Spike Milligan, Rik Mayall...comic bones, never trying to be funny, just funny.
Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett...clever, intelligent funny.
Bill Bailey, talented funny.
Spike started my comedy love, reading his war memories. Seeing him on tv just being stupid. Python continued it with the silly stuff and the absolutely brilliant Life of Brian.
And then...
Out of all of my comedy heroes Rik stands out. Just by being Rik Fucking Mayall he moved comedy from the "my mother in law..." jokes of the 70's into something different but immensely watchable. And funny. Saw the Dangerous Brothers in the tunnel club in London in the early 80's and it was absolutely stupid, funny, rude and mental.
Once met him in a pub in London, he didn't talk about himself but just asked me questions, how was I, what did I do for a job etc etc all the while winking at the barmaid whenever she came past. After a few beers I had to go. He shook my hand and then loudly called me a ****.
I beamed all year. Still do when I remember it.
Sitcom wise, Fawlty Towers is the yardstick. 12 beautifully written episodes. Loved Blackadder. Some great lines and characters. The ending was beautiful.