An observation: Most of the comedians mentioned so far in this thread have been American. (Some exceptions: Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, Morecambe and Wise.)

From conversations with my British in-laws, it seems that most American comedians (other than the ones who appeared in movies) are relatively unknown in Britain (and vice-versa). Although Brits have always had access to American movies, the TV variety shows through which stand-up comedians became popular in America (the Ed Sullivan show, the Tonight Show, etc.) were never shown in Britain. And American comedians who go on tour to Britain have had relatively little success. Apparently, a lot of humor still doesn't "translate."

I wouldn't be surprised if our British Mudcatters have never heard of Bob and Ray, Burns and Schreiber, Burns and Allen, or Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner (as a team). (Hey, I just learned that Wayne and Shuster were Canadian!) Maybe these links will help.