I always wondered what stew of genetics and upbringing makes someone extremely funny. Its actually a pretty rare trait for someone to be 'professional quality' funny as evidenced by going to a few open mic nights. I think a lot of people want to be funny and the hustle is admirable, but I wonder if professional comedy is an inherent talent not something you can just read a book about. Still you don't know if you don'…
I'm married to a working comedian and know many. Everybody sucks when they start, and open mics are kind of built for people, even pros, to bomb at as they develop material. The people who seem "effortlessly funny" often work the hardest - although often that practice is developed in childhood.
From the open mic's I went to there was a very minscule percentage of them and most had been trying for ages.
Not sure it boils down 'just work hard'.