Funniest Hollywood Actresses Of All Time

Hollywood has been home to incredible comedic talent for decades. These actresses have defined genres and broken barriers through their timing and delivery. From the early days of silent film to modern streaming giants, their work remains influential. This list celebrates the women who have made audiences laugh across generations.

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball became a household name through her iconic role in ‘I Love Lucy’. She displayed a unique talent for physical comedy and expressive facial movements. Her work helped establish the multi-camera sitcom format that is still used today. Ball was the first woman to run a major television studio through her company Desilu Productions. Her legacy continues to inspire comedians around the world today.

Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett is best known for her long running variety program ‘The Carol Burnett Show’. She excelled at creating memorable characters through elaborate costumes and physical humor. Her career spans decades across television and film and stage productions. She has received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor for her lifetime of work. Burnett is often cited as a primary influence by many modern comedic performers.

Betty White

Betty White enjoyed a career that lasted over eight decades in the entertainment industry. She is widely remembered for her roles in ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and ‘The Golden Girls’. Her sharp wit and perfect timing made her a favorite guest on talk shows and game shows. White earned multiple Emmy Awards for her comedic performances throughout her life. She remained active in the industry well into her late nineties.

Catherine O’Hara

Catherine O’Hara gained early recognition as a cast member on the sketch comedy show ‘SCTV’. She is known for her collaborations with director Christopher Guest in various mockumentary films. Her performance as Moira Rose in ‘Schitt’s Creek’ earned her widespread critical acclaim. O’Hara is celebrated for her ability to inhabit eccentric and complex characters. She has won several awards for her contributions to television and film.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey rose to prominence as a writer and performer on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She created and starred in the critically acclaimed comedy series ’30 Rock’. Fey also wrote the screenplay for the hit movie ‘Mean Girls’ which remains a cultural touchstone. Her work has garnered her numerous awards including Golden Globes and Emmys. She is recognized for her sharp satirical writing and deadpan delivery.

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler spent several seasons as a standout performer on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She is most famous for playing Leslie Knope on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. Poehler founded the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre which has trained many modern comedians. She has also voiced characters in major animated films like ‘Inside Out’. Her comedic style often combines high energy with relatable human experiences.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy broke through as a leading comedic star in the film ‘Bridesmaids’. She is known for her fearless physical comedy and her ability to commit fully to any character. McCarthy has starred in several successful movies including ‘The Heat’ and ‘Spy’. She received Academy Award nominations for both comedic and dramatic performances. Her presence in Hollywood has made her one of the highest earning actresses in the industry.

Kristen Wiig

Kristen Wiig was a versatile cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for seven seasons. She co-wrote and starred in the blockbuster comedy ‘Bridesmaids’ which earned her an Oscar nomination for writing. Wiig has appeared in a wide range of films from ‘Ghostbusters’ to ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’. She is noted for her talent for creating awkward and highly specific characters. Her work often blends absurdist humor with genuine emotion.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph is a former ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast member known for her impressions and musical ability. She has appeared in many comedic films such as ‘Away We Go’ and ‘Idiocracy’. Rudolph often collaborates with other prominent comedians on various television projects. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her guest appearances and voice work. Her career includes a mix of live action roles and animated voice acting.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus became famous for playing Elaine Benes on the hit sitcom ‘Seinfeld’. She went on to achieve further success starring in ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’. Her performance as Selina Meyer in ‘Veep’ earned her a record breaking number of Emmy Awards. She is highly regarded for her physical comedy and her ability to play flawed characters. Louis-Dreyfus is one of the most decorated performers in television history.

Madeline Kahn

Madeline Kahn was a frequent collaborator with director Mel Brooks in films like ‘Blazing Saddles’. She was known for her unique voice and her ability to perform operatic songs for comedic effect. Kahn received Academy Award nominations for her work in the early nineteen seventies. Her performances often featured a mix of high society sophistication and sudden comedic outbursts. She remains a beloved figure in the world of classic cinematic comedy.

