The Funniest Actresses of All Time

Comedy on screen has been shaped by a long line of actresses who built sketch institutions, carried hit sitcoms, anchored blockbuster comedies, and quietly expanded what women could do in front of and behind the camera. From early television pioneers who helped define multi-camera sitcoms to modern writer-performers who create and star in their own series, these women turned timing, character work, and sharp scripts into lasting careers. Many of them moved between stand-up, theatre, film, and TV, building production companies, writing their own material, and influencing how comedies are made. This list brings together forty actresses whose work has had a major impact on film and television comedy, focusing on the projects they built, the characters they played, and the opportunities they opened up for others.

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball was an American actress, comedian, and studio executive whose television work helped define the modern half-hour comedy. She starred in and co-produced the series ‘I Love Lucy’ through Desilu Productions, the company she co-owned with Desi Arnaz. The show popularized filming in front of a live audience with a three-camera setup, a technique that became standard for multi-camera sitcoms. Desilu later produced major series such as ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Mission: Impossible’, giving Ball a rare leadership role as a female studio head in mid-twentieth-century Hollywood.

Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett is best known for headlining ‘The Carol Burnett Show’, a long-running variety and sketch comedy program that became a landmark of American television. She was the first woman to host a weekly comedy-variety series on a major network, combining sketches, musical numbers, and film parodies with a core ensemble. The show ran for many seasons and collected numerous Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. Burnett herself has received honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, recognizing her influence on television comedy.

Betty White

Betty White’s career in television comedy stretched across nearly seven decades, from early live broadcasts to modern streaming-era sitcoms. She produced and starred in ‘Life with Elizabeth’, making her one of the first women to produce a television comedy series. White later became widely known for roles as Sue Ann Nivens on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’, Rose Nylund on ‘The Golden Girls’, and Elka Ostrovsky on ‘Hot in Cleveland’. She also worked extensively on game shows and talk shows and received multiple Emmy Awards and a Television Hall of Fame induction.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin began her career in stand-up and sketch comedy before breaking through on the variety series ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. She created a roster of original characters that later appeared in solo specials and on stage, including in the play ‘The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe’. Tomlin moved between film and television with projects such as ‘9 to 5’, ‘All of Me’, and ‘Grace and Frankie’, often playing offbeat but grounded characters. Over her career she has earned multiple Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn first came to prominence on the sketch series ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’, where her energetic persona quickly drew attention. She transitioned into film with roles in comedies and won major awards for her performance in ‘Cactus Flower’. Through the following decades she starred in successful comedy films such as ‘Private Benjamin’, ‘Overboard’, and ‘The First Wives Club’. Hawn also worked as a producer and later founded an educational foundation focused on social and emotional learning for children.

Gilda Radner

Gilda Radner was part of the original cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’, where she created recurring characters such as Emily Litella, Roseanne Roseannadanna, and Baba Wawa. Her work on the show earned her an Emmy Award and helped establish the tone of character-driven sketch comedy on American television. After leaving ‘Saturday Night Live’, she appeared in films including ‘Hanky Panky’ and ‘The Woman in Red’, frequently collaborating with actor Gene Wilder. Radner’s legacy lives on through cancer support organizations like Gilda’s Club, founded in her memory after her death from ovarian cancer.

Madeline Kahn

Madeline Kahn was an American actress and singer noted for her work in both film comedies and theatre. She appeared in several high-profile comedies directed by Peter Bogdanovich and Mel Brooks, including ‘What’s Up, Doc?’, ‘Young Frankenstein’, ‘Blazing Saddles’, and ‘History of the World, Part I’. Her performances in ‘Paper Moon’ and ‘Blazing Saddles’ earned her Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. Kahn also worked extensively on stage, receiving multiple Tony Award nominations and winning for her role in the play ‘The Sisters Rosensweig’.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg built a career that spans stand-up, Broadway, film, and television, and she is one of the few performers to achieve an EGOT, winning competitive Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. She gained major recognition with the film ‘The Color Purple’ and later won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Ghost’. On the comedy side, she starred in the film ‘Sister Act’ and its sequel, and she produced the stage musical adaptation of ‘Sister Act’. Goldberg has long served as a co-host and moderator of the daytime talk show ‘The View’, where she also earned a Daytime Emmy Award.

Tracey Ullman

Tracey Ullman is a British-American actress and writer known for a series of sketch shows built around her playing multiple characters. After early work in British television, she headlined ‘The Tracey Ullman Show’, where animated shorts featuring the Simpsons family first appeared. She later created and starred in HBO’s sketch series ‘Tracey Takes On…’ and ‘Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union’, again using extensive makeup and character work to portray a wide range of personas. Ullman returned to British television with ‘Tracey Ullman’s Show’, continuing her long association with character-driven sketch comedy.

