This article provides a verified list of comedians who died in 2023, including their nationality, age, date of death, and notable work. The information is compiled from publicly available reports by reputable news and entertainment sources.
Quick Overview: Comedians Who Died in 2023
| Name | Role | Nationality | Date of Death | Age |
| Kelly Monteith | Stand-up comedian, TV host | American | Jan 1, 2023 | 80 |
| Carole Cook | Actress, television comedian | American | Jan 11, 2023 | 98 |
| Polo Polo | Stand-up comedian | Mexican | Jan 23, 2023 | 78 |
| Richard Belzer | Actor, stand-up comedian | American | Feb 19, 2023 | 78 |
| Paul O’Grady | Comedian, TV presenter | British | Mar 28, 2023 | 67 |
| Barry Humphries | Comedian, actor (Dame Edna) | Australian | Apr 22, 2023 | 89 |
| George Logan | Comedian, musical comedy duo Hinge and Bracket | British | May 21, 2023 | 78 |
| Michael Batayeh | Comedian, actor (Breaking Bad) | American | Jun 1, 2023 | 52 |
| Paul Reubens | Actor, comedian (Pee-wee Herman) | American | Jul 30, 2023 | 70 |
| Johnny Hardwick | Voice actor, comedian (King of the Hill) | American | Aug 8, 2023 | 64 |
| Mike Yarwood | Impressionist comedian | British | Sep 8, 2023 | 82 |
| Cal Wilson | Stand-up comedian | New Zealander | Oct 11, 2023 | 53 |
| Matthew Perry | Actor, comedian (Friends) | American-Canadian | Oct 28, 2023 | 54 |
| Luis Antonio Rivera | Comedian, TV host | Puerto Rican | Nov 30, 2023 | 93 |
| Tony Allen | Alternative comedian | British | Dec 1, 2023 | 78 |
| Tom Smothers | Comedian, musician (Smothers Brothers) | American | Dec 26, 2023 | 86 |
Detailed List of Comedians Who Died in 2023
Kelly Monteith
- Born: October 17, 1942
- Died: January 1, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Stand-up comedian and host of The Kelly Monteith Show
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Kelly Monteith was an American stand-up comedian and television host known for his observational humor and appearances on late-night television programs. He gained broader recognition through The Kelly Monteith Show, which aired in the United States and later in the United Kingdom. The program featured sketches and stand-up performances that often experimented with breaking the fourth wall. Monteith continued performing and working in television production for many years after the show ended.
Carole Cook
- Born: January 14, 1924
- Died: January 11, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Actress and comedian associated with Lucille Ball television shows
- Cause of death: Heart failure
Carole Cook was an American actress and comedian who gained recognition through her stage and television performances beginning in the 1950s. She frequently appeared in television productions associated with Lucille Ball, including The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. Cook also built a successful career in Broadway theatre with roles in productions such as Hello, Dolly! and 42nd Street. Her work in television and theatre made her a familiar figure in American entertainment across several decades.
Polo Polo
- Born: March 9, 1944
- Died: January 23, 2023
- Nationality: Mexican
- Known for: Narrative stand-up comedy
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Polo Polo was one of Mexico’s most commercially successful stand-up comedians, best known for long-form storytelling routines delivered in a conversational style. He built a massive live audience during the 1980s and 1990s, frequently selling out large venues across Mexico and the United States. His comedy albums achieved strong sales despite limited mainstream television exposure. Polo Polo remained an influential figure in Latin American stand-up comedy until his death in 2023.
Richard Belzer
- Born: August 4, 1944
- Died: February 19, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Detective John Munch (Homicide, Law & Order: SVU)
- Cause of death: Circulatory and respiratory complications
Richard Belzer successfully bridged stand-up comedy and television acting, becoming widely recognized for portraying Detective John Munch across multiple crime dramas. His character appeared in several interconnected television series, making it one of the longest-running fictional roles in TV history. Beyond acting, Belzer remained active in comedy, radio, and writing. His death in 2023 marked the loss of a uniquely cross-genre entertainer.
Paul O’Grady
- Born: June 14, 1955
- Died: March 28, 2023
- Nationality: British
- Known for: Lily Savage, The Paul O’Grady Show
- Cause of death: Cardiac arrhythmia
Paul O’Grady was a major figure in British comedy and television, gaining prominence through his drag persona Lily Savage. He later transitioned into mainstream presenting, hosting popular talk shows and animal welfare programs. O’Grady was widely respected for balancing sharp humor with warmth and advocacy work. His sudden death in 2023 was met with widespread public tributes across the UK.
Barry Humphries
- Born: February 17, 1934
- Died: April 22, 2023
- Nationality: Australian
- Known for: Comedian and actor, creator of Dame Edna Everage
- Cause of death: Complications following hip surgery
Barry Humphries was an Australian comedian, actor, writer, and satirist best known for creating the character Dame Edna Everage. The flamboyant persona became internationally recognized through stage performances, television appearances, and comedy specials. Humphries was known for satirical humor that commented on social class, celebrity culture, and politics. Beyond Dame Edna, he created several other comedic characters and remained active in theatre, television, and writing for many decades.
