One of the leading entertainers of the 20th Century, Jack Benny’s comic timing remains legendary. Be it his signature pregnant pause or his exasperated “WELL!” audiences adored the most famous cheapskate in town. His radio and television family: Eddie Anderson aka Rochester, Mel Blanc, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, and his real life wife Mary Livingston, formed one of the most beloved ensembles of the sitcom format. They were his foils to laughter and his deadpan expressions spoke volumes. Forever 39, Benny hit just the right notes in comedy-his attempts at violin playing notwithstanding.

Known to a generation of viewers as “Uncle Miltie” or “Mr. Television,” Milton Berle was the undisputed king of TV during its golden age. His popular variety show, NBC’s “Texaco Star Theater” helped to sell more TV sets in the early days of the medium than any other individual. During his tenure as head of the Friars Club he was the master of the Roasts. Nobody was safe from his skewering–or his legendary wit.

The king of late-night television, Johnny Carson dominated evening talk shows for thirty years as millions tuned in to “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” Each night he held audiences spellbound and helped them keep up with the hottest movers and shakers in showbiz. Carson’s trusty sidekick Ed McMahon bellowed “Heere’s Johnny” for the last time on his farewell show on May 22, 1992. More viewers than ever watched the man who brought to life such characters as Art Fern and Carnac the Magnificent say good night one last time. The ultimate gentleman when it comes to Friars roasts, Johnny Carson let his quick wit and sophisticated sense of humor guide his clean, yet hilarious, roasting.

Award-winning actor, producer, writer, director–and especially comedian–Jerry Lewis is a true Hollywood icon. From his early films teamed with Dean Martin to his solo career, his slapstick style endeared him to audiences who found the little boy lost quality to his humor captivating. His films “The Bellboy,” “The Nutty Professor,” “The Errand Boy,” “The Patsy,” and so many others have become Hollywood treasures. His dramatic turns have earned him critical acclaim in films such as “The King of Comedy” and “Funny Bones.” His work for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and annual Labor Day telethons is monumental and he has raised millions for the organization. Lewis received the Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which is the highest Emmy Award, presented. He has also earned the title of Abbot of the Friars Club and has been roasted and toasted several times over.

Comedian Don Rickles has sustained a long and successful career doling out insults and trouncing egos on anyone within earshot. A frequent visitor to “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” Rickles has regaled millions with his swiping barbs. Early on in his career, while working at a nightclub, he was brave enough to pick on Frank Sinatra who was seated in the audience, “Make yourself at home Frank. Hit somebody.” Lucky for Rickles, Sinatra found him hilarious and encouraged other celebrities to check out his act. As an actor Rickles appeared in his own sitcom “C.P.O. Sharkey” and such films as “Run Silent, Run Deep,” and “Kelly’s Heroes.” He’s the worst nightmare for any guest of honor at a roast.

Comedian Don Rickles has sustained a long and successful career doling out insults and trouncing egos on anyone within earshot. A frequent visitor to “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” Rickles has regaled millions with his swiping barbs. Early on in his career, while working at a nightclub, he was brave enough to pick on Frank Sinatra who was seated in the audience, “Make yourself at home Frank. Hit somebody.” Lucky for Rickles, Sinatra found him hilarious and encouraged other celebrities to check out his act. As an actor Rickles appeared in his own sitcom “C.P.O. Sharkey” and such films as “Run Silent, Run Deep,” and “Kelly’s Heroes.” He’s the worst nightmare for any guest of honor at a roast.
 
Best known for his portrayal of the buffoonish Maxwell Smart in the successful sitcom “Get Smart,” Don Adams also became a popular game show panelist and director. Winner of three Emmy Awards for his role as Smart aka Agent 86, Adams also provided the voices for the title characters of the popular animated series “Tennessee Tuxedo” and “Inspector Gadget.” He is responsible for such catch phrases as “Sorry about that, Chief,” “Missed it by ‘that much’” and “Would you believe….?”