With the popularity of comedy specials, it’s time that we recognize some of our best (and possibly favorite) female comedians. Some were trailblazers, like Lucille Ball, who is considered the biggest female comedian in history. And then, there’s Chonda Pierce, who is the best-selling female comedian. So where does that leave the rest of the greats we enjoy and adore? From the Queens of Comedy tour to films in Hollywood, there is an array of female comedians who know how to connect with their audience. Here’s our list of female comedians: waymakers, popular and underrated.
The Waymakers That Put Female Comedians On the Map
Moms Mabley was credited with being the first female standup comedian. In her set, she would discuss everything from race to sex. She was also rumored to be a queer woman who didn’t shy away from political conversations. She used props like toothless gums, hats and old dresses to take on characters as she performed. Along these lines were also Carol Burnett and Joan Rivers. Burnett wanted to be an actress, developing a love for movies at an early age, but comedic sketches were where she truly shined. For 12 years, she had her own show in front of a live audience. Rivers gained a reputation for being straightforward in her jokes and had a shtick of telling jokes about herself. Within her 50-year career, she saw much success, gaining fame for her fashion takes which also included dashes of her comedy.
The Popular Acts Who Are Making History
Today, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and Margaret Cho have all had their impact on the industry, in addition to the female comedians that came before and after them. Whoopi Goldberg boasts a successful career of comedic acting, book writing and daytime television hosting. She’s a mother and multihyphenate whose career continues to serve as inspiration. The more recent additions are Awkwafina, Ilana Glazer, Jessica Williams and Ayo Edibiri have added their own touch to the industry, as well as Mo’Nique and Kim Wayans. With so many talented female comedians to choose from, it’s a delight to enjoy them all.
The Underrated Artists Who You’ll Know Soon
Zainab Johnson has not only put funny Black women on the map but Muslim women as well. There’s also Quinta Brunson, Ziwe Fumudoh, Nicole Byer and Issa Rae. Michelle Buteau just became the first woman, Black woman and woman of color to tape a comedy special at Radio Music Hall.
It’s moments like these that let you know how far female comedians have come, how far they have to go and that the accomplishment is worth celebration.