I personally find it difficult to accept that there could be anyone on earth insensitive to the comic abilities of Laurel and Hardy, Sid Caesar, Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, or Martin Short. But no matter who the comic entertainer is, there is always at least a minority prepared to say, 'What's all the excitement about? He doesn't seem funny to me.'

In this quote, Steve Allen reflects on the universal appeal of comedy and how it is often difficult to understand why some people fail to appreciate the talents of iconic comedians like Laurel and Hardy, Sid Caesar, Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, and Martin Short. Allen is expressing his belief that these individuals have such exceptional comic abilities that they should resonate with anyone who has a sense of humor. However, he acknowledges that even the most beloved and skilled performers have their critics.

The core message of the quote revolves around the subjectivity of humor. What one person finds uproariously funny, another might dismiss as unimpressive or even irritating. Allen points out that there will always be a minority who, for reasons unknown to the broader audience, fail to appreciate certain forms of comedy. This speaks to the diverse nature of humor and how personal experiences, tastes, and sensibilities shape one's perception of what is funny.

Allen's statement also hints at the nature of popularity in the world of comedy. Despite the wide-reaching influence and success of these legendary figures, there will always be a group of people who are not swayed by the consensus and remain unconvinced by their genius. This suggests that no matter how renowned or influential a comic figure is, criticism and differing opinions will always exist.

Ultimately, Steve Allen’s quote underscores the idea that comedy is inherently subjective, and different people will always have different reactions to the same material. Even among the most celebrated comedians, there will be those who simply don’t find them funny, highlighting the variability of human taste and the diverse reactions to humor.