LONDON, Jan 2 Reuters - Peter Cook was picked today as the English-speaking world’s most talented comedian in a poll of more than 300 comics, comedy writers, producers and directors on both sides of the Atlantic.
The British comedian, who first rose to fame in the satirical show Beyond The Fringe,'' took the title ahead of Monty Python’’ star John Cleese.
Canadian Mike Myers, famed for his role as Austin Powers, said of Cook’s quirky and distinctive humour: I didn't know dirty words could be done that artfully.'' Third in the poll conducted by Britain's Channel 4 television show The Comedians’ Comedian’’ was American film-maker Woody Allen.