China In China, xiangsheng (also known as crosstalk) is a traditional comedic performance usually in the form of a dialogue between two performers. Japan In Japan the manzai tradition parallels that of the double although it is more formulaic. Here there is a distinguished straight man (tsukkomi) and funny man (boke) and the humor consists of quick slapstick jokes, comical stories and social misunderstandings. Germany In Germany Tünnes and Schäl (since 1803/1850s), two Cologne puppet theater characters, fit to the concept of fool and straight man. During WWII Tran and Helle appeared in a number of short films to deter Germans from actions detrimental to Germany's war effort or security. Between 1950 and 1980, the most popular comedy duo of East Germany, Herricht & Preil, ran a very successful double act, with Hans-Joachim Preil as the straight man and Rolf Herricht as the comic. Interchangeable roles Double acts who do not use the "Straight Man/Funny Man" dynamic or whose roles are interchangeable – as well as notable examples: Armstrong and Miller Andy Griffith and Don Knotts Ant & Dec Art Carney and Jackie Gleason Barry and Stuart Bob Odenkirk & David Cross Bob Hope and Bing Crosby Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence Cheech & Chong Conan O'Brien & Andy Richter Dan and Phil David Spade & Chris Farley Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis Franco and Ciccio Flight of the Conchords Fred Armisen & Carrie Brownstein in Portlandia (TV series) French and Saunders Fry and Laurie Gallagher and Shean Hale and Pace Harvey Korman and Tim Conway Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon John Cho and Kal Penn Key & Peele Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance Tim & Eric Mel Smith & Griff Rhys Jones Mel and Sue Mitchell and Webb Jake and Amir Newman and Baddiel Nichols and May Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams Randy and Jason Sklar Rhett & Link Rod Brasfield & Minnie Pearl Rose Marie & Morey Amsterdam Roy and HG Smith and Dale Smosh Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy Stiller and Meara The Pin Vic and Bob Notes Comedy characters Counterparts to the protagonist Vaudeville tropes