Quotes on Comedy
Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.
Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) British comic actor
The test of a real comedian is whether you laugh at him before he opens his mouth.
George Jean Nathan (1882-1958) American critic
The first thing any comedian does on getting an unscheduled laugh is to verify the state of his buttons; the second is to look around to see if a cat has walked out on the stage.
W. C. Fields (1879-1946) American film actor
Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else.
Will Rogers (1879-1935) American humorist
Though it makes the unskilful laugh, cannot but make the judicious grieve.
Hamlet, Hamlet William Shakespeare (1564-1616) English dramatist, poet
The only rules comedy can tolerate are those of taste, and the only limitations those of libel.
James Thurber (1894-1961) American humorist, illustrator
Comedy is an escape, not from truth but from despair; a narrow escape into faith.
Christopher Fry (b. 1907) British playwright
I had rather have a fool to make me merry than experience to make me sad.
Rosalind, As You Like It William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Comedy, like sodomy, is an unnatural act.
Marty Feldman (1933-1982) British comedian