Showbiz
Billy Connolly is best ever stand-up comedian, say Digital Spy readers
Published Thursday, Nov 17 2011, 12:20 GMT | By Mayer Nissim | 65 comments
Billy Connolly has been named the greatest stand-up comedian of all time by readers of Digital Spy.
Over 5,000 people voted in the poll, with The Big Yin topping the pile despite strong competition from Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans and Bill Hicks.
McIntyre had won our previous poll for the best current British stand-up, but Connolly's fans came to the fore when the scope of the survey was expanded.
Watch a classic Billy Connolly clip from his new 'greatest hits' DVD Billy Connolly: You Asked For It below (WARNING: ADULT CONTENT):
> Billy Connolly on Christian rock, masturbation and his prostate: video
> Read Digital Spy's recent interview with Billy Connolly
"Billy Connolly, especially his really early stuff, makes me cry with laughter and not many stand ups can do that," said reader Alison Munro.
The full top ten was as follows:
1. Billy Connolly - 13.5%
2. Michael McIntyre - 10.0%
3. Lee Evans - 8.4%
4. Bill Hicks - 6.8%
5. Peter Kay - 6.5%
6. Richard Pryor 5.0%
7. Joan Rivers 4.9%
8. Eddie Murphy 4.3%
9. Eddie Izzard 4.2%
10. Chris Rock - 4.0%
As with our previous poll, the 'Other' category had a healthy showing, as 9.1% of you chose a stand-up not present on our shortlist.
Dylan Moran, Tommy Cooper, Jimmy Carr and Louis CK all received mentions, but not enough to push them into our top ten.
Do you agree with the results of the poll? Let us know in the space below
Over 5,000 people voted in the poll, with The Big Yin topping the pile despite strong competition from Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans and Bill Hicks.
© ITV
McIntyre had won our previous poll for the best current British stand-up, but Connolly's fans came to the fore when the scope of the survey was expanded.
Watch a classic Billy Connolly clip from his new 'greatest hits' DVD Billy Connolly: You Asked For It below (WARNING: ADULT CONTENT):
> Billy Connolly on Christian rock, masturbation and his prostate: video
> Read Digital Spy's recent interview with Billy Connolly
"Billy Connolly, especially his really early stuff, makes me cry with laughter and not many stand ups can do that," said reader Alison Munro.
The full top ten was as follows:
1. Billy Connolly - 13.5%
2. Michael McIntyre - 10.0%
3. Lee Evans - 8.4%
4. Bill Hicks - 6.8%
5. Peter Kay - 6.5%
6. Richard Pryor 5.0%
7. Joan Rivers 4.9%
8. Eddie Murphy 4.3%
9. Eddie Izzard 4.2%
10. Chris Rock - 4.0%
As with our previous poll, the 'Other' category had a healthy showing, as 9.1% of you chose a stand-up not present on our shortlist.
Dylan Moran, Tommy Cooper, Jimmy Carr and Louis CK all received mentions, but not enough to push them into our top ten.
Do you agree with the results of the poll? Let us know in the space below
65 comments
Loading...
Related Stories
Ten Things About...
Ten Things About... Ridley ScottWe find out ten fast facts about the English producer and director.
Interviews
'Angels' Share' Ken Loach interviewKen Loach, Paul Laverty and Paul Brannigan on their whiskey-soaked comedy.
Fashion & Beauty
Duchess of Cambridge's memorable momentsFlick through a gallery of Kate Middleton's stand-out public appearances.
Celeb Birthdays
Marilyn Monroe: Life and career in picsFlick through our gallery on what would have been Marilyn's 86th birthday.
