Comedy is time plus tragedy, as the old saying goes. It is simple math that more tragedy equals greater comedy. Many of the funniest comedians have experienced the sad, difficult lives that make this equation possible.
Many of those who make us laugh struggle with their own laughter. This phenomenon is known psychologically as the sad clown paradox. They give Pagliacci a tough time.
The correlation between misery and humor is strong for comedians, the human factories that transform raw pain into concentrated comedy. These are five comedians who have dealt with the worst of tragedies but still managed to bring us the best comedy.
One famous saying is that the loneliest people are the kindest, the saddest people smile, the brightest, and the most damaged people are the wisest because they all know how it is to feel, and they don't wish anyone to suffer as they did.
5. Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey, a multimillionaire today, could retire in a matter of seconds and continue to enjoy royalties for as long as he needs. Carrey was born poor before he became a star in movies and television. As in homeless, traveling vagrant poor.
Carrey lived in severe poverty for most of his teenage years. Although his family's fortunes fluctuated from year to year, the level of comfort was never reached. The Carrey family lived in a van and then later in a tent for many years. They never owned a house or an apartment. Even after his father was granted a lucrative job, the Carrey family lived in a van and tent.
Carrey lived a life as a struggling comedian for years after he "got out." Many can attest that it was not much of an improvement.
The only way to survive was for teenage Carrey and his older brother to work as night crew janitors at his father's company.
4. Pete Davison
Pete Davidson is another comedian that has incorporated his personal tragedy into comedy. Davidson's father, a New York City firefighter, died responding to the attacks on the Twin Towers on September 11. Davidson was just seven years old at the time.
Whether the trauma was directly related to Davidson's mental health issues or not, Davidson has had problems with his mental health for most of his life. He once had a panic attack as a schoolchild and pulled his hair out. He was also known to have posted suicidal thoughts via Instagram. Police were able to find him and conduct a wellness check. He is still alive and seeking help.
3. Andy Dick
Andy Dick is often described as two distinct people by those who know him best: drunk Andy and sober Andy. Dick is well-known for his addiction to drugs and alcohol and the destructive and erratic behaviors it has led to. Dick has been to rehab more than two dozen times in an attempt to get help.
Dick's indecent behavior is so well-known that new charges and allegations are now incorporated into the mix. His conduct is becoming more common. Dick, unlike many other high-profile public figures who are facing long-term consequences due to the #metoo movement, has not received the same public flogging even though he has been accused of committing an incredible number of offenses such as indecent exposures and sexual assaults, battery, sexual abuse, and others. It is yet to be determined if Dick will receive any treatment and overcome his addiction.
2. Robin Williams
Robin Williams is perhaps the most loved comedian of all time. He was known for his stand-up comedy and stole nearly every scene in all of his films. He was a legend for his unwavering energy and maniacal delivery. Behind that perpetual brightness, there were dark battles against addiction and disease.
Williams was addicted to cocaine for much of the 70s and 80s. He eventually quit using the drug, but he had another struggle with alcoholism. William's depression was the underlying cause of all this. After his suicide, an autopsy revealed that Williams had Dementia with Lewy Body Syndrome, which caused his mind to unravel. Williams' final days were filled with paranoia, anxiety, and the loss of memories.
1. Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor is a comedian of great stature who brought joy to millions over his lifetime. It would not be easy to find any time in his life when Pryor experienced lasting happiness.
Pryor was raised in a brothel, where his mother was a prostitute. He even tried his luck as the mayor of his hometown once. His mother abandoned him, and he was left with his grandmother, the brothel owner, who often beat him. Multiple times, he was molested, first by an older child and then by a Catholic priest. His adult life was not much better. Pryor, who was divorced seven times, suffered from recurring alcohol and drug problems, and famously set himself ablaze while high on cocaine, could not have a normal adult life. His constant smoking was partly responsible for his death from coronary artery disease.
Winding-up
People aren't the same as they appear to be. People try to be a person they aren't. Some people try to extract the better version of themselves, and some get stuck with the worst version. No matter how successful we have been, sometimes life hits you at the worst. All you need to do is to stay strong and work hard. Because no time is too small to be forgotten, these are some comedians who have succeeded in their careers but failed in their lives.
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