Study: The funniest member of a comedy duo usually dies first

Within a comedy team, researchers discovered that the difference in survival rates was stark – the designated funny members of the team were found to be three times more likely to die sooner than the ‘stooge’.

For example, Ernie Wise, the ‘straight man’ of Morecambe and Wise, lived to 73, while his funnier partner, Eric Morecambe, died aged 58.

Co-author Professor Simon Stewart, Director of the MMIHR, said that the research team were surprised by the strength of their findings.

‘As we reach the festive part of the year, it is sobering to think that many of the people who make us laugh the most are vulnerable to emotional and psychological distress that leaves them at risk of a premature death’ said Professor Stewart.