The Funniest Female Comedians of All Time
The funniest female comedians star on our favorite sitcoms, perform standup at the top comedy clubs and best of all, make us laugh until we cry. These talented women comedians (or 'commediennes' if you're fancy) are just as funny as any male comedians, if not funnier. Plus, they get to tell female-friendly jokes that most men wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole. Girl comedians can just do some jokes better than the guys can.
Alone, these female comedians are utterly hilarious on their own, but when they team up, watch out. That was exactly the case in 2011 when funny ladies like Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy teamed up with some of the funniest minds in film today to make the smash comedy hit Bridesmaids. Previously, the blonde comedian was known mainly for her many quirky characters on Saturday Night Live, but she's more than just a funny lady, she's a smart (and beautiful!) one too.
For others, the leap from the gut-busting standup acts to primetime television came after the female comedians got noticed by the networks. Chelsea Handler, Whitney Cummings and even Ellen DeGeneres all paid their dues on the standup circuit before getting their own television series.
Whether these talented female comedians make us laugh with their television shows, appear in hilarious comedy movies, are familiar faces on Comedy Central or simply provide the best hilariously inappropriate jokes on celebrity roasts, each rival any of the top male comedians in the business today. Some of them are considered to be the funniest people of all time. Have a funny lady that makes you laugh until you wet your pants? White or black, young or old, tell us your favorites by voting up the best female comedians below.
- 104/26/1933
- Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas, USA
A trailblazer in sketch comedy, Carol Burnett rose to fame as the host of The Carol Burnett Show, a groundbreaking variety series that saw her playing a range of zany characters. Her infectious laugh and spot-on timing have made her a comedic legend, with several Emmy Awards to show for it. In addition to her television success, Burnett has found acclaim on Broadway and in popular films such as Annie.
- 201/17/1922
- Birthplace: Oak Park, Illinois, USA
Beloved for her quick wit and sharp humor, Betty White is best known for her roles on television sitcoms The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. With a career spanning over seven decades, she has become an icon in the entertainment world and holds the record for the longest TV career of any female entertainer. White's endearing and charming personality has made her a fan favorite across multiple generations.
- 308/06/1911
- Birthplace: Jamestown, New York, USA
As the star and co-creator of the iconic sitcom I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball revolutionized television comedy with her impeccable slapstick and hilarious facial expressions. Alongside her on-screen and real-life husband, Desi Arnaz, Ball became a pioneer in the entertainment industry by founding their production company, Desilu Productions. With multiple sitcoms and film appearances, Ball's legacy as a comedic powerhouse remains unmatched.
- 406/28/1946
- Birthplace: Michigan, USA, Detroit
As an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, Gilda Radner quickly became a standout performer with her energetic and quirky characters, most notably Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella. Her incredible talent for character-driven comedy and improvisation solidified her status as a comedic genius. Although her life was tragically cut short by cancer, Radner's impact on the world of comedy remains significant.
- 505/18/1970
- Birthplace: Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, USA
Blending intelligence and wit, Tina Fey first gained fame as a writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live before creating her own hit sitcom, 30 Rock. With a knack for sharp, insightful humor, Fey has become a household name as an actress, writer, and producer. Her popular films, such as Mean Girls and Sisters, and best-selling memoir "Bossypants" have further cemented her status as a comedic force.
- 609/01/1939
- Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA
With a career spanning more than five decades, Lily Tomlin has forged a lasting legacy as both a groundbreaking solo performer and a successful actress. Tomlin's unique blend of humor and social commentary exploded onto the scene with her one-woman shows and popular appearances on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. Today, she continues to captivate audiences with roles in film and television, most notably starring alongside Jane Fonda in the Netflix series Grace and Frankie.