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn first gained national attention on the sketch comedy show ‘Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In’. She won an Academy Award for her role in ‘Cactus Flower’ early in her career. Hawn became a major film star with hits like ‘Private Benjamin’ and ‘Overboard’. Her comedic persona often involved a bubbly personality and impeccable timing. She has maintained a long and successful career in both acting and producing.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to have won an EGOT which consists of an Emmy and Grammy and Oscar and Tony. She gained fame for her one woman show and her role in the film ‘The Color Purple’. Goldberg showcased her comedic skills in popular movies like ‘Sister Act’ and ‘Ghost’. She has served as a moderator on the talk show ‘The View’ for many years. Her career spans stand up comedy and film and television and stage.

Bette Midler

Bette Midler is a multifaceted performer who started her career in musical theater and cabaret. She starred in successful comedies such as ‘Down and Out in Beverly Hills’ and ‘Ruthless People’. Midler is also known for her role in the seasonal classic ‘Hocus Pocus’. She has won several Grammy and Emmy and Tony Awards throughout her life. Her energetic stage presence and comedic timing have made her a Hollywood icon.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin began her career in stand up comedy before joining the cast of ‘Laugh-In’. she is famous for her various characters like Edith Ann and Ernestine the telephone operator. Tomlin has starred in classic films such as ‘9 to 5’ and more recently in the series ‘Grace and Frankie’. she has received numerous accolades including the Kennedy Center Honors. Her work often incorporates social commentary and observational humor.

Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman had a career that spanned over seven decades in film and television. She is well remembered for her role as Phyllis Lindstrom on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’. Leachman won an Academy Award for her dramatic work but was equally skilled in comedy. She appeared in several Mel Brooks films including ‘Young Frankenstein’. Her ability to play wide ranging characters kept her in high demand throughout her life.

Jennifer Coolidge

Jennifer Coolidge is widely recognized for her supporting roles in ‘American Pie’ and ‘Legally Blonde’. She is a veteran of The Groundlings improv troupe and has worked extensively with Christopher Guest. Her career saw a major resurgence with her role in the series ‘The White Lotus’. Coolidge is known for her distinct voice and her ability to play eccentric characters. She has received multiple awards for her recent comedic and dramatic work.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling first gained fame as a writer and actress on the American version of ‘The Office’. She went on to create and star in her own sitcom titled ‘The Mindy Project’. Kaling has also written several best selling books and produced the show ‘Never Have I Ever’. Her comedy often focuses on modern romance and professional life. She has become a prominent voice for South Asian representation in Hollywood.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza became famous for her role as April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She is known for her deadpan delivery and her penchant for dark and awkward humor. Plaza has transitioned into film with roles in ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. She often takes on roles that challenge her comedic and dramatic range. Her unique public persona has made her a distinct figure in modern comedy.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a leading cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for a full decade. She is celebrated for her celebrity impressions and her high energy original characters. McKinnon has appeared in films such as ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Barbie’. She has won two Emmy Awards for her work in sketch comedy. Her performances are often noted for their physical commitment and absurdist elements.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish achieved breakout success with her role in the comedy film ‘Girls Trip’. She has since hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ and starred in several movies and television shows. Haddish is known for her candid storytelling and her energetic personality. She released a successful memoir titled ‘The Last Black Unicorn’ which detailed her life experiences. Her career includes work in stand up comedy and voice acting and film.

Molly Shannon

Molly Shannon was a prominent cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ during the late nineteen nineties. She is best known for her character Mary Katherine Gallagher who appeared in the film ‘Superstar’. Shannon has appeared in a variety of films including ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ and ‘Other People’. She is respected for her willingness to engage in intense physical comedy. Her work continues across both independent films and mainstream television series.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch has had a prolific career in film and television and theater. She gained widespread fame for her role as Sue Sylvester on the musical series ‘Glee’. Lynch is a frequent collaborator in the mockumentary films of Christopher Guest like ‘Best in Show’. She has also hosted the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ for several seasons. Her comedic style often features sharp insults and a commanding screen presence.

Allison Janney

Allison Janney is a highly decorated actress with several Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Awards. She showcased her comedic range in the long running sitcom ‘Mom’. Janney won an Academy Award for her performance in the film ‘I Tonya’. She is also known for her role as C.J. Cregg on the political drama ‘The West Wing’. Her ability to move seamlessly between drama and comedy makes her a versatile performer.

