I remember growing up in the 70’s and 80’s watching Benny Hill. My parents would always make me leave the room because there was too much T & A all the time. My wife hates Benny Hill. She likens him to a comedic pedophile…I think he’s pretty funny sometimes in a very plucky way.
Mr.Bean on the other hand…is more slapsticky funny. In a duncey sort of way. More like a court Jester. And when he speaks…that low voice just kills me! I laugh so hard…
I’m not a big Benny Hill fan, but he did occasionally feature some good old-fashioned music-hall comedy that I liked. Mr. Bean, however, is simply a mime without the whiteface.
Oh, and Phyllis Diller is much prettier than Tammy Faye . . .
I adore Rowan Atkinson and have enjoyed Mr. Bean (but I think Blackadder is much better.) I never could stand Benny Hill–and pretty much for the reason your wife mentions, Phlosphr–that dirty old man routine just seems so icky when he did it.
I don’t like Mr. Bean. His comedy seems to be written for every move and comment he makes. Nothing seems funny about him. Too mechanical.
Benny Hill used improv a lot and that is what made him funny. His show was a little risque and worth the watching.
I particularly think the actor that is NOT supposed to laugh but begins to laugh in his skit is much funnier to watch then either of the guys mentioned above. Havey Korman is hysterical