15 Comedy Legends Who Were Late Bloomers

Fox, CBS
They did it! It took a lot longer than expected, but by golly they did it! And think of how good it must’ve felt to finally achieve the success you always knew you could. Success must’ve felt pretty sweet to the prodigies as well, but in achieving something at an early age, they didn’t have to endure the life of a starving artist. The 8 adult roommates in a studio apartment, the balled up hoodie as a pillow on the kitchen floor because you were on the road and luckily found a place to sleep. Well, that’s the life of a late bloomer.
Most people don’t have their path figured out in their teens, and that’s okay! Some of our favorite comedians trudged through life for a while before finding their comedic passion. Some began their comedy path early on, but it just took time to find their voice and get plucked out of obscurity. Either way, these 15 now-famous funny folks were late bloomers in the comedy garden, and we’re thrilled that they never gave up.
Rodney Dangerfield is the patron saint of late bloomers.

No way Nick Offerman was 39 on 'Parks and Rec.'

NBCUniversal
Larry David was born old.

HBO
Ricky Gervais

BBC
Bryan Cranston was Malcolm in the Middle-aged.

Fox
43 year old actor for the 40 year old virgin.

Universal Pictures
Even as a late bloomer, Phyllis Diller did stand-up for over 50 years.

Leslie Jones proves that the SNL cast isn’t just young comedians.

NBCUniversal
Melissa McCarthy went from The Groundlings to The Oscars.

Universal Pictures
Lisa Lampanelli finally broke out roasting Chevy Chase.

One big break skyrocketed Tiffany Haddish to stardom.

Universal Pictures
Mike DeStefano knew who he was when he started comedy.

Lewis Black is known for his “old man yelling at clouds” style.

Ron Shock was 40 years old when he tried stand-up.

Lions Gate
Lucille Ball performed into her 60s.

CBS