Are you in need of a good laugh? Look no further than these 15 hilarious female comedians who are sure to brighten up your day. From old favorites to new stars, this mix of talent is sure to have you in stitches.
Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett, and Lucille Ball paved the way for female comedians in the entertainment industry. Their wit and humor broke down barriers and opened doors for future generations of women in comedy. Today, we have a whole new crop of female comedians who are making their mark in the industry and leaving audiences in stitches.
Whether you prefer observational humor, satire, or physical comedy, these comedians have something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh as we take a closer look at 15 of the funniest female comedians in the game.
Contents
Old Favorites
If you’re a fan of female comedians, you’re likely familiar with the old favorites who paved the way for today’s stars. These women were trailblazers in the industry and helped break down barriers for future generations of female comedians. Let’s take a closer look at some of these old favorites.
Phyllis Diller
Phyllis Diller was a comedian and actress who got her start in the 1950s and ’60s. She was known for her self-deprecating humor and outrageous costumes, which often included a wild wig and a cigarette holder.
Diller was a regular on many TV shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and she also had her own sitcom, “The Phyllis Diller Show.” She continued to perform stand-up comedy well into her 80s and passed away in 2012 at the age of 95.
Carol Burnett
Carol Burnett is a legendary comedian and actress who began her career in the 1950s. She is best known for her variety show, “The Carol Burnett Show,” which aired from 1967 to 1978. The show was a huge success and won numerous Emmy Awards. Burnett was known for her physical comedy, her ability to play a variety of characters, and her signature ear tug at the end of each episode. She continues to act and perform to this day.
Joan Rivers
Joan Rivers was a comedian, actress, and television host who got her start in the 1960s. She was known for her sharp wit, her ability to poke fun at herself, and her love of plastic surgery. Rivers was a regular on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and went on to host her own talk show, “The Joan Rivers Show.” She continued to perform stand-up comedy until her death in 2014 at the age of 81.
Betty White
Betty White is an actress and comedian who has been working in the industry since the 1940s. She is best known for her roles on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Golden Girls,” but she has also appeared in countless movies and TV shows throughout her career. White is known for her quick wit, her infectious smile, and her ability to play a variety of characters. She continues to act and perform to this day and is beloved by fans of all ages.
Gilda Radner
Gilda Radner was a comedian and actress who got her start in the 1970s. She was a cast member on the first season of “Saturday Night Live” and went on to become one of the most beloved members of the cast. Radner was known for her zany characters, including Roseanne Roseannadanna and Baba Wawa, and her ability to make people laugh with just a look or a gesture. She passed away in 1989 at the age of 42.
Paula Poundstone
Paula Poundstone is a comedian and actress who got her start in the 1980s. She is known for her deadpan delivery, her quick wit, and her ability to improvise on stage.
Poundstone has appeared on numerous TV shows, including “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and “Late Night with David Letterman,” and she has released several comedy albums.
She continues to perform stand-up comedy to this day and is a favorite among fans of the genre.
Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes is a veteran in the comedy world, but she continues to bring her unique perspective to the stage. Her observational humor often touches on real issues, from politics to race to family dynamics. You can catch her stand-up specials on Netflix, where she fearlessly tackles controversial topics with her signature wit.
Tina Fey
Tina Fey is best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, but she’s also a talented stand-up comedian.
Her humor is often self-deprecating, but she’s not afraid to take on big issues like sexism and politics.
Her Netflix special, “Tina Fey: The Mark Twain Prize,” showcases her comedic genius and proves that she’s still one of the funniest women in show business.
Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman is a comedian who isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
Her edgy humor often touches on taboo subjects like sex and religion, but she always manages to find the humor in even the darkest topics.
Her Netflix special, “A Speck of Dust,” is a must-watch for fans of irreverent comedy.
Margaret Cho
Margaret Cho is a trailblazer in the comedy world, known for her fearless approach to controversial topics. Her humor often touches on issues like race, sexuality, and politics, and she has a talent for turning her personal experiences into hilarious anecdotes. Her Netflix special, “PsyCHO,” is a great introduction to her unique brand of comedy.
