On this day May 19, 1987, the very first American Comedy Awards aired on ABC, marking a new tradition in honoring excellence in comedy across film, television and stand up. Created to recognize comedians and comedic performances often overlooked by traditional awards, the ceremony quickly became a staple for celebrating laughter.
The inaugural event saw Woody Allen named Funniest Actor for his role in Hannah and Her Sisters and Bette Midler honored as Funniest Actress for her performance in Ruthless People. The awards also highlighted iconic figures in comedy and offered tributes to both emerging talent and comedy legends.
The American Comedy Awards ran annually for over a decade, spotlighting the art of humor and the performers who helped shape the culture of comedy in the 80s and beyond.
Fun fact: The show helped elevate comedy as an art form by treating it with the same respect typically reserved for dramatic achievements.
The inaugural event saw Woody Allen named Funniest Actor for his role in Hannah and Her Sisters and Bette Midler honored as Funniest Actress for her performance in Ruthless People. The awards also highlighted iconic figures in comedy and offered tributes to both emerging talent and comedy legends.
The American Comedy Awards ran annually for over a decade, spotlighting the art of humor and the performers who helped shape the culture of comedy in the 80s and beyond.
Fun fact: The show helped elevate comedy as an art form by treating it with the same respect typically reserved for dramatic achievements.
