Alex Edelman has been named one of the 100 most influential people of 2024 by Time magazine.

The comic appears on the list alongside the likes of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Larry Ellison, one of the world’s five richest men.

He was selected by the magazine's editorial team, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge penning a testimonial to him

She wrote: ‘Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Alex Edelman consistently dazzle audiences in basement clubs, backs of taxis, comedy festivals, friends’ kitchens, and iconic London theatres.

‘Alex’s ability to hold people in the palm of his hand is otherworldly. His puppyish charm transports a fierce and brilliant wit, masterfully inviting us to come to his observations with a ​childlike glee, even if his subject is absolutely terrifying.

‘It was no surprise then that when his tour de force show Just for Us—about racist white nationalists, internet trolling, and antisemitism—landed on Broadway earlier this year, it was lauded as one of the funniest, most human pieces of work in years.

‘He is an unstoppable artist with a unique perspective, who refreshingly asks us to think with him, not like him. He is a loyal friend and very humble, but above all, he is one of the most rare and beautiful things in these wild times—an optimist.’

Writing on X, Edelman said: 'Thank you Phoebe I love you I’m getting a back tattoo of you. As honored as I am undeserving. Long live print journalism.'

The Massachusetts-born stand-up cut his teeth on the UK comedy circuit, winning best newcomer at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe, before finding huge success with his latest stand-up show Just For Us. Directed by the late Adam Brace, the show has recently finished an acclaimed Broadway run and now been turned into an HBO special.

Maya Rudolph also made the list, nominated by Amy Poehler, who praised how she is ‘able to deliver big laughs and deep emotions at the same time’

The pair worked together on Saturday Night Live, and Poehler added: ‘For a comedy genius, she is a giant comedy fan. She is generous with her laughter. She loves being part of a team, but she can make the winning shot if you pass her the ball… We should count ourselves lucky that we get to live in a world where the hilarious California mama named Maya Rudolph is here to soothe our pain.’