For centuries, theorists have argued over comedy’s unifying link. Incongruity, superiority, aggression, surprise, and relief keep popping up, either singly or in combinations.

Judd: My parents didn’t talk about religion, either. And then, out of the blue, my brother became an Orthodox Jew and moved to Israel. I always think it’s funny how, in the same family, one person looks for answers through comedy and another through religion.