I'd have to say Ricky Gervais. I don't think anyone has changed comedy's direction so much as Gervais since the Simpsons. And this is coming from someone who wouldn't be considered a real fan of his.
King of Comedy? Page 2
Quote: Renegade Carpark @ August 26 2009, 1:35 PM BSTI suppose you can put Russell Brand into that category, he certainly garners the press coverage wherever he goes.
In terms of global domination, the biggest comic the UK has ever produced has been Rowan Atkinson. The Mr. Bean series has been nothing short of a worldwide phenomenon.
*Should this be moved to Other British Comedy?*
What about Chaplin and Laurel?