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The most famous of all the comedian/heckler incidents was Michael Richards' career-ending encounter with some African-American gentlemen a couple years back. Although TV's Kramer said some things that were completely beyond the pale in polite society, comedy isn't polite society, and perhaps his biggest mistake was coming off as a no-talent out-of-control hack as he hurled his invectives.

An audience is willing to grant a skilled comedian a lot of leeway when dealing with a heckler, because they paid to see the show and resent interruptions. Given this, what is the best way for the comic to use his free pass to dole out harsh justice?

Check out the various ways to effectively handle a heckler after the jump. (Most of the clips contain incredulous profanity, and the Carlin clip really isn't safe for anywhere.)

Cut him down with clever wit
Jimmy Carr's calm, cool and collected comeback is actually a fully formed joke with multiple punch lines, leading us to believe this isn't the first time an audience member brought the English comic's mother into it.



Unleash a barrage of deft obscenity (NSFW)
It's a shame that George Carlin will be known best for his seven dirty words, when what really defined him was his refreshingly unique, but chillingly logical, perspective on everything. However, in this clip, Carlin attacks a heckler with a barrage of obscenity that would have sent the most hardened sailor crying back to sea.



Bring the malcontent up on stage for ridicule (NSFW)
After bringing a bad audience member up on stage to punish her for various cell phone infractions, Zach Galifianakis doesn't quite know what to do. He eventually gets in some good zings, which go completely over the young lady's head, but delight the crowd.



Violently assault the schmendrick (NSFW)
We have no idea who this guy is, and judging by the quality of his jokes and his guitar he might be a singer who was engaging in some light comic banter before he was interrupted. What is for sure is the crowd enthusiastically encouraged him to take a whack at his heckler and then fell into stunned silence when he actually did.



Have him removed and tased by security
John Kerry certainly isn't a comedian, but he probably wished he could have at least thought of something funny to say as he ineffectually watched police put the voltage into the infamous "Don't tase me, bro" fool. (Yes, we think comedy shows, like anything else, would benefit from more tasings.)


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