Comedian Quote by Buster Keaton
“A comedian does funny things. A good comedian does things funny.”
About This Quote
Source Film: The General, 1926
Comedy hinges on subverting expectations, making ordinary actions appear absurdly humorous.
In simple terms: Comedy makes the ordinary absurd.
Key Takeaway
Embrace absurdity in performance.
Themes
humor
creativity
performance
Mood
playful
ironic
Type
observational
satirical
When to use this quote
- stand‑up routines
- improv shows
- sketch writing
Key Concepts
subversion
timing
physical comedy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance surprise with clarity?
- When does absurdity become confusing?
A Different Perspective
Humor can alienate if misread.
![“I've had few dull moments [in my life] and not too many sad and defeated ones. In saying this I am by no means overlooking the rough and rocky years I've lived through. But I was not brought up thinking life would be easy. I always expected to work hard for my money and to get nothing I did not…” quote by Buster Keaton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/72b/buster-keaton-22416_bad-years_i-ve-had-few-dull-moments-in-my-life-and_1458229.jpg)
![“I wouldn't mind gigging around the same era as Jesus, after he gives his speech about the meek and how blessed they are and all that type of bullshit, going up there and doing a flat 20 [minutes]. I reckon I'd have better stagecraft and presence than Jesus. Yea, I'm a better stand-up comedian than…” quote by Jim Jefferies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0fb/jim-jefferies-8092_blessed_i-wouldn-t-mind-gigging-around-the-same_24477.jpg)
