Those were the days! That’s probably what a lot of us think when reminiscing about some of the first comics in the 20th century. Back then, being a comic meant more than just standing on stage in front of thousands and rattling off one joke after another. That seems to be the business of comedy today—a lot of off-color jokes, with every 10th word “bleeped” when routines are shown on television. Can’t “clean” be funny these days?

Clean certainly used to be funny. Jack Benny is a prime example of what comedy was like in the 1950s. He got his start on radio in the ‘30s, as so many did in those days, but he is best remembered for his television show. He began the show with a few jokes in front of the audience, but skits portraying the life of a forever-39-year-old tightwad made up most of the show. He is probably most remembered for his great comedic timing. He could get a laugh with just a well-placed pause. Who can forget the slight turn of his head, fingers on his chin, and an exasperated “Well!”

What about the quintessential Bob Hope? “You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” Hope was another comic who didn’t rely merely on telling jokes in front of an audience. He started on radio and moved to the big screen, which included the famous “road movies.” But Hope may be most famous for his TV variety show, and, of course, his years devoted to USO tours.

Comics such as Red Skelton and Jackie Gleason were also big. Remember Red Skelton’s Clem Kadiddlehopper and his jokes about the seagulls, Gertrude and Heathcliff? What about Jackie Gleason and such characters as Joe the Bartender and Ralph of The Honeymooners?

And let’s not forget the women: Moms Mabley, Lucille Ball, Phyllis Diller, and Minnie Pearl.

More recent comics such as Carol Burnett, Lily Tomlin, Bill Cosby, and Flip Wilson paved the way for such modern favorites as Ellen DeGeneres . . .  whose routine never needs “bleeping.”

Clean can still be funny: you may just have to look a little harder!