Comedy

Comic Phyllis Diller. She retired from doing stand-up last Sunday after nearly half a century on the stage. She is 84.

Satirist Al Franken has a new book that spoofs how-to-succeed books. His new book is Oh, The Things I Know! A Guide to Success, or, Failing That, Happiness (Dutton). Franken is former co-producer of Saturday Night Live where he created the self-help guru Stuart Smalley. He's also the author of Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations.

British comedian, stand up performer and actor Eddie Izzard. He's won over fans with his quirky comedy. The Chicago Tribune says "Izzard lives up to his billing. He's very bright, very fast and very hip." As an actor, Izzard has appeared in the films Mystery Men, The Avengers and The Velvet Goldmine. His new film is The Cat's Meow.

Actor and comedian Denis Leary. He currently starring in the ABC comedy series, The Job. He also known for his work in films such as The Thomas Crown Affair and The Ref. Leary has completed over 20 feature films, several cable specials, a book, a CD, and he has an international hit song. He got his own production company, Apostle.

Actress, writer, comic Ellen Degeneres is soon to begin a stand-up tour. Her five-year sitcom Ellen won an Emmy for her much-anticipated coming-out episode. At the same time Degeneres' character realized she was gay, the entertainer revealed her own sexual orientation. Degeneres talks about coming out, her former relationship with actress Anne Heche, and why she resists becoming a lesbian role model. Degeneres is the author of the book, My Point... And I Do Have One.

Comedy Central begins a five-part look at the "Heroes of Black Comedy" next week. This week Fresh Air features interviews with comedians.

Comedian Bernie Mac has traced his own path to the top, staying in Chicago and other spots — anywhere but Los Angeles. Now he's the star of The Bernie Mac Show, a sitcom on Fox. As his book I Ain't Scared of You is released, we talk with Mac about his days honing his craft, his ideas about what makes a star — and who's better, Sinatra or Williams.

He recreated the journey Jules Verne described in Around the World in 80 Days. Michael Palin turned his journey into a very successful eight-part TV BBC series. He is of course also known for his tenure as a member of Monthy Python's Flying Circus and his appearances in The Missionary and A Fish Called Wanda.

Comic Graham Chapman was the straight man in the Monty Python troupe who would come in and break up the skits. A physician by training, he was a writer and activist for gay rights. He died in 1989.

Actor, writer, and Monthy Python member John Cleese. Post-Python, Cleese is best known for Fawlty Towers, and a number of movies, including his 1988 comedy, A Fish Called Wanda. He's also written a book called Families and How to Survive Them with therapist Robyn Skinner, and he makes training films for corporations.