Whitney Cummings
Whitney Cummings has been around for a while, but she’s really starting to come into her own as a comedian. She’s known for her sharp wit and her ability to take on taboo subjects with ease. Cummings is also a talented writer, having created and starred in the sitcoms Whitney and 2 Broke Girls.
Kristen Wiig
Kristen Wiig is a veteran of the comedy world, but she’s still going strong. She’s known for her hilarious characters on Saturday Night Live, as well as her roles in movies like Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters. Wiig has a unique brand of humor that’s both quirky and relatable, and she’s always willing to take risks.
These old favorites paved the way for today’s female comedians and continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
New-ish Stars
If you’re looking for fresh faces in the world of comedy, these female comedians are sure to make you laugh. From sharp observations to hilarious stories, these new stars have made a name for themselves in recent years.
Nikki Glaser
Nikki Glaser is a rising star in the world of comedy, known for her sharp wit and fearless approach to taboo topics.
Her humor often touches on sex and relationships, and she’s not afraid to get personal in her stand-up.
Her Netflix special, “Bangin’,” is a great example of her talent for turning awkward situations into hilarious jokes.
Ali Wong
Ali Wong burst onto the comedy scene with her Netflix special, “Baby Cobra,” which she filmed while seven months pregnant.
Her humor often touches on motherhood and relationships, but she’s also not afraid to tackle political topics like racism and sexism.
Her follow-up special, “Hard Knock Wife,” is another must-watch for fans of her bold and hilarious style.
Rising Talents
If you’re looking for some fresh faces in the world of female comedy, you’re in luck. Here are five rising talents that you should definitely keep an eye on:
Tiffany Haddish
Tiffany Haddish has been making waves in the comedy world for a few years now, but she really broke out in 2017 with her role in the hit movie Girls Trip.
Since then, she’s become a household name, and for good reason. Haddish has a unique brand of humor that’s both irreverent and relatable. She’s not afraid to tackle tough subjects, but she always manages to find the humor in them.
Iliza Shlesinger
Iliza Shlesinger is a rising star in the world of female comedy.
She’s known for her sharp wit and her ability to take on tough subjects with ease.
Shlesinger has a unique perspective on the world, and she’s not afraid to share it with her audiences.
She’s also a talented writer, having created and starred in the sitcom Forever 31.
Sasheer Zamata
Sasheer Zamata is a comedian, actress, and writer who’s best known for her work on Saturday Night Live. She’s also appeared in movies like Sleight and I Feel Pretty. Zamata has a unique brand of humor that’s both smart and silly, and she’s not afraid to tackle tough subjects. She’s also a talented writer, having written for shows like Inside Amy Schumer and This American Life.
These five rising talents are just a few examples of the many hilarious female comedians out there. Keep an eye on them, and you’re sure to be entertained for years to come.
Pioneers
When it comes to female comedians, there have been many trailblazers who have paved the way for the hilarious women we know and love today. These pioneers broke through barriers and proved that women can be just as funny as men. Here are two of the most influential pioneers in the world of comedy:
Moms Mabley
Born in the early 20th century, Moms Mabley was a comedian, singer, and actress who was known for her raunchy humor and her ability to make audiences laugh. She got her start in the 1920s and 1930s, performing in vaudeville shows and on the chitlin’ circuit. Despite facing discrimination and racism, Moms Mabley continued to pursue her passion for comedy and eventually became one of the most popular comedians of her time.
Moms Mabley’s humor was often self-deprecating, and she frequently joked about her age, appearance, and lack of teeth. Her style of comedy was groundbreaking, and she paved the way for other female comedians to follow in her footsteps. She was a true pioneer in the world of comedy, and her legacy lives on today.
Kathleen Madigan
Kathleen Madigan is a more recent pioneer in the world of comedy, but her impact has been just as significant. She got her start in the 1990s and quickly gained a following for her sharp wit and relatable humor. She has since gone on to become one of the most successful female comedians of all time.
Madigan’s humor is often observational, and she frequently pokes fun at everyday situations and experiences. She has been praised for her ability to connect with audiences and make them laugh with her relatable material. She has also been a trailblazer for female comedians in the sense that she has proven that women can be just as successful and popular as male comedians.
