LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Can Make Anything Funny

The world of comedy has been significantly shaped by the talents of LGBTQ+ actresses who bring unique perspectives and impeccable timing to their work. These performers have excelled across various mediums including television sitcoms and major motion pictures and live stand-up specials. Their ability to find humor in both everyday situations and complex social issues has earned them critical acclaim and devoted fanbases. This list highlights some of the most influential and hilarious women and non-binary individuals currently working in the entertainment industry.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a standout performer during her long tenure on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where she won two Emmy Awards. She is famous for her impressions of public figures and her creation of bizarre original characters. Her film career includes prominent roles in ‘Ghostbusters’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Barbie’ movie. She often utilizes physical comedy and intense facial expressions to enhance her performances.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes has established herself as a leading voice in comedy through her stand-up specials and acting roles. She earned an Emmy for her writing on ‘The Chris Rock Show’ and appeared frequently on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. Currently she stars in the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’ which showcases her sharp wit and delivery. Her distinct voice has also led to several successful roles in animated films like ‘Over the Hedge’ and ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch gained widespread recognition for her role as Sue Sylvester in the musical series ‘Glee’. She has appeared in several mockumentary films directed by Christopher Guest including ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. Her career spans decades with notable appearances in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ and as the host of ‘Hollywood Game Night’. She is known for her ability to deliver deadpan dialogue with perfect comedic timing.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a prominent figure in American comedy with a career beginning in the late 1960s on ‘Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In’. She starred in the classic comedy film ‘9 to 5’ alongside Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton. More recently she led the long-running series ‘Grace and Frankie’ which earned her multiple award nominations. Her work encompasses stand-up comedy and Broadway theater as well as television and film.

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby rose to international fame with her comedy special ‘Nanette’ which blended humor with social commentary. She followed this success with subsequent specials like ‘Douglas’ and ‘Something Special’ on major streaming platforms. Her acting work includes roles in the series ‘Please Like Me’ where she portrayed a fictionalized version of herself. She often uses her platform to discuss topics such as neurodiversity and art history within her comedic routines.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is known for her deadpan delivery and observational style of humor that often draws from her personal life. She created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’ which received critical praise. Her acting credits extend to major projects like ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and the film ‘Army of the Dead’. She frequently appears as a guest on talk shows and maintains a popular podcast.

Fortune Feimster

Fortune Feimster first gained national attention as a writer and performer on ‘Chelsea Lately’. She has since appeared in numerous comedy series such as ‘The Mindy Project’ and ‘Champions’. Her stand-up specials ‘Sweet and Salty’ and ‘Good Fortune’ have reached large audiences on streaming services. She also stars in the action comedy series ‘FUBAR’ alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza is widely recognized for her portrayal of April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since transitioned into film with leading roles in ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Black Bear’. Her performance in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ earned her significant awards attention and critical acclaim. She is frequently noted for her unique and dry sense of humor during interviews and public appearances.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell started her career in stand-up comedy before becoming a major film star in movies like ‘A League of Their Own’. She hosted the popular daytime talk show ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ for several years in the late 1990s. Her acting work includes recurring roles on ‘Will and Grace’ and the series ‘SMILF’. She has been an influential figure in the entertainment industry for her advocacy and philanthropy.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a comedian who broke barriers with her sitcom ‘All-American Girl’. She has released several successful comedy albums and filmed multiple specials that address social and political issues. Her acting credits include roles in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the television series ‘Drop Dead Diva’. She continues to tour globally and is recognized for her candid approach to storytelling.

Sue Perkins

Sue Perkins is a British comedian and presenter who rose to fame as part of the comedy duo ‘Mel and Sue’. She is well known for hosting the original run of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ where she provided comedic relief. Her work includes presenting various documentaries and appearing on panel shows like ‘QI’ and ‘Mock the Week’. She has also authored books and performed in numerous live comedy tours across the United Kingdom.

