Funny People Trivia Quiz

Answer: Jackie Gleason

Comedian, actor, and musician, Jackie Gleason developed a host of characters for radio, television, and films. His Ralph Kramdem from the sitcom "The Honeymooners" was his most familiar creation. After his monologue to introduce his TV show, he would stand on one leg and cock the other and say "And away we go!" into an hour of skits.

Answer: Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker was a writer, critic, poet, and screenwriter. She was also given to dark moods and alcohol. She helped to establish the famed Algonquin club that had as its members some the funniest minds of that era. She was able to cut down celebrities with a single line such as her review of a Katharine Hepburn film "She runs the gamut of emotions from A to B." The quote references Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged"(1957) but there is not a clear notation.

Answer: Steven Wright

Steven Wright is noted for his 'deadpan' humor and his unique observations on life. He has been a both an actor and producer. Other observations include:

"I busted a mirror and got seven years bad luck, but my lawyer thinks he can get me five."

"I've been getting into astronomy so I installed a skylight. The people who live above me are furious."

"I stayed in a really old hotel last night. They sent me a wake-up letter."

Answer: Henny Youngman

Henny Youngman was the king of the one-liner. His act was a series of mostly one-line jokes, generally without a theme but you laughed until the next one. Henny had a violin he used as a prop, sawing a few notes together occasionally. Youngman was a constant performer and was active nearly all his 91 years. One legend is that he saw a wedding celebration at a hotel where he was staying, walked up to the father of the bride and offered to do ten minutes for a hundred dollars.

Answer: Will Rogers

His home spun humor captivated audiences in the 1930s while he did rope tricks on stage. He developed a career in films and his newspaper column was syndicated across the country. He came to be noted as a political populist voice. He once ran a mock campaign for president in 1928 and promised to resign if elected. He died in a plane crash on a world tour.

Answer: Andy Kaufman

Andy Kaufman's style of comedy was to say the least, unique. Kaufman did not consider himself as a comedian but more of a performance artist. He would stand on stage with a tape of Mighty Mouse's theme and would lip-sync to the lyrics. He had a long career on the television sitcom "Taxi" as Latka, a reoccurring character. Later he entered professional wrestling and had a long time feud with Champion Jerry Lawler.

He died at 35 from lung cancer. Kaufman's life was portrayed by Jim Carrey in "Man on the Moon" (1999).

Answer: Groucho Marx

There were five brothers in a vaudeville act--Groucho, Chico, Harpo, Zeppo, and Gummo. They started out as a family singing group but developed into a top notch innovative comedy team that moved to Broadway to films. Groucho got the most laughs and was the most enduring as he succeeded in television as well. Groucho was the center of attention in their act with his salty, sarcastic one-liners such as "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."

Answer: Bob Hope

Bob Hope would sing this song at the conclusion of his radio or television shows and also at the many USO tours he dedicated his time during war times. Bob Hope first sang the song in "The Big Broadcast of 1938" and adopted it as his theme song. He also adapted it to fit his audience or to thank his guests. For instance when Jane Russell was on his show, he adapted the lyrics to "Thanks for the Mammeries".

Answer: Joan Rivers

Rivers had a 55-year career. She could be abrasive and tough-talking in her satirical humor that has been described as truthful, personal,and gossipy. She would often turn to the audience and in a secretive tone ask "Can we talk?". Her targets were often the high and mighty of popular culture. She was fearless in commenting on Elizabeth Taylor's weight gain.

Answer: Mae West

Mae West was a flamboyant icon of sexuality. Although film censors were on her tail (no pun intended) about her film scripts littered with double meanings, she managed to sneak many through. Arrested once for obscenity on Broadway, she spent her jail time dining with the warden.