I like some wit in with the comedy, and I don't know that I could name any pure plays. Dick Cavett isn't a comedian, but he is very funny. Same with people like Garrison Keillor and Calvin Trillin. Of the late night hosts who are considered comedians, I used to watch Jay Leno, but several years ago switched over to David Letterman and my favorite of the late guys is Craig Ferguson. He can do wit, he can do silly, and he can do lots in between.

Of the stand up folks who didn't host shows, I think George Carlin was my favorite. He, again, manages wit along with all the rest. I like Joan Rivers for the way she dishes it out, and I love the clever spontaneity of Paula Poundstone. As a kid I loved the Bill Cosby albums and specials, and when I hear them today, I still find them funny (but I heard them so often as a kid that there isn't an element of surprise now. I enjoy watching my kids listen to them!)

Of the British comedians, Rowan Atkinson, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, and Dawn French are names that come to mind.

SRS