The Funniest African-American Actresses of All Time

African-American actresses have shaped the history of screen comedy, from early television and variety shows to modern streaming hits and global box-office films. Many built their careers through stand-up, theater, or sketch comedy before moving into sitcoms, feature films, and voice work. Over the years, they have not only acted but also written, produced, and directed projects that expanded representation on screen. This list brings together 40 widely recognized African-American actresses whose work in comedic roles has had a lasting influence on film, television, and popular culture.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg built her career through stand-up and a one-woman Broadway show that led to her breakout in film and television. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Ghost’ and reached global audiences in comedies like ‘Sister Act’ and ‘Sister Act 2’. On television, she has appeared in shows such as ‘The View’, where she has served as a long-time moderator. Her body of work also includes voice roles in animated films and appearances in dramas, reflecting a wide-ranging career that extends beyond comedy.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes first gained national attention as a writer and performer on ‘The Chris Rock Show’, where her work earned an Emmy Award. She has released multiple stand-up specials and appeared in series such as ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Black-ish’. Sykes has also co-created and starred in ‘The Upshaws’, where she works as a writer, producer, and actor. In addition to live-action roles, she frequently voices characters in animated films and television series and continues to tour as a stand-up comedian.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish’s breakthrough came with the ensemble comedy ‘Girls Trip’, which brought her widespread recognition in film. Before that, she worked steadily in television on series such as ‘The Carmichael Show’ and in guest roles across multiple sitcoms. She authored a memoir titled ‘The Last Black Unicorn’, sharing her background and path into entertainment. Haddish has also hosted programs like ‘Kids Say the Darndest Things’ and continues to headline stand-up specials and comedy films while producing new projects.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall became widely recognizable through her role as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise. She has appeared in numerous ensemble comedies, including ‘Girls Trip’ and the ‘Think Like a Man’ films. Hall has moved between film and television, starring in shows such as ‘Black Monday’ and reprising a key role in ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’. She has received multiple nominations and awards from organizations including the NAACP Image Awards for her work in both comedy and drama.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah started her career as a rapper and later transitioned into acting with a lead role on the sitcom ‘Living Single’. She has starred in comedies such as ‘Bringing Down the House’ and ‘Last Holiday’, along with dramatic films that broadened her profile. Latifah has hosted her own daytime talk series titled ‘The Queen Latifah Show’ during different periods of her career. Beyond acting, she has produced a range of film and television projects and remains active as a musician and entrepreneur.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones began as a stand-up comic and joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ as a writer before becoming a cast member. Her work on the show included prominent sketches and recurring appearances on the “Weekend Update” segment. She expanded her film career with a major role in ‘Ghostbusters’, which introduced her to a wider global audience. Jones has also done commentary for sports broadcasts, performed stand-up on major tours, and continued to appear in film and television comedies.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first drew attention with the web series ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl’, which she created and starred in. She went on to co-create and lead the HBO series ‘Insecure’, serving as its star, writer, and executive producer. Rae has helped develop and produce other projects, including ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’, providing a platform for more Black women in comedy. In addition to television, she has acted in romantic and buddy comedies and built a broader media company focused on film, TV, and digital content.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross gained early recognition as the star of the sitcom ‘Girlfriends’. She later played Rainbow Johnson on ‘Black-ish’, a role that earned her major award nominations and a Golden Globe win. Ross has appeared in films and has provided voice work in animated projects, adding to her television success. Outside of acting, she has worked as a producer and launched a hair-care line focused on textured hair.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has balanced comedic and dramatic roles across film and television. She starred as Cookie Lyon on the series ‘Empire’, a character whose storylines often blended humor and high drama. In film, she has appeared in comedies such as ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘What Men Want’, alongside acclaimed dramatic work. Henson has received multiple nominations for major awards and has also produced projects that center stories about Black women and families.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique began her career in stand-up and became widely known on television through the sitcom ‘The Parkers’. She starred in comedies like ‘Phat Girlz’ and hosted the reality competition ‘Mo’Nique’s Fat Chance’. In addition to her comedic work, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in ‘Precious’. Mo’Nique has released stand-up specials, hosted talk shows, and continued to appear in film and television productions across genres.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash first drew wide attention as Deputy Raineesha Williams on the mockumentary series ‘Reno 911!’. She has hosted shows such as ‘Clean House’ and appeared in comedies including ‘Scream Queens’ and ‘The Soul Man’. Nash took on a lead role in ‘Claws’, a crime dramedy that blended dark storylines with humor. She has also received critical recognition for her dramatic work in limited series and films, demonstrating versatility while maintaining a strong presence in comedy.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is well known for her role as Pam on the sitcom ‘Martin’, where she played a central part in the show’s comedic dynamic. She later portrayed Rochelle on ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, depicting a memorable TV mother in a period comedy. Arnold has continued working in sitcoms, including ‘Happily Divorced’ and ‘The Neighborhood’. Her career also includes stage performances and roles in films, giving her a long-running presence in comedic entertainment.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis has often been cast as mothers and matriarchs in film and television comedies. She appeared in sitcoms such as ‘A Different World’ and ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ early in her on-screen career. More recently, she played Ruby Johnson on ‘Black-ish’, contributing to the show’s multigenerational family stories. Lewis has also done extensive voice work in animated films and published a memoir that discusses her life in entertainment and her advocacy around mental health.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer started acting as a child and transitioned into teen and adult roles in film and television. She starred in the Nickelodeon sitcom ‘True Jackson, VP’ and has appeared in comedies like ‘Hustlers’, along with a variety of dramatic projects. Palmer has hosted talk and game shows, including ‘Just Keke’ and co-hosting roles on daytime television. She is also active in music, voice acting, and producing, maintaining a presence across multiple areas of entertainment.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began acting as a child on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later joined the cast of ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper’. She led the Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’, which became one of the network’s most prominent sitcoms. Raven-Symoné returned to the character in the follow-up series ‘Raven’s Home’, introducing new storylines for a younger generation. She has also been part of the music group associated with the ‘The Cheetah Girls’ films and has worked as a co-host on ‘The View’.

