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Conan O'Brien, (AP photo/Paul Drinkwater)
While he may not be a stand-up in the traditional sense, O’Brien has made a name for himself in the comedy world. With an unmistakable look (tall, red cantilevered pompadour and very pale skin color) and general awkwardness, O’Brien has become one of the champions of late night television.
O’Brien started as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons,” before becoming the successor of David Letterman on NBC’s “Late Night.” Now he is the latest host of “The Tonight Show,” sitting behind the desk once occupied by the likes of Jay Leno, Johnny Carson and Steve Allen.
The Brookline native and Harvard University grad started his comedy career while at Harvard as a writer for the college humor magazine. He moved to Los Angeles to start writing for television and performing with improve groups before landing as a writer for “Saturday Night Live,” in 1988, writing such sketches as “The Girl Watchers” and the infamous “Nude Beach” aka the penis sketch. He was also on the writing staff when they won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy or Variety Series.
He moved to “The Simpsons” as a writer from 1991-93. When David Letterman moved to CBS to start “The Late Show,” Lorne Michaels suggested O’Brien as a replacement host of “Late Night.” Despite a rough start in the ratings over the first few years, NBC stuck with him and O’Brien lasted 16 years.
Despite not being a stand-up comic, O’Brien’s contribution to the world of comedy is undeniable and a spot on this list is well deserved.
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