What is it called when actors can’t stop laughing?
Exploring the Phenomenon of Corpsing in Theatre and Film
(By Carmichael Phillip)
(Photo by Josh Howard on Unsplash)
What Is Corpsing?
When actors burst into uncontrollable laughter during a scene, it’s more than just a funny moment—it’s a theatrical phenomenon known as corpsing. This term, rooted in the world of stage performance, refers to an actor breaking character—often due to laughter—usually at the worst possible moment.
The term originated in British theatre, particularly when actors playing dead bodies (or “corpses”) would inadvertently laugh or move. Over time, “corpsing” evolved to describe any moment when an actor fails to stay in character due to laughter or amusement.
While corpsing might derail a scene, audiences often find it endearing, and in live performances, it can create unforgettable, spontaneous humor.
Famous Examples of Corpsing on Stage
Stage actors are no strangers to corpsing. In fact, many live theatergoers secretly hope for a bit of it—it’s a reminder that they’re watching real humans perform, not robots.
One legendary example comes from the long-running British sketch comedy show Morecambe and Wise. In a sketch featuring newsreader Angela Rippon, Eric Morecambe’s antics caused his co-star Ernie Wise to break into fits of laughter, forcing him to cover his face and turn away from the audience.
Another classic instance occurred in Monty Python’s Flying Circus stage shows. The late Graham Chapman was infamous for making others laugh, especially John Cleese. In one performance of the famous “Dead Parrot” sketch, Cleese struggled to keep a straight face as Chapman repeated the absurd line, “This is an ex-parrot!”
Corpsing isn’t exclusive to comedy. Even in dramatic plays, unexpected errors, forgotten lines, or bizarre audience reactions can cause actors to break. In Shakespeare in the Park performances, actors have occasionally broken down laughing when unexpected things (like animals running through the scene) happen in the open-air environment.
Corpsing in Film and Television
While stage actors have to work through corpsing in real time, film and television actors often get the luxury of a second take. Still, many iconic bloopers have survived behind-the-scenes reels and DVD extras.
A well-known example comes from Friends, where David Schwimmer (Ross) frequently made Jennifer Aniston (Rachel) break into laughter. One instance involved Ross playing the bagpipes—off-key and loudly—causing nearly the entire cast to corpse.
In The Office (U.S.), Steve Carell’s improvisational comedy often made co-stars like Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski lose composure. The scene where Michael Scott gives an impromptu motivational talk in a warehouse is so chaotic that you can see Krasinski trying not to laugh, often looking away from the camera to hide it.
In Parks and Recreation, Chris Pratt famously improvised a line about “Kim Kardashian’s sex tape” that caused Amy Poehler and Aubrey Plaza to burst into laughter during filming. The line wasn’t scripted, but it became a fan-favorite blooper.
Even dramatic shows aren’t immune. In Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul were known to break character during high-tension scenes, especially when lines were flubbed or props malfunctioned in humorous ways.
The Psychology Behind Corpsing
Why do actors corpse? While it may seem unprofessional, corpsing is often a result of extreme emotional tension or the absurdity of the moment. In fact, some psychologists argue that laughing at the “wrong” time is a natural release of built-up pressure.
In comedic settings, corpsing often occurs because actors have rehearsed a scene so many times that even the slightest unexpected twist becomes hilarious. When a line is delivered with a new inflection, or a prop malfunctions, the surprise triggers laughter.
In dramatic scenes, corpsing can be a way for the brain to cope with intense stress or discomfort. A funeral scene, for instance, might cause suppressed tension to erupt in laughter—even if the actors know it’s “inappropriate.”
There’s also a social element to corpsing. Watching someone else struggle to keep a straight face can be contagious. It’s a form of emotional mirroring, and once one actor starts laughing, the others often follow.
When Is Corpsing a Problem?
While corpsing can be funny and even charming, it’s not always welcome—especially in professional settings. In live theater, breaking character too often can derail a performance and pull the audience out of the story.