Catherine O’Hara

Catherine O’Hara began her career with Toronto’s Second City troupe and the TV sketch series ‘SCTV’, where she created and performed a range of comic characters. She gained wide recognition in film for roles in comedies such as ‘Beetlejuice’ and the ‘Home Alone’ series. O’Hara later earned renewed acclaim as Moira Rose on the sitcom ‘Schitt’s Creek’, a role that brought her awards from major American and Canadian organizations. She has also taken dramatic and voice roles, maintaining strong ties to character-based humor while working across genres.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus has anchored several major television comedies, beginning with her breakout role as Elaine Benes on ‘Seinfeld’. She went on to star in ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ and later in the political satire ‘Veep’, where she played Vice President and then President Selina Meyer. Her work on these series has earned her multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for acting, including a record number of wins for the same role on ‘Veep’. Louis-Dreyfus has also produced many of her projects and received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey is a writer-performer who became head writer on ‘Saturday Night Live’ before moving into creating and starring in her own series. She co-created the sitcom ’30 Rock’, loosely inspired by her experiences at ‘Saturday Night Live’, and played television writer Liz Lemon on the show. Fey later co-created the comedy ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ and has continued producing and developing new series for television and streaming platforms. Her work has earned multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and established her as a leading writer-producer in contemporary TV comedy.

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler’s career began in improv with Chicago’s Second City and the Upright Citizens Brigade, where she helped found the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. She joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ as a cast member and became a co-anchor of the ‘Weekend Update’ segment. Poehler then starred as Leslie Knope in the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’, a role that brought her a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations. In addition to acting, she has produced, written, and directed television projects, including reality-competition series and scripted comedies.

Kristen Wiig

Kristen Wiig first gained wide recognition as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where she spent multiple seasons creating original characters and impressions. She co-wrote and starred in the ensemble comedy film ‘Bridesmaids’, which became a major box-office success and received Academy Award nominations. Wiig has since moved between comedic and dramatic roles in films and television, working on projects such as ‘The Skeleton Twins’ and various animated features. She continues to write and develop scripts in addition to her acting work.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy began working in television with recurring roles before co-starring as Sookie St. James on ‘Gilmore Girls’ and later playing Molly Flynn on the sitcom ‘Mike & Molly’. Her supporting role in the film ‘Bridesmaids’ led to an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and significantly raised her profile in film comedy. McCarthy has since headlined movies such as ‘The Heat’, ‘Spy’, and ‘Ghostbusters’, often collaborating with director Paul Feig. She has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, launched a clothing line, and produced projects with her company.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph joined ‘Saturday Night Live’, where she performed musical numbers, original characters, and impressions over several seasons. She has appeared in numerous comedy films, including ‘Grown Ups’, ‘Grown Ups 2’, and ‘Bridesmaids’, often working with fellow ‘Saturday Night Live’ alumni. Rudolph has also done extensive voice work in animated films and series and has starred in the workplace comedy ‘Loot’. Her television work has earned her multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, including recognition for both sketch performance and voice acting.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston became internationally known for playing Rachel Green on the sitcom ‘Friends’, a role that earned her Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. She followed that with a successful film career, often appearing in romantic comedies such as ‘Along Came Polly’, ‘The Break-Up’, and ‘Horrible Bosses’. Aniston later returned to television drama and dramedy as both star and executive producer of ‘The Morning Show’. She has consistently ranked among the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood and maintains a visible presence in both film and streaming projects.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling first worked as a writer-performer on the American version of ‘The Office’, where she played Kelly Kapoor and became one of the show’s most prolific writers. She then created, produced, and starred in her own sitcom, ‘The Mindy Project’, combining romantic-comedy plots with workplace stories. Kaling has gone on to create and executive-produce series including ‘Never Have I Ever’ and ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. She has also written and produced feature films such as ‘Late Night’ and published essay collections about her life and career.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza started performing improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre before moving into film and television. She gained widespread recognition as April Ludgate on ‘Parks and Recreation’, a role that highlighted her dry delivery and offbeat character work. Plaza has since led or co-starred in films such as ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’, ‘Ingrid Goes West’, and ‘Emily the Criminal’, often mixing dark humor with drama. She has also appeared in series like ‘Legion’ and ‘The White Lotus’, expanding her career beyond strictly comedic roles while keeping a strong connection to unconventional comedy.

Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell first became well known as the title character in the teen mystery series ‘Veronica Mars’. She later voiced Princess Anna in Disney’s ‘Frozen’ franchise, contributing both speaking and singing performances. In live-action television comedy she starred as Eleanor Shellstrop in ‘The Good Place’, a philosophical fantasy-comedy centered on ethics and the afterlife. Bell also serves as a producer on various projects and has hosted documentary-style programs such as the theatre reunion series ‘Encore!’.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first drew attention with the YouTube web series ‘The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl’, which she created, wrote, and starred in. She later co-created and headlined the HBO comedy series ‘Insecure’, expanding on themes from that web series and exploring the personal and professional life of a contemporary Black woman in Los Angeles. ‘Insecure’ received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for both Rae and the show as a whole. Rae has since produced a range of film and television projects through her company Hoorae, including features such as ‘The Lovebirds’ and ‘American Fiction’.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina, born Nora Lum, began her career as a rapper whose comedic songs gained popularity online before she moved into television and film. She appeared in comedies such as ‘Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising’, ‘Ocean’s 8’, and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, bringing a distinctive style to ensemble casts. Awkwafina later headlined the Comedy Central series ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’, loosely based on her own life and family in New York. She has also taken on dramatic roles, earning major awards for ‘The Farewell’, while continuing to work on projects with strong comedic elements.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson trained with the Australian Theatre for Young People before appearing in local comedy series such as ‘Pizza’ and ‘The Wedge’. She wrote, produced, and starred in the musical comedy series ‘Bogan Pride’, which showcased her behind-the-scenes skills as well as her on-screen presence. Wilson’s international breakthrough came with film roles in ‘Bridesmaids’ and the ‘Pitch Perfect’ series, where she played standout supporting characters. She has since led comedies including ‘The Hustle’ and ‘Senior Year’ and continues to work in both comedic and more dramatic projects.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock built her reputation in Hollywood with a mix of action films and romantic comedies, becoming one of the most bankable stars of mainstream cinema. After early work in television, she broke out with the thriller ‘Speed’ and then starred in romantic comedies such as ‘While You Were Sleeping’, ‘Miss Congeniality’, and ‘The Proposal’. Bullock often served as producer on her films through her company Fortis Films, giving her creative input into the comedies she headlined. In addition to her comic work, she has taken on dramatic roles that earned her major awards, demonstrating versatility while maintaining a long association with audience-friendly movies.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is an English actress and writer who emerged from theatre before adapting her one-woman stage show ‘Fleabag’ into a television series. The TV version of ‘Fleabag’ earned her major awards for acting, writing, and producing in both the United Kingdom and the United States. She also created the comedy ‘Crashing’ and developed the spy thriller series ‘Killing Eve’, serving as head writer and showrunner for its first season. Waller-Bridge has since worked on high-profile scripts such as the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ and produced new series under an overall deal with a major streaming studio.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda is widely known for her dramatic work, but she has also built a substantial body of comedy roles in film and television. She starred in workplace comedy films like ‘9 to 5’ and later returned to series television with ‘Grace and Frankie’, reuniting with Lily Tomlin. Fonda has produced and co-produced many of her projects, including fitness videos that helped establish the home workout market. Alongside her acting career, she has been a prominent political and environmental activist, using her platform to support various causes.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton emerged from theatre into film with a breakout role in ‘Annie Hall’, which reshaped the modern romantic comedy. She collaborated frequently with Woody Allen on films that blended humor and introspection, and later expanded into broader Hollywood comedies such as ‘Father of the Bride’, ‘Something’s Gotta Give’, and ‘The First Wives Club’. Keaton has also directed films and music videos and authored books on photography, architecture, and fashion. Her distinctive menswear-inspired style has influenced popular culture alongside her screen work.

Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan became closely associated with romantic comedy through films like ‘When Harry Met Sally…’, ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, and ‘You’ve Got Mail’. Her on-screen collaborations with director Nora Ephron and co-star Tom Hanks helped define a particular era of American romantic comedies. Ryan has also appeared in dramas and thrillers, but her work in lighthearted stories about relationships remains especially well known. In later years she moved into producing and directing, including work behind the camera on the film ‘Ithaca’.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz gained early attention in ‘The Mask’ and went on to become a major comedy star in films such as ‘There’s Something About Mary’, ‘Charlie’s Angels’, and ‘The Holiday’. She frequently took on roles that required broad physical comedy as well as romantic leads. Diaz also voiced Princess Fiona in the ‘Shrek’ animated franchise, contributing to one of the most successful animated series in film history. Beyond acting, she has written books on wellness and co-founded a wine brand, expanding her career beyond the screen.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis is often associated with horror because of the ‘Halloween’ franchise, but she has a significant comedy résumé. She starred in comedies such as ‘Trading Places’, ‘A Fish Called Wanda’, and ‘Freaky Friday’, earning awards and nominations for several of these roles. Curtis has also appeared in ensemble projects like ‘True Lies’ and ‘Knives Out’, which blend suspense and humor. Outside acting, she has written numerous children’s books and is active in various philanthropic and advocacy efforts.