Sandi Toksvig

Sandi Toksvig is a Danish-British comedian and writer who succeeded Stephen Fry as the host of the panel show ‘QI’. She was a founding member of the Women’s Equality Party and has been a frequent guest on ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’. Her television career includes hosting ‘The Great British Bake Off’ and appearing in sitcoms like ‘The Pocket Elephant’. She is also an accomplished author of children’s books and historical nonfiction.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a prolific actress known for her roles in films such as ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ and ‘The Age of Innocence’. She has earned a reputation for her humorous and unfiltered appearances on various talk shows. Her career includes extensive work in theater and voice acting for animated projects like ‘Babe’. She remains a popular figure in British television for her travel documentaries and guest roles.

Catherine Cohen

Catherine Cohen is a comedian and actress who won the Best Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She released a musical comedy special titled ‘The Twist? She’s Gorgeous’ which showcases her cabaret-style humor. Her acting credits include guest spots on ‘Search Party’ and ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. She co-hosts a popular weekly podcast and frequently performs live in New York City.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison has gained a cult following for her absurdist humor and unique comedic voice in series like ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’. She starred in the independent film ‘Together Together’ which demonstrated her range in both comedy and drama. Her television work includes roles in ‘Shrill’ and ‘Made for Love’ as well as voice acting for ‘Big Mouth’. She is frequently cited by critics as a rising star in the alternative comedy scene.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is the co-creator and star of the hit series ‘Broad City’ which originated as a web series. She expanded her career by creating and starring in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’. Her voice work includes playing the lead character in ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ and a role in ‘Disenchantment’. She has also published several books including an illustrated memoir.

Ilana Glazer

Ilana Glazer rose to prominence alongside Abbi Jacobson as the co-creator and star of ‘Broad City’. She has appeared in films such as ‘The Night Before’ and ‘Rough Night’ where she utilized her physical comedy skills. Her work extends to the mystery series ‘The Afterparty’ and the psychological horror film ‘False Positive’. She remains active in stand-up comedy and is known for her energetic performance style.

Alice Wetterlund

Alice Wetterlund is a comedian and actress who is widely known for her role as D’Arcy Bloom in the series ‘Resident Alien’. She has made frequent appearances on the MTV show ‘Girl Code’ and had a recurring role in ‘Silicon Valley’. Her stand-up special ‘My Mama Is a Human and My Papa Is a Dog’ was released to positive reviews. She often incorporates sarcasm and social commentary into her comedic routines.

Cameron Esposito

Cameron Esposito is a stand-up comedian and actress who created and starred in the series ‘Take My Wife’. She has appeared in films like ‘Mother’s Day’ and ‘The Hero’ and guest-starred on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She is also known for hosting the interview podcast ‘Queery’ where she speaks with other LGBTQ+ individuals. Her comedy often focuses on her identity and personal experiences with honesty and humor.

Mae Martin

Mae Martin is a Canadian comedian and writer who created and starred in the critically acclaimed series ‘Feel Good’. The show explores themes of addiction and romance with a blend of humor and drama. They have also appeared as a contestant on ‘Taskmaster’ and had a supporting role in ‘The Flight Attendant’. Their stand-up special ‘SAP’ further showcases their observational and storytelling abilities.

Sabrina Jalees

Sabrina Jalees is a comedian and writer who has worked on series such as ‘Search Party’ and ‘Big Mouth’. She appeared as a series regular in the comedy ‘Carol’s Second Act’ and has performed stand-up on various television networks. Her writing credits include the show ‘Fraggle Rock’ and ‘Human Resources’. She is known for her charismatic stage presence and fast-paced delivery.

Paula Poundstone

Paula Poundstone is a veteran stand-up comedian known for her improvisational skills and interaction with audiences. She is a regular panelist on the NPR news quiz show ‘Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!’. Her career includes several HBO specials and guest appearances on late-night talk shows throughout the decades. She also voiced the character Paula in the animated feature film ‘Inside Out’.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria became a breakout star for her role as Big Boo in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has a long history in stand-up comedy and was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show. Her acting work includes roles on Broadway in ‘On the Town’ and films like ‘The First Wives Club’. She is also a professional jazz musician with several albums to her credit.

