rubber face, the amazing eyes, the huge smile, etc. I'm also partial to Woody Allen, and I wish he still did stand-up. The one who makes me laugh out loud the most, however, is Jackie Mason when he's at the top of his game.
I saw Martin Mull way back when, with his living room couch, lamp and
schtick. Loved him. Also adored Steve Martin, especially on Saturday Night Live...Mull is an accomplished painter, Martin an astute art collector.
LittleK, you say you VOTED for Steve Martin. Was there a poll of some sort that I missed? You've got a superior sense of humor. The man is a serious actor, producer (I THINK he's a painter as well) and his SILLY humor is simultaneously childish and sophisticated. IMO
I'm almost positive that Steve Martin is not a painter, but he's definitely an art collector...mostly Contemporary. Also, you neglected to mention his writing, which has included a very popular play, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," the novella, "Shopgirl," which was made into a movie, some pieces for The New Yorker, and a number of other books and plays.
The older Jackie Mason is pretty darn funny, too. I saw him at a local comedy club and thought I was going to hurt myself I laughed so hard.
Then I saw one of his Broadway shows, but unfortunately it wasn't one of his better performances.
Those that say Robin Williams are right on. Those that say anyone else are obviously struggling with the concept.
Robin Williams is your favorite. Good for you. I agree that he's brilliant (although a little Robin goes a long way and his obsession with his penis is juvenile and tiresome), but is it really necessary to insult those who don't share your preference?
I cannot believe that out of all these posts no-one has mentioned a standup God. MITCH HEDBERG! 
