straight man
1. A heterosexual man. I don't think there was a single straight man at the concert.
2. A male actor or the character he plays who acts in a largely normal, composed, or understated manner in order to set up or react to the jokes or gags of another character. I always considered Bud Abbott to be the very best straight man in all of comedy, the perfect and hilarious foil to the wonderful Lou Costello. I always play the straight man in comedies. I'd just like something a little more zany or out there for my next role.
straight man
someone who sets up jokes or gags so that someone else can say the punch line. I need a straight man to set up all my jokes. I'm tired of being a straight man for a has-been comic.
straight man
n. someone who sets up jokes or gags so that someone else can say the punch line. I’m tired of being a straight man for a has-been comic.