Sam Jay

Sam Jay is a comedian and former writer for ‘Saturday Night Live’ where she contributed to many popular sketches. She created and stars in the HBO series ‘Pause with Sam Jay’ which blends talk show elements with sketch comedy. Her acting roles include the television series ‘Bust Down’ and the film ‘You People’. She is recognized for her distinct perspective and sharp observational humor.

Punkie Johnson

Punkie Johnson is a comedian and actress who joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2020. Before late-night television she performed at the Comedy Store and appeared in the series ‘Corporate’. Her film work includes a role in the comedy ‘Bottoms’ and the series ‘Love Life’. She is noted for her relatable storytelling and confident stage persona.

Molly Bernard

Molly Bernard is best known for her role as Lauren Heller in the long-running series ‘Younger’. She has also appeared in ‘Transparent’ and had a recurring role in the medical drama ‘Chicago Med’. Her comedic style often involves playing quirky and high-energy characters with a strong fashion sense. She has also performed in various theatrical productions in New York City.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat gained early fame as Maeby Fünke in the acclaimed sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She later starred in the dark comedy series ‘Search Party’ as the lead character Dory Sief. Her filmography includes a variety of independent movies such as ‘Duck Butter’ and ‘The Old Man’. She is known for her dry wit and her ability to navigate between comedy and drama seamlessly.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a musician and actress who co-created and starred in the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’. She is also a founding member of the band Sleater-Kinney and has written a memoir about her life in music. Her acting credits include roles in ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘The Nowhere Inn’. She has directed several television episodes for various comedy series.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne has had a long career in film and television beginning as a child actress. She gained widespread fame for her roles in ‘American Pie’ and later in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She is the co-creator and star of ‘Russian Doll’ and currently leads the mystery series ‘Poker Face’. Her gravelly voice and unique delivery have made her one of the most recognizable figures in modern comedy.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall is an actress and director who starred in the cult comedy film ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She had a recurring role in the political satire ‘Veep’ and appeared in the series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She directed and co-wrote the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’ which featured a large comedic cast. Her performances often utilize a subtle and grounded sense of humor.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a celebrated actress known for her role as Evelyn Harper on the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. She won an Emmy Award for her work on ‘The Practice’ and has appeared in films like ‘Legally Blonde’. Her recent work includes the series ‘The Chair’ and ‘The Morning Show’. She is highly regarded for her sophisticated comedic timing and long-standing career on Broadway.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein earned critical acclaim for her leading role in the high school comedy ‘Booksmart’. She also appeared in the film ‘Lady Bird’ and played Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment’. Her theater background includes a starring role in the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’. She is known for her expressive acting and her ability to bring humor to coming-of-age stories.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who appeared in the groundbreaking series ‘Transparent’. She had a prominent role as one of the Barbies in the 2023 ‘Barbie’ movie directed by Greta Gerwig. Her comedic work includes the film ‘Assassination Nation’ and the series ‘The Idol’. She often brings a satirical and sharp-witted energy to her performances on screen.

Megan Stalter

Megan Stalter became an internet sensation for her improvised character videos on social media platforms. She transitioned to television with a breakout role as Kayla in the award-winning series ‘Hacks’. Her first leading film role was in the comedy ‘Cora Bora’ which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival. She is famous for her chaotic and confident comedic persona that often parodies self-important individuals.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri is an actress and writer who rose to prominence for her role in the series ‘The Bear’. She stars in the teen comedy film ‘Bottoms’ and provides the voice for Missy in the animated series ‘Big Mouth’. Her career also includes writing for ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and ‘Dickinson’. She is praised for her fast-paced delivery and her ability to ground absurd situations in reality.

Rachel Sennott

Rachel Sennott gained significant attention for her starring role in the independent film ‘Shiva Baby’. She co-wrote and starred in the 2023 comedy ‘Bottoms’ which became a critical hit. Her television credits include a series regular role in ‘The Idol’ and appearances in ‘Call Your Mother’. She is known for her high-energy performances and her presence in the New York stand-up scene.

