The Funniest Gay Actresses of All Time

The landscape of comedy has been significantly shaped by the contributions of talented women who identify as members of the LGBTQ community. These actresses have broken barriers and delivered iconic performances in television and film and stand up specials. From pioneers who paved the way in the early days of television to modern stars dominating streaming platforms these performers continue to influence the genre. This list highlights some of the most influential and hilarious queer actresses whose work has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin gained national recognition with her various character sketches on ‘Laugh In’ during the late 1960s. She became a powerhouse in film with her acclaimed performance in ‘9 to 5’ alongside Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton. Her career includes a beloved role in the Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’ which ran for seven seasons. Tomlin has received numerous awards including Emmys and a Tony for her diverse work in the entertainment industry. She has been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ community for several decades.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is widely known for her role as the sarcastic Sue Sylvester on the musical series ‘Glee’. Her performance in that series earned her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for her comedic timing. She also appeared in several mockumentary films directed by Christopher Guest including ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. Lynch has hosted the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and lent her voice to animated films like ‘Wreck It Ralph’. She has been open about her identity throughout her prolonged and successful career in Hollywood.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes established herself as a leading voice in comedy through her stand up specials and her work on ‘The Chris Rock Show’. She voiced iconic characters in films such as ‘Over the Hedge’ and ‘Ice Age Continental Drift’. Sykes also starred in her own sitcom titled ‘Wanda at Large’ and played a recurring role on ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’. Her sharp social commentary and observational humor have made her a staple of American comedy. She publicly came out during a rally in 2008 and continues to advocate for equality.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a standout performer on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where she was known for her impressions of celebrities and political figures. She won two Emmy Awards for her work on the sketch series before departing in 2022. McKinnon starred in the 2016 reboot of ‘Ghostbusters’ and provided voices for films like ‘The Angry Birds Movie’. Her physical comedy and unique character choices have earned her a massive fan base. She was the first openly lesbian cast member to be hired by ‘Saturday Night Live’.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell became a household name as the host of ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ which won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She also appeared in popular films such as ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’. O’Donnell later joined the talk show ‘The View’ where she was known for her candid discussions on current events. She has been an active advocate for adoption and LGBTQ rights for many years. Her career spans stand up comedy and Broadway as well as film and television.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is celebrated for her deadpan delivery and her influential semi autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’. She gained widespread attention for a 2012 stand up set where she addressed her cancer diagnosis with dark humor. Notaro has appeared in films like ‘Army of the Dead’ and the television series ‘Star Trek Discovery’. She frequently tours as a stand up comedian and hosts the podcast ‘Don’t Ask Tig’. Her work often explores personal themes with a unique and understated comedic style.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza rose to fame playing the cynical April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since starred in comedic films such as ‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’ and ‘Ingrid Goes West’. Plaza is known for her awkward and deadpan public persona which has become a signature of her brand. She also transitioned into more dramatic roles in projects like ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza has spoken openly about her bisexuality in various interviews over the years.

Fortune Feimster

Fortune Feimster began her career as a writer and performer on ‘Chelsea Lately’ before finding success as a stand up comedian. She has released several popular comedy specials on Netflix including ‘Sweet & Salty’ and ‘Good Fortune’. Feimster has also appeared in television shows such as ‘The Mindy Project’ and ‘Champions’. Her comedy often draws from her upbringing in North Carolina and her experiences coming out. She is a frequent guest on talk shows and a popular figure on the comedy circuit.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne first gained popularity as a teen actress in films like ‘American Pie’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She experienced a career resurgence with her role as Nicky Nichols in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Lyonne co created and starred in the Netflix series ‘Russian Doll’ which received critical acclaim for its dark humor. She currently stars in the mystery series ‘Poker Face’ created by Rian Johnson. Lyonne has frequently played queer characters and has identified as queer in her personal life.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is best known for her role as Lindsay Bluth Fünke on the cult classic sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She also starred as Nelle Porter on the legal drama ‘Ally McBeal’ and as Veronica Palmer on ‘Better Off Ted’. Her comedic timing contributed to the success of these ensemble casts during the early 2000s. She published a memoir titled ‘Unbearable Lightness’ where she discussed her career and personal struggles. De Rossi has been married to Ellen DeGeneres since 2008.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made history with her sitcom ‘Ellen’ when both she and her character came out as gay in 1997. She went on to host ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ for nineteen seasons winning dozens of Emmy Awards. DeGeneres also voiced the character Dory in ‘Finding Nemo’ and its sequel ‘Finding Dory’. Her observational humor and friendly persona made her one of the most famous comedians in the world. She remains one of the most significant figures in the history of LGBTQ representation in media.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a British Australian actress known for her eccentric personality and memorable performances. She won a BAFTA Award for her role in ‘The Age of Innocence’ and played Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. Margolyes is a frequent guest on talk shows like ‘The Graham Norton Show’ where her unfiltered stories often go viral. She has been with her partner Heather Sutherland since 1968. Her comedic work spans voice acting and stage performances across several decades.

