Performer close to tears dropped by Universal (5)

I believe the answer is:

comic

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'performer' is the definition.
(I know that comic is a type of performer)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for comic that I've seen before include "Funny, droll" , "Funny; comedian" , "Stand-up comedian" , "Funny entertainer, often stand-up" , "Garden perhaps" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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