By Emma Specter | March 8, 2025
It would be great if we lived in a world where comedy was judged purely by who’s the funniest, rather than being categorized by gender. As Liz Lemon once exclaimed on 30 Rock, “I’m not going to answer this question with a list! It’s insulting.” Still, the reality is that male comedians continue to dominate stand-up lineups, TV writing rooms, and late-night hosting gigs.
So, in honor of every woman who’s been passed over for a punch-up job or interrupted in a pitch meeting, here’s a celebration of 20 female comedians who have left an indelible mark on comedy. These trailblazers, legends, and modern icons have consistently hit us right in the funny bone.
- Moms Mabley
A pioneer of stand-up comedy, Moms Mabley was a force on the Chitlin’ Circuit, breaking barriers as a Black lesbian comedian. She fearlessly tackled race, gender, and sexuality long before it was mainstream to do so.
- Gilda Radner
One of Saturday Night Live’s original stars, Radner gave us unforgettable characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna and Baba Wawa. Her legacy of physical comedy and sharp wit remains unmatched.
- Joan Rivers
No one was funnier—or meaner—than Joan Rivers. With a razor-sharp tongue, she revolutionized red carpet commentary, talk shows, and stand-up, delivering self-deprecating zingers like, “I’ve had so much plastic surgery, when I die, they will donate my body to Tupperware.”
- Lucille Ball
The queen of physical comedy, I Love Lucy’s Lucille Ball remains an icon. Whether stuffing chocolates in her mouth or stomping grapes, she set the gold standard for sitcoms.
- Carol Burnett
With The Carol Burnett Show, she proved that sketch comedy wasn’t just a boys’ club. Her parodies, slapstick, and impeccable timing made her a legend.
- Lily Tomlin
From Ernestine the telephone operator to Grace and Frankie, Tomlin has been making audiences laugh for decades with her sharp, character-driven humor.
- Phyllis Diller
With her wild hair, exaggerated laugh, and self-deprecating humor, Phyllis Diller paved the way for women in stand-up at a time when it was almost unheard of.
- Wanda Sykes
A master of observational humor and political satire, Wanda Sykes’ stand-up and TV work prove that intelligence and comedy go hand in hand.
- Margaret Cho
Fearless and outspoken, Cho has tackled race, sexuality, and politics with biting humor, pushing boundaries in stand-up and beyond.
- Ellen DeGeneres
Before she became a daytime TV giant, Ellen’s stand-up and sitcom Ellen made her one of the most influential female comics of the ’90s.
- Tina Fey
The genius behind 30 Rock and Mean Girls, Fey’s comedic writing and deadpan delivery have made her one of the most influential figures in modern comedy.
- Amy Poehler
From SNL to Parks and Recreation, Poehler’s ability to play both lovable oddballs and sharp-tongued characters has made her a fan favorite.
- Whoopi Goldberg
An EGOT-winning comedian, Whoopi’s early stand-up routines broke barriers, while her roles in films like Sister Act cemented her comedic legacy.
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus
As Elaine on Seinfeld and Selina Meyer on Veep, Louis-Dreyfus has mastered physical comedy, sarcasm, and satire.
- Ali Wong
Her Netflix specials (Baby Cobra, Hard Knock Wife) have redefined what women can talk about in stand-up, balancing raw honesty with razor-sharp humor.
- Sarah Silverman
Known for her fearless, sometimes shocking humor, Silverman has always pushed boundaries in stand-up and political satire.
- Leslie Jones
Her high-energy comedy, SNL run, and sports commentary make Leslie Jones one of the most vibrant and hilarious voices in entertainment today.
- Catherine O’Hara
From SCTV to Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara’s ability to create over-the-top, unforgettable characters (hello, Moira Rose!) has made her a comedic icon.
- Kristen Wiig
Her SNL characters (Target Lady, Gilly, Dooneese) and film roles (Bridesmaids) showcase her impeccable comedic timing and versatility.
- Michelle Wolf
With her sharp political humor and fearless roast of Washington elites at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Wolf has proven she’s one of the funniest voices in modern comedy.
Honorable Mentions:
Comedy is vast, and this list could go on forever! Other hilarious women worth celebrating include Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, Tiffany Haddish, Nicole Byer, Chelsea Peretti, and Iliza Shlesinger.