Tisha Campbell

Tisha Campbell has been a staple of Black television comedy through roles such as Gina on ‘Martin’. She also starred in the family sitcom ‘My Wife and Kids’, playing one of the show’s central parents. Campbell appeared in films such as ‘House Party’, which combined music and comedy and developed a strong following. Beyond acting, she has released music and participated in reality and variety programs related to entertainment and lifestyle.

Jackée Harry

Jackée Harry gained major recognition as Sandra Clark on the sitcom ‘227’. For that role, she became the first African-American woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She later co-starred as Lisa Landry on ‘Sister, Sister’, playing a fashion designer and mother. Harry has continued to work steadily in television, including roles on daytime dramas and guest appearances on modern comedy series.

Sherri Shepherd

Sherri Shepherd has appeared on several sitcoms, including ‘Less Than Perfect’ and ’30 Rock’. She became well known to daytime audiences as a co-host on ‘The View’, a role that earned her multiple award nominations. Shepherd has also starred in her own series, such as ‘Sherri’, and taken on leading roles in comedy projects for television. In addition, she has done stand-up, written books, and lent her voice to animated shows and films.

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown is widely recognized for playing Shirley Bennett on the sitcom ‘Community’. She has also appeared in shows such as ‘Drake & Josh’ and the rebooted ‘The Odd Couple’. Brown frequently works as a voice actor in animated series and films, taking roles in projects for both children and adults. She is a regular panelist and guest on talk, quiz, and fan-focused shows, especially those centered on television and popular culture.

Yvonne Orji

Yvonne Orji is best known for her role as Molly Carter on ‘Insecure’. In addition to acting on the show, she has released stand-up specials such as ‘Momma, I Made It!’ that draw on her Nigerian-American background. Orji has appeared in romantic comedies and ensemble films, expanding her presence in feature-length projects. She also co-hosts podcasts and participates in live events that mix comedy with conversations about culture, identity, and faith.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has appeared in several romantic comedies and teen-centered films, including ‘Bring It On’ and ‘Deliver Us from Eva’. She later headlined the drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’, which combined serious issues with lighter moments. Union has produced and starred in ‘L.A.’s Finest’, an action-comedy series related to the ‘Bad Boys’ film franchise. Off screen, she is active as an author, producer, and advocate, backing projects that promote greater representation in Hollywood.