Sandi Toksvig

Sandi Toksvig is a Danish British comedian and presenter known for her wit and intelligence. She served as the host of the panel show ‘QI’ and was a presenter for ‘The Great British Bake Off’. Toksvig has written numerous plays and books and was a founding member of the Women’s Equality Party. Her career in British comedy began in the 1980s with appearances on shows like ‘No 73’. She is a respected figure in the United Kingdom for her contributions to television and activism.

Sue Perkins

Sue Perkins is one half of the comedic duo Mel and Sue alongside her creative partner Mel Giedroyc. She became internationally famous as a host of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ during its original run on the BBC. Perkins has hosted various documentaries and panel shows including ‘Insert Name Here’. She is also an accomplished writer and has published several books about her life and travels. Perkins has been a prominent lesbian figure in British media for many years.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a pioneer in stand up comedy known for her routines regarding race and sexuality. She starred in the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All American Girl’ which was one of the first to feature an Asian American family. Cho has received multiple nominations for Grammy Awards for her comedy albums and specials. She has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community and has explored her bisexuality in her work. Her performances often blend social commentary with provocative humor.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz gained widespread fame for her role as the tough and mysterious Rosa Diaz on ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’. She also provided the voice for Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated hit ‘Encanto’. Beatriz has appeared in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’ as well. Her character on ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’ came out as bisexual which mirrored the actual life experience of the actress. She has used her platform to advocate for better representation of queer people of color in media.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson co created and starred in the hit Comedy Central series ‘Broad City’ alongside Ilana Glazer. The show was praised for its realistic and humorous portrayal of female friendship in New York City. Jacobson later co created and starred in the television series adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’. She also voiced the lead character in the animated film ‘The Mitchells vs the Machines’. Jacobson came out as queer in 2018 and has been open about her relationships.

Ilana Glazer

Ilana Glazer is the co creator and star of ‘Broad City’ where she played the high energy character Ilana Wexler. She starred in the film ‘Rough Night’ and the psychological horror comedy ‘False Positive’ which she also co wrote. Glazer has produced various projects through her production company and remains active in political activism. Her comedic style is known for being bold and unapologetic. Glazer has identified as bisexual and often incorporates queer themes into her work.

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 influential rock band Sleater Kinney. Her work on ‘Portlandia’ earned several Emmy nominations and highlighted the eccentricities of hipster culture. Brownstein has appeared in films like ‘Carol’ and ‘The Nowhere Inn’ which she also co wrote. She has discussed her fluid sexuality in her memoir ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a comedian and actress who rose to fame as Big Boo on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly gay comic to perform on a late night talk show in 1993 on ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’. DeLaria is also an accomplished jazz singer and has released several albums throughout her career. She has performed on Broadway in productions such as ‘On the Town’ and ‘The Rocky Horror Show’. She remains a visible and vocal figure in the queer community.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson is an Australian actress who became a breakout star in the musical comedy ‘Pitch Perfect’. She has appeared in several high profile comedies including ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Isn’t It Romantic’. Wilson is known for her physical comedy and deadpan delivery in both film and television. She hosted the BAFTA Film Awards and has produced several of her own projects. Wilson announced her relationship with her partner Ramona Agruma in 2022.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash is a versatile actress known for her comedic roles in ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. She won an Emmy Award for her dramatic turn in ‘Monster’ but remains a staple of comedy. Nash hosted the reality show ‘Clean House’ and starred in the sitcom ‘The Soul Man’. She surprised fans in 2020 by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. Nash has since become a vocal advocate for living authentically regardless of age.

Raven-Symoné

Raven Symoné started her career as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ before starring in her own Disney Channel hit ‘That’s So Raven’. She has appeared in comedic films like ‘Dr Dolittle’ and ‘College Road Trip’. Raven later served as a co host on the daytime talk show ‘The View’ for several seasons. She currently stars in and executive produces the revival series ‘Raven’s Home’. She came out publicly in 2013 and married her partner Miranda Maday in 2020.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is a comedian and actress known for her surreal humor and appearances on ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’. She starred in the independent film ‘Together Together’ which showcased her range in both comedy and drama. Harrison has written for shows like ‘Big Mouth’ and lent her voice to ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’. She is one of the most prominent transgender women working in comedy today. Her unique voice has made her a favorite among critics and fans of alternative comedy.

Mae Martin

Mae Martin is a Canadian comedian and actor who created and starred in the semi autobiographical series ‘Feel Good’. The show explores themes of addiction and romance with a sharp comedic lens. Martin has also appeared as a contestant on ‘Taskmaster’ and has several stand up specials available on streaming platforms. Their work often focuses on gender identity and the complexities of modern dating. Martin identifies as non binary and queer and uses they/them pronouns.

Sherry Cola

Sherry Cola is an actress and comedian who gained recognition for her role as Alice Kwan on the series ‘Good Trouble’. She also starred in the 2023 comedy film ‘Joy Ride’ which follows a group of friends on a trip through China. Cola began her career in radio and stand up before transitioning into television and film roles. She is a frequent performer at comedy clubs and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ and Asian American representation. Cola has spoken openly about her bisexuality in various media outlets.