In conclusion, Moms Mabley and Kathleen Madigan are two of the most influential pioneers in the world of comedy. They broke down barriers and proved that women can be just as funny as men. Their legacies live on today, and they continue to inspire female comedians around the world.
TV and Film
When it comes to female comedians in TV and film, there are plenty of iconic moments that come to mind. Here are some sub-sections highlighting some of the most memorable shows and movies.
Bridesmaids
“Bridesmaids” is a 2011 comedy film that stars Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, and others. Directed by Paul Feig, the movie is a hilarious take on the pre-wedding rituals of a group of friends. The film was a commercial and critical success, and it helped launch the careers of many of its stars.
Saturday Night Live
“Saturday Night Live” has been a breeding ground for new talent since its inception in 1975. The show has featured many female comedians over the years, including Gilda Radner, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Kate McKinnon. These women have not only become household names but have also gone on to produce, direct, and star in their own TV shows and movies.
Comedy Central
Comedy Central has been home to some of the funniest female comedians of the past few decades. The network has aired shows like “Inside Amy Schumer,” “The Sarah Silverman Program,” and “Broad City.” These shows have helped to launch the careers of many talented women in the industry.
The New Adventures of Old Christine
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” is a sitcom that aired on CBS from 2006 to 2010. The show starred Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell, a divorced working mother who navigates the ups and downs of life with her ex-husband and their son. The show was praised for its sharp writing and Louis-Dreyfus’s comedic timing.
CBS
CBS has been home to many successful female-led sitcoms over the years. Shows like “Murphy Brown,” “Designing Women,” and “The Big Bang Theory” have all been hits with audiences. These shows have not only been entertaining but have also helped to break down barriers for women in the industry.
Seinfeld
“Seinfeld” is a classic sitcom that aired on NBC from 1989 to 1998. The show starred Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards. Louis-Dreyfus’s portrayal of Elaine Benes helped to establish her as one of the funniest women in the industry. The show’s influence can still be felt in TV comedy today.
Overall, female comedians have made significant contributions to TV and film over the years. Whether it’s through stand-up specials, producing, directing, or hosting, these women have proven that they can hold their own in a male-dominated industry.
Conclusion
It’s clear that women comedians have come a long way and are now a force to be reckoned with in the comedy industry. They have proven that they can be just as funny, as their male counterparts. With their unique perspectives and alternative approaches, they have brought a fresh and much-needed perspective to the world of comedy.
Religion has also been a topic that many female comedians have tackled with humor and grace. From the irreverent Sarah Silverman to the more subtle humor of Tig Notaro, these women have shown that religion can be a source of comedy gold.
Women in comedy have faced their fair share of challenges over the years, but they have persevered and continue to make us laugh. So, the next time you’re looking for a good laugh, turn to one of these hilarious women comedians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some of the new female comedians making waves in the industry?
There are many new female comedians making waves in the industry. Some of the most popular ones include Ali Wong, Hannah Gadsby, Michelle Wolf, and Iliza Shlesinger. These comedians have gained popularity for their unique perspectives and hilarious takes on modern life.
What are some classic comedy routines from female comedians?
Some classic comedy routines from female comedians include Joan Rivers’ “Can We Talk?” Other classic routines include Phyllis Diller’s self-deprecating humor and Lucille Ball’s physical comedy.
Who are some of the most successful female comedians in terms of revenue?
Some of the most successful female comedians in terms of revenue include Ellen DeGeneres, Amy Schumer, and Sarah Silverman. These comedians have built successful careers through their stand-up comedy, television shows, and movies.
What challenges have female comedians faced in the industry?
Female comedians have faced many challenges in the industry, including sexism, ageism, and lack of representation. Many female comedians have spoken out about the challenges they face, including the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and the difficulty of breaking into a male-dominated industry.
How have female comedians influenced the comedy genre?
Female comedians have had a significant impact on the comedy genre, bringing new perspectives and breaking down gender barriers. Many female comedians have used their humor to challenge societal norms and push for greater equality.
What are some upcoming projects from female comedians to look out for?
There are many upcoming projects from female comedians to look out for, including new stand-up specials, television shows, and movies. Some of the most highly anticipated projects include Ali Wong’s new Netflix special and Mindy Kaling’s upcoming comedy series.
