10 Famed Comedians that are Fat Guys

I’ve spent years watching comedy evolve, but the ones who left the biggest impression weren’t always the fittest or the flashiest. They were the bold, heavyset entertainers who embraced their presence, broke stereotypes, and brought the world to tears—of laughter. I still remember watching one of them on a grainy TV screen, belly shaking, voice booming, and me laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe. It felt like comedy at its purest.

Being overweight is often a complicated experience. For some, it brings emotional struggles. For others, it becomes a reason to bring joy into the world. This article honors the larger-than-life comedians who used their size not as a limitation but as a tool to connect, entertain, and win hearts.

Let’s walk through the lives of 10 iconic fat comedians who proved that laughter doesn’t come in one shape.

Kevin James: The King of Relatable Comedy

Kevin James didn’t just play the average guy—he embodied him. Born Kevin George Knipfing, he began his journey in stand-up comedy in 1989 before gaining attention on Everybody Loves Raymond. His big break came with the sitcom The King of Queens, where he made suburban dad life hilariously chaotic.

In 2005, he starred in Hitch alongside Will Smith and Eva Mendes, a film that showed his charm could easily match Hollywood’s elite. He later cemented his place in comedy with films like Grown Ups, Zookeeper, and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Kevin didn’t just joke about his size; he used it to turn everyday situations into comedy gold. He showed us that confidence isn’t about size—it’s about presence.

Jack Black: Loud, Wild, and Proud

Jack Black is energy personified. He never needed to sculpt abs to stand out. His power came from his ability to light up every scene. Born in 1969, this American actor, singer, and comedian built an empire of laughter, charisma, and music.

Whether he’s voicing Kung Fu Panda’s Po, rocking a guitar in School of Rock, or leading chaos in Goosebumps and Nacho Libre, Jack proves that humor paired with heart makes for an unstoppable combo. He’s also the frontman of Tenacious D, showing that his talents go beyond film. His personality is big—just like his laugh, his talent, and his legacy.

Jonathan Winters: The Voice Behind Papa Smurf

Jonathan Winters wasn’t just funny; he was one of the most creative minds comedy ever saw. Born in 1925, his six-decade career became a blueprint for future comedians. His improvisational skills were unmatched, and his presence always memorable.

Known for voicing Papa Smurf and starring in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Winters never let his weight become a source of shame. Instead, it became a character in his stories—a part of him that brought warmth and honesty to his performances. He starred in classics like Mork & Mindy and The Wacky World of Jonathan Winters, leaving behind a legacy of laughter when he passed in 2013.

Ralphie May: Honest, Raw, and Unfiltered

Ralphie May took his struggles and turned them into powerful, hilarious routines. Born in 1972, Ralphie lived through bullying and self-image issues but never let them define his career. Instead, he built a name for himself by speaking the truth—loudly, and with humor.

A finalist on Last Comic Standing, Ralphie also featured in Celebrity Fit Club and Netflix specials that showcased both his talent and vulnerability. One of his famous lines during weight loss attempts still rings true: “Don’t applaud. I lost an entire fat man and I’m still fat as hell.” That raw honesty made people love him even more.

John Candy: Canada’s Comedy Treasure

John Candy had a warmth in his humor that made people feel at home. A proud Canadian, he starred in legendary films like Uncle Buck, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Spaceballs. His comedic style was gentle, empathetic, and real.

Candy wasn’t just funny—he was genuine. His timing, expressions, and delivery made him unforgettable. Though he passed away in 1994, his influence is permanent. His name is etched into the Canadian Walk of Fame, and in the hearts of millions who still revisit his movies when they need to smile.

Cedric the Entertainer: Big Laughs, Bigger Legacy

Cedric Antonio Kyles, known as Cedric the Entertainer, has spent decades dominating both stand-up and Hollywood. Born in 1964, his powerful performances in Barbershop, Big Momma’s House, and shows like The Steve Harvey Show and The Proud Family have made him a household name.

He’s more than just a comic—he’s a cultural voice. Cedric uses humor to uplift, reflect, and bring communities together. He’s never hidden his size; instead, he embraced it as part of his commanding stage presence. Today, he remains one of the most respected entertainers in comedy.

Lou Costello: Comedy Royalty of the Golden Age

Lou Costello was part of one of comedy’s most iconic duos: Abbott and Costello. Born in 1906, Lou’s chubby stature contrasted perfectly with his straight-faced partner. Their timing, slapstick routines, and “Who’s on First?” bit are legendary.

Back then, fat jokes were common, but Lou never let them reduce his impact. He embraced physical comedy without ever mocking himself, and that distinction helped him remain a beloved figure in classic cinema history.

Chris Farley: A Tornado of Talent

Chris Farley didn’t just perform—he exploded onto every scene. Known for his outrageous sketches on Saturday Night Live, Chris used his size to amplify his energy. But behind the laughter was a man battling deep pain.

He delivered unforgettable roles in Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and more. His untimely death in 1997 from substance abuse left fans mourning a comic genius who had barely scratched the surface of his potential. Chris reminds us that even those who make the world laugh often fight the hardest battles inside.

Gabriel Iglesias: The Fluffy Phenomenon

When Gabriel Iglesias says, “I’m not fat, I’m fluffy,” crowds erupt with laughter. This Mexican-American comedian owns his identity and uses his self-awareness to connect with fans of all ages.

Known for his hilarious sound effects, storytelling, and vocal impressions, Gabriel built a brand that goes far beyond comedy clubs. His Netflix specials, sold-out tours, and massive online following show how being real is still the strongest asset a comedian can have.

John Belushi: A Meteor That Burned Bright

John Belushi burst onto the comedy scene like a firework. As one of the original stars of Saturday Night Live, he brought a chaotic brilliance that mesmerized audiences. His performance in The Blues Brothers and Animal House became cult classics.

Sadly, Belushi’s life ended too soon in 1982 due to a drug overdose. Yet, his legacy lives on. He was more than a funny fat guy. He was a force, a fire, and a once-in-a-generation talent who inspired countless comedians who came after.

Final Thought:

These men didn’t just wear their size—they wore it with pride. They broke barriers by being themselves and taught millions of people that laughter doesn’t care about weight, only heart. I grew up watching these comedians turn pain into punchlines, and through them, I learned that joy is often born from struggle.

If you’ve ever laughed till your ribs hurt because of one of these legends, you know that their weight was never their identity. Their spirit was. And that’s what still echoes every time their jokes replay in our minds.