LaWanda Page

LaWanda Page started her career as a stand-up comedian known for bold, adult-oriented routines. She gained mainstream fame as Aunt Esther on the sitcom ‘Sanford and Son’, a character that became central to many of the show’s storylines. Page continued to appear in film and television comedies throughout her career, often playing sharp-tongued, strong-willed women. Her work helped open doors for other Black women who moved from stand-up stages into television acting.

Nell Carter

Nell Carter achieved major TV success as the star of the sitcom ‘Gimme a Break!’, where she played housekeeper Nell Harper. Before that, she earned a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway revue ‘Ain’t Misbehavin”. Carter also appeared in films and other television shows, bringing musical and comedic skills to many of her roles. She worked in both stage and screen productions and contributed significantly to the visibility of Black women in musical and comedic theater.

Moms Mabley

Moms Mabley, born Loretta Mary Aiken, was one of the first widely known African-American female stand-up comedians. She performed on the vaudeville circuit and later appeared on television variety programs such as ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ and ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’. Mabley also acted in films, including the comedy ‘Amazing Grace’. Her long career is frequently cited as foundational for later generations of Black women in stand-up and screen comedy.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine has built a long career in film, television, and theater, often moving between comedic and dramatic roles. She appeared in ensemble films such as ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and took on comedic parts in projects like ‘Death at a Funeral’. On television, Devine has had recurring roles on series including ‘Boston Public’ and ‘The Carmichael Show’. She has received awards and nominations for her work in both supporting and lead roles across different formats.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson first gained attention through short-form comedy videos on social media, where her sketches reached large online audiences. She wrote for and appeared on ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’, helping shape its approach to sketch comedy. Brunson created, executive produced, and stars in ‘Abbott Elementary’, a mockumentary-style sitcom set in a public school. Her work on that show has brought her major industry awards and enabled her to hire and develop other writers and performers of color.

Aisha Tyler

Aisha Tyler has worked across stand-up, acting, hosting, directing, and voice work in comedy. She became widely known as a host on ‘Talk Soup’ and later as a co-host on ‘The Talk’, where she remained for several seasons. As an actress, she has had recurring roles on sitcoms such as ‘Friends’ and ‘Two and a Half Men’, as well as voicing a lead character on the animated series ‘Archer’. Tyler has also directed episodes of television series and continues to perform stand-up and appear in film and TV comedies.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for playing attorney Maxine Shaw on ‘Living Single’, a key figure in 1990s Black ensemble television. She also appeared as a child actor on ‘The Cosby Show’, contributing to some of its later seasons. In addition to acting, Alexander has become a producer and co-creator of multimedia projects, including graphic novels and documentaries. She frequently appears at conventions and industry events that focus on representation, independent storytelling, and Black media.

Kim Coles

Kim Coles made her name as part of the original cast of ‘In Living Color’, where she appeared in sketches that showed her versatility. She later starred as Synclaire James on ‘Living Single’, playing one of the core roommates in the ensemble. Coles has hosted game shows and reality programs and made guest appearances on numerous sitcoms over the years. Beyond television, she performs live comedy, leads workshops on personal development, and appears on panels about women in entertainment.

Retta

Retta is widely recognized for her role as Donna Meagle on ‘Parks and Recreation’, where she was part of the show’s ensemble cast. She went on to star as Ruby Hill in ‘Good Girls’, a crime dramedy that combined serious storylines with humor. Retta started in stand-up before moving more fully into acting and continues to perform live when schedules allow. She has also appeared in films, taken guest roles on television series, and provided voice work for animated projects.