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is a singer, actress, and director whose work in musical and romantic comedies has had a long-lasting impact. She starred in films like ‘Funny Girl’, ‘What’s Up, Doc?’, and ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’, often combining her vocal abilities with comic acting. Streisand moved behind the camera as a director and producer on projects such as ‘Yentl’ and ‘The Prince of Tides’, helping open doors for women filmmakers. She is one of the few artists to receive major awards across music, film, and television, making her a central figure in modern entertainment history.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a stand-up comedian and actress who brought Asian American family life into the network-sitcom format with ‘All-American Girl’. Although that series had a brief run, it marked an early attempt at a prime-time show centered on an Asian American family. Cho continued building her career with stand-up specials that focused on identity, politics, and culture, many of which were later adapted for television. She has also taken recurring roles on series like ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and ’30 Rock’, combining activism with entertainment.

Ali Wong

Ali Wong gained widespread recognition through stand-up specials released on streaming platforms, many of which were filmed while she was pregnant and focused on family and work. She co-wrote and starred in the romantic comedy film ‘Always Be My Maybe’, set in San Francisco and featuring a largely Asian American cast. Wong has voiced characters in animated series and films and taken live-action roles in shows like ‘American Housewife’ and ‘Beef’. Her work often explores themes of motherhood, career ambition, and cultural expectations while using personal storytelling.

Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman built her career in stand-up comedy before moving into television with ‘The Sarah Silverman Program’, a scripted series based on a fictionalized version of herself. She has appeared in numerous comedy films and provided voice work for animated projects such as ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ and its sequel. Silverman frequently addresses political and social topics in her stand-up, leading to specials, albums, and online series. She also hosts podcasts and appears regularly on talk shows, maintaining a presence across several media formats.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr moved from stand-up clubs to television with the sitcom ‘Roseanne’, which focused on a working-class family in the American Midwest. The show became a major hit and was known for its portrayal of everyday financial and family struggles. Barr was involved as both star and executive producer, giving her significant creative control over storylines and tone. She has continued to work in stand-up and other television projects, although her later career has also included controversies that affected subsequent series.

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel appeared in independent films and supporting roles before gaining mainstream recognition in romantic comedies like ‘(500) Days of Summer’. She then starred as Jess Day in the sitcom ‘New Girl’, playing a schoolteacher who moves into a shared loft, and also served as a producer on the series. Deschanel is a musician, performing as part of the duo She & Him and contributing songs to film and television soundtracks. Her combination of music and acting has helped shape an offbeat comedic style associated with many of her roles.

Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco became widely known for her role as Penny on ‘The Big Bang Theory’, a sitcom centered on a group of scientists and their neighbor. The series ran for many seasons and made her one of the highest-paid actresses on television. Cuoco later starred in and executive-produced ‘The Flight Attendant’, which blended dark comedy with thriller elements and earned multiple award nominations. She has also done extensive voice work, including voicing the title character in the animated series ‘Harley Quinn’.

Debra Messing

Debra Messing’s most famous role is Grace Adler on the sitcom ‘Will & Grace’, which became a landmark series for its portrayal of LGBTQ characters and relationships. She returned to the role when the show was revived for additional seasons, again serving as one of the central leads. Messing has also starred in other television series such as ‘The Starter Wife’ and ‘Mysteries of Laura’, moving between comedy and crime drama. Her work has earned her multiple award nominations and a Primetime Emmy win.

Patricia Heaton

Patricia Heaton is best known for her long-running roles on family sitcoms. She played Debra Barone on ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, which focused on the conflicts and connections of an extended suburban family. Heaton then starred as Frankie Heck on ‘The Middle’, portraying a stressed but resourceful mother in the American Midwest. In addition to acting, she has produced television projects and written books about her life, career, and personal beliefs.

Jane Krakowski

Jane Krakowski has worked extensively in theatre and television, often in roles that combine comedy with musical performance. She played assistant Elaine Vassal on the legal dramedy ‘Ally McBeal’, gaining attention for both comedic scenes and musical numbers. Krakowski later portrayed Jenna Maroney on ’30 Rock’, a performer whose storylines frequently involved show-business satire and self-promotion. On stage, she has won major theatre awards for roles in musicals, underscoring her versatility across different performance styles.

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