Skip to main content

Whose Line Is It Anyway? has become a mainstay in network television. The show introduced thousands of fans to the fun of improvisational comedy, and allowed up and coming comedians the chance to truly shine.

One of the comedians that has gained a whole new fanbase from his work on the show is Ryan Stiles, a Canadian-American celebrity entertainer who has also appeared in a wide variety of other television programs.

In 2014, Stiles opened up about his work on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and the one particular game that he could have done without. 

When did ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ debut on television?

Ryan Stiles performs onstage
Ryan Stiles performs onstage | Rick Kern/Getty Images

Whose Line Is It Anyway? began as an adaptation of a British television show of the same name. It made its debut on American television in 1998 and quickly became one of the most talked-about comedies around.

The original version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? was hosted by the popular comedian Drew Carey, and aired concurrently on ABC as well as ABC Family. Cast members for the show include Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady, and Colin Mochrie.

Over the years, the show has welcomed a wide variety of guest panelists to participate. Some of the most popular guests have included Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and Kathy Griffin. The original run of Whose Line Is It Anyway? ended in 2007, but due to overwhelming fan outcry, it was brought back for a series revival in 2013.

The revival, hosted by Aisha Tyler, is still in syndication and remains as popular as ever. 

Who is Ryan Stiles?

Ryan Stiles is one of the original performers on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and remains a valued part of the cast to this day. He was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1959, and became interested in stand-up comedy when he was still a teenager.

He traveled all around the United States, performing in clubs and comedy venues, and eventually caught the attention of showrunners for the British version of Whose Line Is It Anyway?

After appearing on the British version of the show until it was canceled in 1998, Stiles went on to get hired for the American version of the show. He has remained a constant presence on the show from the very beginning, and has become a steadfast fan favorite.

In addition to his work on Whose Line Is It Anyway? Stiles has appeared in television shows like Two and a Half Men and Mad About You. Stiles has earned a name for himself as not only a force to be reckoned with in comedy but as a talented actor as well. 

What game on ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ did Ryan Stiles dislike the most?

Related

Everyone On ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’ Has Kissed Each Other, With One Exception

Ryan Stiles has been honored several times for his work on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and always seems up for anything. However, the comedian opened up in 2014 about one game that he definitely wasn’t fond of.

The game featured both Stiles and Colin Mochrie, with Stiles having to pretend that Mochrie’s arms were his as they went through a series of hilarious challenges.

As Stiles admitted on YouTube, this was probably his least favorite of all the games over the years, due to the fact that, at one point, he had to lick “his” fingers — his fingers actually being Mochrie’s.

Even if Stiles hated the sketch, fans loved it, and it has become one of the most popular games on the show. In addition, Stiles remains well-known as the cast member who is always hilarious, even when he might not be fond of the game of the moment.