A member of a team of comic performers who plays a supporting role by helping to set up jokes and punch lines through engaging in preparatory dialog with the principal comedian; a foil who plays such a role in theatrical comedy
For many years Bud Abbott served brilliantly as Lou Costello's deadpan straight man.
The partner in a comedy team who feeds lines to the other comedian, who then makes witty replies. an entertainer who works with a comedian, providing him or her with opportunities to make jokes