Anna Faris

Anna Faris became a comedic star through her leading role in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise. She is known for her roles in films like ‘The House Bunny’ and ‘Just Friends’. Faris starred in the sitcom ‘Mom’ for seven seasons where she played a character dealing with addiction and family. She also hosts a popular podcast where she interviews other celebrities. Her comedic timing often involves playing earnest but oblivious characters.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone gained early attention for her roles in comedies like ‘Superbad’ and ‘Easy A’. She has won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘La La Land’. Stone has returned to comedy in projects like ‘The Favourite’ and the series ‘The Curse’. She is known for her expressive face and her ability to handle both witty dialogue and physical gags. Her career includes a wide variety of genres but she remains a major comedic presence.

Gilda Radner

Gilda Radner was one of the original cast members of ‘Saturday Night Live’ when it premiered in nineteen seventy five. She created iconic characters such as Roseanne Roseannadanna and Baba Wawa. Radner was known for her boundless energy and her ability to find humor in everyday frustrations. She won an Emmy Award for her work on the show during its early years. Her influence is still felt in the world of sketch comedy today.

Mary Tyler Moore

Mary Tyler Moore became a television icon with her work on ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’. She later starred in ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ which was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a single career woman. Moore was known for her comedic timing and her ability to lead an ensemble cast. She received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career in television and film. Her work helped pave the way for future female leads in sitcoms.

Megan Mullally

Megan Mullally is most famous for her role as Karen Walker on the sitcom ‘Will and Grace’. She is known for her high pitched character voice and her impeccable delivery of biting insults. Mullally has won two Emmy Awards for her performance on the long running series. She has also appeared in shows like ‘Parks and Recreation’ and ‘Party Down’. Her work in musical theater has also been recognized with various award nominations.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer rose to fame through her stand up specials and her sketch show ‘Inside Amy Schumer’. She wrote and starred in the hit film ‘Trainwreck’ which helped establish her as a movie star. Schumer often uses her personal life and social issues as material for her comedy. She has also starred in films like ‘I Feel Pretty’ and the series ‘Life and Beth’. Her style is known for being provocative and observational.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson gained international recognition for her role as Fat Amy in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ film series. She is known for her dry humor and her ability to improvise during comedic scenes. Wilson has starred in movies such as ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Isn’t It Romantic’. She has also worked in her native Australia as a writer and producer of comedy. Her physical presence and unique delivery have made her a popular figure in modern film.

Leslie Mann

Leslie Mann has appeared in many successful comedy films often directed by her husband Judd Apatow. She is known for her roles in ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’ and ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘This Is 40’. Mann often plays relatable characters who find themselves in chaotic or humorous situations. Her high energy and distinctive voice are hallmarks of her comedic style. She continues to be a consistent presence in mainstream Hollywood comedies.

Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne has transitioned from dramatic roles to becoming a major comedic actress in Hollywood. She received praise for her performances in ‘Bridesmaids’ and the ‘Neighbors’ films. Byrne also starred in the action comedy ‘Spy’ alongside Melissa McCarthy. She is known for her ability to play the straight man while still being incredibly funny. Her work covers a broad range of styles from physical humor to dry wit.

Kathryn Hahn

Kathryn Hahn has built a career playing memorable supporting characters and leading roles. She gained significant attention for her work in ‘Step Brothers’ and ‘Bad Moms’. Hahn received critical acclaim for her role in the series ‘WandaVision’ where she blended comedy and drama. She is known for her intense and often frantic comedic energy. Her versatility has allowed her to work across various genres in television and film.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash first became known for her role on the mockumentary series ‘Reno 911’. She has since appeared in many comedies including ‘Scream Queens’ and ‘Getting On’. Nash is celebrated for her timing and her ability to bring humor to both loud and subtle moments. She has received Emmy nominations for her work in both comedy and drama. Her charismatic personality has made her a fan favorite in the entertainment industry.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae gained popularity through her YouTube series ‘Awkward Black Girl’. She created and starred in the HBO series ‘Insecure’ which received widespread critical acclaim. Rae has also starred in films like ‘The Lovebirds’ and ‘Vengeance’. Her comedy often explores the nuances of modern life and personal relationships. She has become a major producer and advocate for diverse voices in Hollywood.