Directors often discourage corpsing in rehearsal, encouraging actors to maintain discipline even in the face of humor. Some productions even rehearse corpsing scenarios—intentionally trying to make actors laugh—so they learn how to stay composed.
In television and film, corpsing can be expensive. Every ruined take means more time and money spent on reshoots. Still, some bloopers become beloved by fans and even end up in the final cut, especially in comedy films.
A notable case is the movie Liar Liar, where Jim Carrey’s relentless improvisation caused both cast and crew to break into laughter repeatedly. Many bloopers from the film were included in the closing credits, adding to its charm.
How Directors and Actors Handle Corpsing
Experienced directors often prepare for corpsing by encouraging rehearsal discipline while also maintaining flexibility. Some strategies used include:
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“Deadpan drills” – Rehearsing emotionally neutral delivery to help actors resist contagious laughter.
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Improv warm-ups – Letting actors blow off steam before serious scenes.
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“Look away” tactics – Teaching actors where to direct their gaze when laughter is imminent.
Actors also develop their own methods. Daniel Radcliffe, during the filming of the Harry Potter series, mentioned that when he felt the giggles coming on, he would physically bite the inside of his mouth to stay focused. Ian McKellen, on the other hand, focused on breath control and posture to avoid cracking up.
Corpsing in Comedy: Sometimes It’s the Goal
In some comedic formats, corpsing is actually encouraged—or at least tolerated—as a sign that the content is genuinely funny.
Saturday Night Live (SNL) has become famous for corpsing. Sketches like Debbie Downer with Rachel Dratch and Jimmy Fallon are legendary because the actors cannot stop laughing. The audience loves it, and those breaks often become the most memorable moments.
British comedy panel shows like Would I Lie to You? and QI thrive on spontaneous laughter. The panelists are often professional comedians who riff off each other, and corpsing is part of the charm.
Stand-up comedians may also corpse—especially when telling new material that surprises even themselves. Laughter in these moments is infectious and can increase audience enjoyment.
When Corpsing Enhances a Performance
There are rare cases when corpsing actually enhances a performance. A spontaneous break can make a moment feel authentic and human. If handled well, it can be woven into the scene.
In The Carol Burnett Show, Tim Conway was notorious for making his co-stars crack up—particularly Harvey Korman. The show’s producers often let these moments play out because the audience loved seeing the cast enjoy themselves.
In the film Bridesmaids, Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy improvised many of their scenes. Their chemistry and tendency to laugh during filming was embraced by director Paul Feig, who allowed some giggling to remain in the final cut.
In Anchorman, Will Ferrell and Steve Carell constantly corpsed during takes. Some scenes made it into the final version precisely because the laughter felt organic, reflecting the absurdity of the moment.
Corpsing vs. Breaking the Fourth Wall
While corpsing and “breaking the fourth wall” both involve interrupting the illusion of a performance, they are different phenomena.
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Corpsing is involuntary and usually due to laughter or surprise.
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Breaking the fourth wall is a deliberate technique where an actor acknowledges the audience.
In a play like Our Town, characters frequently break the fourth wall to address the audience. In contrast, if an actor breaks character by laughing at an unexpected moment, that’s corpsing.
That said, sometimes the two blend. In meta-theatrical works like The Play That Goes Wrong, corpsing is used intentionally to create humor—blurring the line between character and performer.
Conclusion: Laughing Through the Lines
So, what is it called when actors can’t stop laughing? It’s called corpsing—a moment when professionalism gives way to genuine human emotion. While often disruptive, corpsing is also a reminder of the live and unpredictable nature of performance.
From the stages of the West End to the soundstages of Hollywood, corpsing has created some of the most beloved bloopers and spontaneous moments in entertainment history. Whether it’s Steve Carell making his co-stars cry with laughter or a Shakespearean actor giggling through Hamlet, corpsing reveals the joy behind the craft.
And in a world that sometimes takes itself too seriously, maybe a little unexpected laughter is exactly what we need.
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