straight man
Pronunciation:
noun
Definitions
A member (of any gender) of a team of comic performers who plays a supporting role by helping to set up jokes and punch lines through engaging in dialog with another comedian playing a more eccentric or otherwise more interesting character; a foil who plays such a role in theatrical comedy.
Example: For many years Bud Abbott served brilliantly as Lou Costello's deadpan straight man.
Synonyms:second bananastooge