Don’t Forget to Laugh: Chicago’s Funniest People Part 2

Until life returns to normal, it’s a good idea to keep your sense of humor in good health even though that’s not easy during these trying times. To help with that, let’s take a look at some more of the funniest people to come out of Chicago. From the city’s improv stages and comedy clubs, these performers have risen to the top of their game, and the foundation of their success always goes back to Chicago.

Melissa McCarthy: Although she was born in Plainfield, there is nothing dull about the stunning success of funny woman Melissa McCarthy. After attending Joliet Catholic Academy, McCarthy headed to Los Angeles and then New York to hone her stand up comedy and acting skills. McCarthy found bit parts in television and movies before hitting her stride in 2010, being cast as one of the leads in Mike & Molly. The following year she stole the show in the hit comedy Bridesmaids, which blew open the doors for her career. Numerous SNL hosting appearances and a string of hit films, including Identity Thief, The Heat, and St. Vincent (opposite fellow Chicago comedy legend Bill Murray), solidified McCarthy as one of the funniest and most successful actors of modern times.

Jane Lynch: Lynch was born in Evergreen Park and spent her childhood in Dolton. The very talented and funny actor spent 15 years with the Steppenwolf Theater and was one of only two females selected to join The Second City Touring Company at the time of her audition. Lynch went on to grow her improv skills at Annoyance Theater, memorably portraying Carol Brady in the theater’s hit The Real Live Brady Brunch. From there, audiences became aware of Lynch’s comedic gifts with her role as a harsh schoolteacher in the hit show Glee. The comedian, actress, and singer has showcased her unique talents in great comedies like Role Models, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind, to name just a few. 

Bob Newhart: This comedy legend was born in Oak Park and went on to earn a degree in business management at Loyola University. Thankfully, Newhart decided to follow his funny bone and left the world of accounting to pursue a career in stand up comedy. Newhart holds the distinction of having the very first comedy album to hit Billboard’s #1 spot with 1960’s The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart. That recording also won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1961 and was followed by the equally successful The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back. Subsequent comedy albums solidified Newhart as an icon in the genre, influencing comics for generations. The funnyman’s two sitcoms, The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, are both considered all-time greats in the realm of comedy television shows earning numerous awards. With his slight stammer and deadpan delivery, Bob Newhart made entertaining millions look easy.

That does it for today’s list of great funny people to come out of Chicago. Next week we will look at more comedians who got their start here. Out of all the cities in the world, there is just something about our amazing city by the lake that continually produces the best of the best when it comes to making us laugh. Until next time, check out these comedians as we all could use as much laughter as we can get during these trying times.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO