I would totally blow up any one without Madeline.
I feel this kind of monuments should be reserved for the legends.
Lucille Ball
Fanny Brice
Moms Mabley
Mae West
ZaSu Pitts
Madeline Kahn
Diane Keaton
Thelma Ritter
Wondering if Catherine O’Hara would’ve made as many lists if she had not been in the news so recently.
The “George Washington” spot should be reserved for Mabel Normand.
Lucille Ball
Carol Burnett
Katharine Hepburn
Goldie Hawn
Bernadette Peters
Sarah Silverman
Emma Stone
Jaime Pressley
Carol Burnett
Madeline Kahn
Irene Dunne
Gertrude Berg
Gertrude Berg was a one-woman entertainment industry — a comedic trailblazer long before Lucille Ball. She created, produced, wrote every script for, and starred in The Goldbergs, which ran from 1929–1949 on radio and then jumped to television in 1949–1956. She wasn’t just ahead of her time; she was out there building the road while everyone else was still tying their shoes.
It’s sort of what inspired me to start the thread. I’m not sure I would’ve considered her before, but upon reflecting on all that she’s done over the past 50 years (prompted by tributes), classic comedy movies and TV and improv, she stands out to me as one of the greats. Even her guest appearances on shows, from Curb Your Enthusiasm to Modern Family, were always incredibly fun to watch.
Comedy is so taste dependent. I didn’t want to dump in the threads after her death; maybe I should do a deep dive to appreciate more of her work. But my general impression is that when I see her in a show/film, her role is likely to be the aspect I like least. In ensemble casts, hers is generally among my least liked roles. Just my personal taste. She is never anyone I looked for. And when I encountered her, she never really impressed me - other than some roles negatively. For example, her character in Schitt’s Creek was by far my least favorite. Yet others loved her in that role. Neither of us is entirely right/wrong.
Not sure I have any 4 nominees for this thread. Figure Lucille Ball and Carl Burnett are likely MUSTS. And I recall watching both of their shows as a kid. But if I watch them now, I don’t find them entertaining at all. Makes me think more than I ought as to what exactly merits Mt Rushmore-like inclusion. I suspect it would likely come down to performers who significantly influenced the genre AND had huge accomplishments AND lengthy careers. So I think Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett qualify. Who else? Imogene Coca? Gracie Burns? Maybe Diane Keaton more recently. While a long career of solid performances merits recognition, I’m not sure it gets you carved into the side of a mountain.
Also, recency militates against inclusion. IMO, with few exceptions, some time is generally required to allow evaluation of someone as a true giant of their industry.
Other than correcting Carol Burnett’s name, this is what I came to post.