Funny Men and Their Characters Quiz

Answer: Benny Hill

Scuttle was liable to appear in any capacity: fitness instructor; policeman; museum guide; soldier. He did none of these jobs particularly well, but was ever the enthusiast. He was one of the many incarnations of Hill, who was immensely popular in both America and Britain during the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Answer: Jackie Gleason

Kramden lived in a tenement with his wife and drove bus for a living. His plans, as for most of us, didn't work out. Gleason himself was a fine actor having appeared in films since the 40s. His television show brought him great success and it was then that he created not only Kramden, but such characters as Reggie Van Gleason and The Poor Soul. Gleason passed away in 1987.

Answer: Red Skelton

Skelton was a long time performer on radio and early television. He brought a myriad of personalities with him, San Fernando Red, Freddie the Freeloader and Junior the mean little kid to name a few. He was also a noted artist. His paintings of circus life and clowns are quite valuable. He passed away in 1997 at the age of 84.

Answer: Martin Short

Ed Grimley was a frenetic somewhat childish individual whose goal in life seemed to be appearing on "Wheel of Fortune" and meeting host Pat Sajak. He also took lessons in playing the triangle. Fern was a devious character who had a lot of trouble telling the truth even when cornered and sweating. Short is a brilliant Canadian who joined "SNL" for the 1984-1985 season, bringing many of his "Second City TV" characters with him.

Answer: Steve Smith

Red was a handyman who always sought shortcuts to any task he was charged with, extending even to taking out the trash. It was Red who discovered that anything, and I mean anything, can be fixed with duct tape. The imaginary show was based in Port Asbestos, Ontario. Smith, a long time comedian and writer has been active on the Canadian entertainment scene for many years.

Answer: Sid Caesar

Caesar was nominated for numerous Emmys during the show's run. He was an astounding mimic who could sound as though he was speaking any language. In truth, though, he spoke only English and Yiddish. The other three mentioned were writers for the show.

Answer: George Carlin

Carlin, who passed away in 2008, was a very funny man, a social critic who expounded on the seven words you can't say on television, and an author. He wrote, among other books, "Napalm and Silly Putty".

Answer: Mel Brooks

During an interview, the Two Thousand Year Old Man claimed to have had over 600 wives, two thousand children, (none of whom called on the phone anymore), and was at the very first World's Fair. (There were only two rides, one was falling off a cliff and the other was fire).

Answer: Johnny Carson

Aunt Blabby was the advice giver, Floyd Turbo the ultra conservative American, and El Moldo could read the future. And let us not forget Carnac the Magnificent, mind reader extraordinaire. Carson hosted the "Tonight Show" for thirty years and was an icon of late night American television.

Answer: Barry Humphries

Dame Edna was immediately recognizable by her lilac colored hair and outlandish wardrobe. She was written for and treated pretty much as a real person, Humphries totally immersed himself in the character. He has even written her biography.

Answer: Ruth Buzzi

Gladys was forever being approached on park benches by the randy oldster Tyrone F. Hornei. When asked if she minded if he fondled her tresses or would like a Walnetto, she was never shy about settling matters by hitting him in the head with a large purse. Buzzi was very active in television at the time, appearing as a guest on many situation comedies.

Answer: Paul Reubens

Pee Wee always appeared in a too-tight gray suit and a red bow tie. His show in the late 80s stemmed from his work with an improvisational group called The Groundlings. Personal problems cost Reubens his show but he has rebounded, making guest appearances on such shows as "Murphy Brown" and "Everybody Loves Raymond".

Answer: John Belushi

The katana wielding warrior seemed to appear whenever Buck Henry hosted the show. He spoke no English, only ersatz Japanese. Sadly, Belushi died in 1982, but not before appearing in such memorable movies as "Animal House" and "The Blues Brothers".

Answer: Bob Einstein

Super Dave knew no fear. Once attempting to sky dive off the world's tallest building, he canceled the effort because of high winds, then promptly fell off anyway. Einstein originally began as a writer for the "Smothers Brothers" TV show. He introduced the Super Dave alter ego on the "John Byner Comedy Hour".

Answer: Dana Carvey

Carvey is arguably the world's best mimic. He appeared on "Saturday Night Live" during the 1980s. The show was in trouble and many gave Carvey a lot of credit for saving it. His other creations include George Bush and Ross Perot. Displaying an ability to laugh at himself, President Bush has often mimicked Carvey's impersonation of himself.