This paper debates Paul McGhee's contributions to humor research. From his original interest in children’s humor and cognitive evolution, to interest in humor's and laughter's neuropsychology and in the development of humor in nonhuman primates. McGhee played an early role in championing humor and laughter as a learnable device in the advance of health and well-being, and in health-care personnel training. His work has been honored via diverse Lifetime Achievements awards and other homages.