Debra Wilson

Debra Wilson was one of the longest-serving cast members on ‘MADtv’, where she created a wide range of recurring characters and impressions. Her sketch-comedy work made her a familiar face to audiences who followed the show across many seasons. After ‘MADtv’, Wilson built an extensive career in voice acting for animation and video games. She also appears in live-action roles and participates in fan conventions focused on gaming, animation, and comedy.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin became known to a wide audience as Diane Johnson on ‘Black-ish’, joining the cast as a child. She made history as one of the youngest executive producers in Hollywood with the film ‘Little’, in which she also starred. Martin has continued acting in family-oriented comedies and voice roles in animated projects. She founded her own production company, focusing on stories centered on Black youth, especially Black girls, in lighthearted and imaginative settings.

Loni Love

Loni Love transitioned from an engineering career into stand-up comedy before moving into television. She co-hosted the daytime talk show ‘The Real’, where she provided commentary on current events, entertainment, and everyday topics. Love has appeared in films, scripted TV comedies, and reality shows, often playing humorous supporting characters. She also releases comedy specials, writes books, and tours as a stand-up, maintaining a strong connection to live performance.

Sommore

Sommore, often billed as a “Queen of Comedy” in her promotional materials, built her reputation primarily through stand-up. She was one of the featured comedians in ‘The Queens of Comedy’ tour and its filmed performance. Sommore has appeared in films and television shows, often bringing her onstage persona into her roles. She continues to headline comedy tours, release specials, and perform at large-scale live events featuring multiple comedians.

Michelle Buteau

Michelle Buteau is a stand-up comedian and actress who has expanded her visibility through streaming platforms and cable television. She has released stand-up specials and hosted the reality series ‘The Circle’, where her narration frames the competition. Buteau has acted in romantic comedies and ensemble films, often portraying friends, co-workers, and relatives in contemporary stories. She also wrote a collection of personal essays and continues to tour as a stand-up while appearing regularly in TV and film projects.

Erica Ash

Erica Ash gained recognition as a cast member on sketch series such as ‘MADtv’ and ‘The Big Gay Sketch Show’. She went on to star in the sitcom ‘Survivor’s Remorse’, playing a central figure in the show’s family-centered narrative. Ash has appeared in film comedies and guest roles on various television series, moving between comedic and dramatic material. Her background also includes stage work and voice acting, giving her experience across several entertainment formats.

Paula Jai Parker

Paula Jai Parker has had a long career in film and television comedy, including roles in projects like ‘Friday’ and ‘Hustle & Flow’, where she balanced humor with more serious themes. She provided the voice for Trudy Proud on the animated series ‘The Proud Family’, a show that became a staple of early-2000s kids’ television. Parker has continued working in film, television, and voice roles, including the revival ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’. Her career also includes stand-up and music, reflecting a range of performance skills.

Tempestt Bledsoe

Tempestt Bledsoe is best known for playing Vanessa Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’, one of the most-watched sitcoms of its era. After that series, she acted in other comedies and appeared as a guest or host on talk and lifestyle programs. Bledsoe returned to sitcom work in ‘Guys with Kids’, playing a working mother in a contemporary family setting. She has also done voice work for animated projects and participated in reality and home-improvement television.

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood built a dual career as a singer and actress, with her sitcom ‘Moesha’ introducing her as a comedic lead on television. The show followed a teenager navigating school, friends, and family life, and it became a defining series for Black teen representation in the late 1990s. Brandy later appeared in other television comedies and films, sometimes integrating her musical background into her roles. In addition to acting, she continues to record and perform music and has taken part in reality and competition shows related to entertainment.

Janelle James

Janelle James started in stand-up comedy, performing at clubs and festivals before landing major television opportunities. She plays Ava Coleman on ‘Abbott Elementary’, serving as the school’s principal and contributing to the show’s comedic tone. James has released stand-up specials and appeared on late-night shows, where she performs material drawn from her stage act. She also hosts and guest-hosts podcasts and continues working in writers’ rooms, voice roles, and scripted television projects.

Share your favorite performances from these actresses and any names you’d add to this list in the comments.