Fran Drescher

Fran Drescher became a global star as the creator and lead of the sitcom ‘The Nanny’. She is famous for her unique nasal voice and her distinct laugh. Drescher has appeared in films like ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ and the ‘Hotel Transylvania’ series. She has served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Her comedic style often highlights her upbringing and personal background.

Joan Cusack

Joan Cusack is a versatile actress known for her many comedic roles in film. She received Academy Award nominations for ‘Working Girl’ and ‘In and Out’. Cusack is also the voice of Jessie the yodeling cowgirl in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise. She won an Emmy Award for her guest role on the series ‘Shameless’. Her performances are often noted for their quirkiness and sincerity.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton became a major star through her collaborations with Woody Allen in films like ‘Annie Hall’. She won an Academy Award for that role and became a fashion icon of the era. Keaton has continued to star in successful comedies such as ‘The First Wives Club’ and ‘Something’s Gotta Give’. Her comedic persona often involves a charming neurosis and witty dialogue. She remains one of the most respected actresses working in Hollywood today.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis gained early fame as a scream queen in horror films but proved her comedic talent in ‘A Fish Called Wanda’. She also starred in the popular body swap comedy ‘Freaky Friday’. Curtis has won an Academy Award and several Golden Globes throughout her long career. She is known for her sharp wit and her ability to ground comedic situations in reality. Her recent work continues to showcase her range across multiple genres.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars through films like ‘Speed’ and ‘Miss Congeniality’. She has won an Academy Award for drama but is equally known for her romantic comedies. Bullock starred in the hit comedy ‘The Proposal’ which showcased her physical comedy skills. She is recognized for her relatable screen presence and her timing. Her career has spanned several decades of box office success.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon gained fame for her role as Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde’. She has won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in ‘Walk the Line’. Witherspoon has also produced and starred in comedic series like ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Morning Show’. She is known for her energetic performances and her ability to play determined characters. Her production company focuses on female led stories across various genres.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz made her film debut in the comedy ‘The Mask’ and became a major star. She is known for her roles in ‘There’s Something About Mary’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Diaz also provided the voice for Princess Fiona in the ‘Shrek’ animated series. She was celebrated for her fearless approach to physical comedy and her infectious laugh. After a long hiatus she has returned to the industry for new projects.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a prominent stand up comedian and actress known for her sharp social commentary. She has appeared in films like ‘Monster in Law’ and provided voices for ‘Over the Hedge’. Sykes had a recurring role on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and starred in her own sitcom. She has won an Emmy Award for her writing on ‘The Chris Rock Show’. Her distinct voice and perspective have made her a staple of American comedy.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr became a television star through her long running sitcom ‘Roseanne’. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of a working class American family. Barr won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance on the series. She began her career in stand up comedy where she developed her domestic goddess persona. Her work has had a significant impact on the structure of family sitcoms.

Estelle Getty

Estelle Getty is best remembered for her role as Sophia Petrillo on ‘The Golden Girls’. She won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance as the sharp tongued matriarch. Getty began her career in theater and appeared in the film ‘Mask’ before her television success. She continued to play the character of Sophia in various spin off series. Her ability to deliver insults with perfect timing made her a standout in the ensemble cast.

Parker Posey

Parker Posey is often referred to as the queen of the indies for her work in independent films. She is a frequent collaborator with Christopher Guest in mockumentaries like ‘Waiting for Guffman’. Posey is known for her ability to play quirky and high strung characters with comedic precision. She has also appeared in mainstream films like ‘You’ve Got Mail’ and ‘Superman Returns’. Her unique style has earned her a dedicated following in the world of comedy.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones gained national attention as a writer and performer on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She starred in the twenty sixteen reboot of ‘Ghostbusters’ and several stand up specials. Jones is known for her booming voice and her high energy delivery. She has also hosted various award shows and appeared in the film ‘Coming 2 America’. Her comedic style is often loud and physical and deeply personal.

Carol Kane

Carol Kane has had a varied career across film and television and theater. She is known for her role as Simka on the sitcom ‘Taxi’ for which she won two Emmy Awards. Kane appeared in the cult classic comedy ‘The Princess Bride’ and later in the series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. She is recognized for her unique voice and her ability to play eccentric and whimsical characters. Her career continues to thrive across multiple platforms in the entertainment industry.

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