Hannah Einbinder

Hannah Einbinder is a comedian and actress who stars alongside Jean Smart in the series ‘Hacks’. She has performed stand-up on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ and was named a New Face at Just for Laughs. Her performance in ‘Hacks’ has earned her multiple nominations for Emmy and Golden Globe awards. She utilizes a deadpan and observational style in both her acting and her stand-up comedy.

Sherry Cola

Sherry Cola is a comedian and actress who is a series regular on the drama ‘Good Trouble’. She starred in the 2023 comedy film ‘Joy Ride’ and had a role in ‘Shortcomings’. Her background in stand-up comedy informs her high-energy performances and comedic timing. She also voiced a character in the animated film ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’.

Sarah Sherman

Sarah Sherman joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2021 and is known for her surreal humor. She often appears on the ‘Weekend Update’ segment with elaborate costumes and prosthetic makeup. Outside of television she performs stand-up under the name Sarah Squirm and has toured extensively. Her comedy frequently explores themes of body horror and absurdist maximalism.

Molly Kearney

Molly Kearney became the first non-binary cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’ when they joined in 2022. They appeared in the television series adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’ as the character Fern Desmond. Their comedic style often involves physical humor and high-energy characters. Before joining national television they were a staple of the stand-up comedy scenes in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Jen Richards

Jen Richards is an actress and writer who co-created the Emmy-nominated web series ‘Her Story’. She has appeared in the comedy drama ‘Mrs. Fletcher’ and the thriller series ‘Clarice’. Her work often focuses on increasing visibility for transgender people in the entertainment industry. She has also guest-starred in ‘Better Things’ where she demonstrated her comedic and dramatic range.

Alexandra Billings

Alexandra Billings is a veteran actress and singer who played a key role in the series ‘Transparent’. She has a long history in theater and was the second transgender woman to play a transgender character on television. Her guest roles include appearances in ‘The Conners’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She is also a professor of theater and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child actress on ‘The Cosby Show’ before starring in the Disney Channel hit ‘That’s So Raven’. She has reprised her famous role in the spin-off series ‘Raven’s Home’ which she also executive produces. Her film credits include ‘The Princess Diaries 2’ and ‘Dr. Dolittle’. She is widely recognized for her physical comedy and her long-standing presence in television.

Natalie Morales

Natalie Morales has starred in several popular television series including ‘Parks and Recreation’ and ‘The Newsroom’. She led the cast of the comedy ‘Abby’s’ and had a recurring role in ‘Dead to Me’. Her film work includes a role in ‘No Hard Feelings’ and she directed the teen comedy ‘Plan B’. She is known for her versatile acting and her ability to play both dry and high-energy characters.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’. She voiced the lead character Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated film ‘Encanto’. Her other projects include the series ‘Twisted Metal’ and the film ‘In the Heights’. She is frequently praised for her vocal range and her ability to deliver comedy through both live-action and animation.

Sandra Bernhard

Sandra Bernhard is a comedian and actress who became famous in the 1980s for her one-woman shows and role on ‘Roseanne’. She has appeared in films like ‘The King of Comedy’ and the television series ‘Pose’. She currently hosts a radio show on SiriusXM where she discusses pop culture and politics. Her humor is often characterized by its satirical edge and critiques of celebrity culture.

Marsha Warfield

Marsha Warfield is a stand-up comedian and actress who gained fame for her role as Roz Russell on the sitcom ‘Night Court’. She also appeared as a series regular on ‘Empty Nest’ and has made guest appearances on ‘9-1-1’. Her career in stand-up comedy spans several decades and she is known for her deadpan delivery. She recently returned to her role in the ‘Night Court’ revival series.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres became a cultural icon with her self-titled sitcom ‘Ellen’ where she famously came out. She hosted the long-running daytime program ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ which won numerous Emmy Awards. Her voice acting as Dory in ‘Finding Nemo’ and ‘Finding Dory’ is widely celebrated for its comedic brilliance. She has also hosted major award ceremonies including the Oscars and the Grammys.

Share which of these hilarious performers is your favorite in the comments.