History of Comedy By Jelani Richards

Silent Film

Dec 21, 1914

The 1st silent film comedy "Tillie's Punctured Romance" was created and released. It starred the famous and humorous Charlie Chaplin. It was directed by Mack Sennett. This film also led to the evolvution of the comedy genre and changed comedies forever.

First Black Comedy Musical

May 23, 1921

"Shuffle Along" was the first african-american comedy musical. This is one of the many most important events in comedy because it changed the viewers of comedy.

Abott and Costello

Oct 8, 1942

Abott and Costello were one the most famous comedy duos. Their first radio show had aired on October, 8, 1942.

Animated Cartoons

Mar 20, 1960

The Flintstones was the first successful animated cartoon comedy and carried on for 6 years on ABC

M.A.S.H

Sep 17, 1970

One of the popular black comedy films MASH was taken to TV and had a whole series created that was based on the film.

First American Comedy Award

May 5, 1988

Robin Williams wins the first comedy award for Good Morning Vietnam.

Sitcoms

Jul 19, 1989

The 1980s/1990s was the biggest time for situational comedies things like Seinfield and Friends were aired during this era

Stand Up

Feb 23, 1993

Stand up comedy was the different type of comedy created in 1979 but really blew up when the famous Chris Rock began to take his career that way.

Dramedies

Apr 5, 1993

Boy Meets World was one of the first ever Dramedies (Comedy & Drama) and was very known around america

The Future

Sep 17, 2014

Kevin Hart is the face on comedy in todays era, he has a lot more to go in his career.