George Logan
- Born: June 30, 1944
- Died: May 21, 2023
- Nationality: British
- Known for: Dr. Evadne Hinge (Hinge and Bracket)
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
George Logan was best known for his drag performance as Dr. Evadne Hinge in the musical comedy duo Hinge and Bracket. The act gained popularity through radio broadcasts, live tours, and television appearances, particularly on the BBC. Logan combined classical music parody with character-driven humor. He remained a respected figure in British comedy until his passing in 2023.
Mike Batayeh
- Born: December 27, 1970
- Died: June 1, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Comedian and actor known for Breaking Bad
- Cause of death: Suicide by hanging
Michael Batayeh was an American comedian and actor recognized for his role as Dennis Markowski in the television series Breaking Bad. In addition to acting, he performed stand-up comedy and appeared in various television productions including It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Bernie Mac Show. Batayeh frequently performed comedy shows in the United States and internationally. His performances combined observational humor with personal storytelling drawn from his experiences growing up in Detroit.
Paul Reubens
- Born: August 27, 1952
- Died: July 30, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Pee-wee Herman
- Cause of death: Acute hypoxic respiratory failure
Paul Reubens created the character Pee-wee Herman, which became a defining figure in alternative and children’s comedy during the 1980s and beyond. The character appeared in television shows, films, and live performances, achieving long-term cultural impact. Reubens maintained a largely private personal life in later years. His death in 2023 revealed a prolonged illness previously unknown to the public.
Johnny Hardwick
- Born: December 31, 1958
- Died: August 8, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Dale Gribble (King of the Hill)
- Cause of death: Undetermined
Johnny Hardwick was closely associated with the animated series King of the Hill, where he voiced Dale Gribble for its entire run. In addition to voice acting, he contributed as a writer, story editor, and producer. Hardwick’s character became one of the show’s most recognizable roles. His death in 2023 was confirmed after he was found at his home in Texas.
Mike Yarwood
- Born: June 14, 1941
- Died: September 8, 2023
- Nationality: British
- Known for: Political impressions
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Mike Yarwood was a leading British television comedian during the 1970s, known primarily for political impressions. He became one of the BBC’s most prominent entertainment figures, with some of his broadcasts attracting record audiences. Although his popularity declined in later decades, his influence on impression-based comedy remained significant. Yarwood died in 2023 at the age of 82.
Cal Wilson
- Born: October 5, 1970
- Died: October 11, 2023
- Nationality: New Zealander
- Known for: Stand-up comedy, television presenting
- Cause of death: Rare cancer
Cal Wilson was an award-winning stand-up comedian who built a successful career in both New Zealand and Australia. She was a frequent presence at major comedy festivals and later expanded into television presenting and writing. Wilson was known for observational humor and audience engagement. Her death in 2023 followed a short illness caused by a rare and aggressive cancer.
Matthew Perry
- Born: August 19, 1969
- Died: October 28, 2023
- Nationality: American-Canadian
- Known for: Actor and comedian best known for playing Chandler Bing in Friends
- Cause of death: Acute effects of ketamine
Matthew Perry was an actor and comedian best known for portraying Chandler Bing on the long-running television sitcom Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004. His sarcastic humor and comedic timing made the character one of the most recognizable figures in television comedy. Perry also appeared in several films and television projects, including The Whole Nine Yards and 17 Again. In later years, he became known for speaking openly about addiction recovery and supporting programs that assist people struggling with substance use.
Luis Antonio Rivera (Yoyo Boing)
- Born: April 9, 1930
- Died: November 30, 2023
- Nationality: Puerto Rican
- Known for: Comedian, actor, and television host in Puerto Rican media
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Luis Antonio Rivera, widely known by his stage name “Yoyo Boing,” was a Puerto Rican comedian, actor, and media personality who became a prominent figure in Puerto Rican television and radio. He gained popularity through comedy programs and entertainment shows during the early decades of television broadcasting on the island. Rivera was also involved in music and radio entertainment, contributing to Puerto Rican pop culture across several decades. His work made him one of the recognizable comedic voices in Puerto Rican media history.
Tony Allen
- Born: March 4, 1945
- Died: December 1, 2023
- Nationality: British
- Known for: Alternative comedy movement
- Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed
Tony Allen was regarded as a foundational figure in the UK’s alternative comedy movement. He co-founded influential comedy platforms and helped shape non-mainstream stand-up during the late 1970s and 1980s. Allen also worked as a writer, performer, and mentor to younger comedians. His death in 2023 marked the loss of a key innovator in British comedy history.
Tom Smothers
- Born: February 2, 1937
- Died: December 26, 2023
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Comedian and musician, one half of the Smothers Brothers
- Cause of death: Cancer
Tom Smothers was an American comedian, actor, and musician best known as one half of the Smothers Brothers comedy duo alongside his brother Dick Smothers. Their television program The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour became influential during the 1960s for its satirical commentary on politics and social issues. The show gained both popularity and controversy for challenging television censorship and discussing topics such as civil rights and the Vietnam War. Smothers remained active in entertainment and public advocacy for free speech throughout his career.
Editorial Notes & Sources
- Information verified from BBC, The Guardian, Variety, CNN, and publicly available records.
- This list includes only comedians whose deaths were officially reported in 2023.
- The article is updated periodically for accuracy and corrections.
