Rodney Dangerfield was a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his self-deprecating humor and catchphrase "I don't get no respect." He was born Jacob Cohen in Babylon, New York, in 1921 and began his career in comedy in the 1940s under the stage name Jack Roy. He later changed his name to Rodney Dangerfield.

Dangerfield's comedy often centered on the theme of not receiving respect or getting the recognition he felt he deserved. He would often play the role of the "everyman" in his jokes, and his comedic persona was that of a frustrated and put-upon individual.

Dangerfield's big break came in the 1970s, when he began appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He became a regular guest on the show, and his popularity began to grow. He released several comedy albums and appeared in several films, including Easy Money and Caddyshack. He also had his own comedy special, "It's Not Easy Bein' Me: A Lifetime of No Respect but Plenty of Sex and Drugs."

Dangerfield continued to perform stand-up comedy and make television appearances until his death in 2004. He was known for his distinctive style, which combined observational comedy, one-liners, and storytelling, and he was considered a major influence on many comedians that followed him. He was posthumously awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2005.