Clive Anderson

British comedian Clive Anderson's name is synonymous with improvisational comedy. As the original host of the 10-season Channel 4 improv show "Whose Line is it Anyway," Anderson provided platforms for an array of gifted comic talents, including Stephen Fry and John Sessions. But Anderson's comedic influences range far beyond that show, even though his career began in a very different place. In the early '70s, Anderson attended Selwyn College in Cambridge, where he was president of the dramatic club, The Footlights. While his experiences there would pay off later, his original path was criminal law, and in 1976, he officially became a barrister. But it wasn't long before Anderson's comedic dreams came to the forefront. He entered show business in 1979 as a writer on the acclaimed sketch comedy show "Not the Nine O'Clock News" featuring the high-profile comedian Rowan Atkinson, and throughout the early to mid-'80s Anderson developed his talents through stand-up gigs and occasional scriptwriting. But his big break came in 1988 when he was given the role of host on the previously radio-based improv show "Whose Line is it Anyway? ." Beloved for his quick delivery and constant barbs with contestants (including show regular Greg Proops), Anderson enjoyed a 10-year run before the show was transferred to the U.S. with new host Drew Carey. Hosting became Anderson's new gig, and he wore that hat for shows such as the 1998 quiz show "If I Ruled the World" and the 2009 documentary series "The Funny Side of...."