Wiggin Out Tickets

Wigging Out in Relation to Comedy: The Importance of Wigs in Comedic Performances

Comedy is a genre that relies on many different aspects to achieve its desired effect. It’s not just the timing, delivery, and jokes, but often the use of physical quirks, props, and costumes that can elevate the comedic material to the next level. One such accessory that has proved its value time and time again in comedy is wigs. Whether it’s changing the appearance of a character or providing an unexpected visual element, wigs have become a staple of comedians’ toolkits.

One popular example of wig usage in comedy is Saturday Night Live (SNL), which has been on the air for over 40 years. The show incorporates wigs in almost every episode, with the most famous being actress Kristen Wiig’s Broad City-inspired blond hairdo as Gilly, or the outrageous wigs worn by Fred Armisen and Bill Hader in their recurring “Garth and Kat” skits. Those particular sketches became famous not just for their humor, but because the actors broke character multiple times as they tried to keep a straight face while donning ridiculous wigs on stage.

In addition to SNL, other comedies like Will & Grace have made use of wigs to help depict characters that are more exaggerated or stereotypical. Actress Shelley Morrison wore numerous wigs during her six-year stint as Rosario on the show, each one helping to give her character a unique look and feel.

Wigs can also be used as a way for comedians to differentiate between themselves and their characters, especially when they’re playing more than one role in a performance. Eddie Murphy famously played multiple characters in his film Coming to America, all enhanced by their respective hairstyles. From the wild afro of musician Randy Watson to the regal up-do of the Queen of Zamunda, Murphy masterfully employed wigs to distinguish each character he was portraying and add depth to the comedy.

Of course, wigs can also be used simply for shock value. In the iconic 2001 comedy Zoolander, Ben Stiller’s character Derek dons a towering “freak” hairstyle that could easily steal any scene in which it appears. Similarly, in the hit show Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara’s character Moira Rose is defined by her ever-changing series of dramatic wigs that are an integral part of her personality.

Whether they’re being used to create stunning visuals, add humor, or help us differentiate between characters, wigs have become a vital part of comedians' on-stage personas. From Kristen Wiig’s Gilly to Eddie Murphy’s Randy Watson, these comedic performers know how to use their hairpieces to their advantage. When it comes to wigging out, comedians are clearly leading the pack.