Megan Stalter

Meg Stalter became an internet sensation with her character based comedy videos on social media platforms. She transitioned to television with a breakout role as Kayla in the acclaimed HBO series ‘Hacks’. Stalter is known for her clueless persona and energetic energy which has earned her a dedicated following. She has appeared in films like ‘Cora Bora’ and continues to perform live comedy shows. Stalter identifies as queer and often brings her unique perspective to her performances.

Nicole Byer

Nicole Byer is the energetic host of the comedic baking competition ‘Nailed It!’ on Netflix. She is also a prolific podcaster known for hosting ‘Why Won’t You Date Me?’ and ‘Best Friends’. Byer starred in the scripted comedy ‘Loosely Exactly Nicole’ which was based on her own life as a struggling actress. She has been nominated for several Emmy Awards for her hosting work. Byer has described her sexuality as fluid and has been a visible figure in the comedy world for over a decade.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri is an actress and writer who rose to prominence for her role as Sydney Adamu in ‘The Bear’. She has a background in stand up comedy and has written for shows like ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. Edebiri starred in the 2023 teen comedy ‘Bottoms’ which featured a queer centric plot. Her comedic timing and naturalistic performances have made her one of the most sought after young talents in Hollywood. She has identified as a member of the LGBTQ community.

Rachel Sennott

Rachel Sennott gained critical acclaim for her leading role in the independent comedy ‘Shiva Baby’. She also starred in and co wrote the 2023 film ‘Bottoms’ alongside Ayo Edebiri. Sennott is known for her work on social media where she posted comedic sketches and observations. She has appeared in the horror comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the HBO series ‘The Idol’. Sennott has been open about her queer identity and often portrays queer characters in her films.

Cameron Esposito

Cameron Esposito is a stand up comedian and actress known for her podcast ‘Queery’ where she interviews LGBTQ luminaries. She co created and starred in the series ‘Take My Wife’ with her former partner Rhea Butcher. Esposito has released several comedy specials and appeared in films like ‘Mother’s Day’. Her book ‘Save Yourself’ details her experiences growing up Catholic and coming out as a lesbian. She is recognized for her advocacy and her focus on queer themes in her comedy.

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby is an Australian comedian who gained international fame with her groundbreaking special ‘Nanette’. The special challenged the traditional structure of stand up comedy and addressed themes of trauma and homophobia. Gadsby followed this success with other specials like ‘Douglas’ and ‘Something Special’. She has written a memoir titled ‘Ten Steps to Nanette’ which became a bestseller. Gadsby is known for her dry wit and intellectual approach to comedic storytelling.

Paula Poundstone

Paula Poundstone is a veteran stand up comedian known for her suit wearing stage presence and her ability to interact with audiences. She is a regular panelist on the NPR news quiz ‘Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me’. Poundstone has released several comedy specials and written books like ‘There Is Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say’. She has been a fixture in the American comedy scene since the 1980s. Poundstone has discussed her life as a single parent and her identity in various public forums.

Sabrina Jalees

Sabrina Jalees is a Canadian comedian and writer who has worked on shows like ‘Search Party’ and ‘Fraggle Rock Back to the Rock’. She has appeared as a judge on ‘Roast Battle Canada’ and has her own stand up specials. Jalees began her career at a young age and has become a prominent voice in both Canadian and American comedy. She often talks about her experiences as a brown queer woman in her routines. Jalees and her wife have a son and frequently share their family life on social media.

Marsha Warfield

Marsha Warfield is best known for her role as Roz Russell on the classic sitcom ‘Night Court’. She was a prominent stand up comedian in the 1980s and appeared on ‘The Richard Pryor Show’. Warfield also hosted her own talk show ‘The Marsha Warfield Show’ for a brief period. She has made guest appearances on various series and remains active in the comedy community. Warfield came out publicly as a lesbian in 2017 after having been out to her family for years.

Sandra Bernhard

Sandra Bernhard is a comedian and actress known for her provocative and satirical humor. She gained fame in the 1980s for her solo shows and her high profile friendships. Bernhard played the character Nancy Bartlett on the sitcom ‘Roseanne’ who was one of the first recurring lesbian characters on television. She currently hosts the radio show ‘Sandyland’ and appears in the series ‘American Horror Story’. Bernhard has been a trailblazer for queer women in the entertainment industry.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is widely recognized for her role as Miranda Hobbes on the iconic series ‘Sex and the City’. While the show was primarily a romantic comedy Nixon brought a sharp and pragmatic humor to her character. She has won multiple Emmy Awards and a Tony Award for her work on stage and screen. Nixon ran for Governor of New York in 2018 focusing on social justice and education. She identifies as queer and has been a visible advocate for LGBTQ rights for many years.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a veteran actress with a career spanning several decades in film and television. She is well known for her role as Evelyn Harper on the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor won an Emmy Award for her role in the legal drama ‘The Practice’ and has starred in comedies like ‘Legally Blonde’. She wrote and starred in the solo play ‘Ann’ about Texas Governor Ann Richards. Taylor has been in a relationship with actress Sarah Paulson since 2015.

Punkie Johnson

Punkie Johnson is a comedian and actress who joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2020. She has appeared in the series ‘Love Life’ and ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’. Johnson is known for her energetic stand up and her relatable storytelling. She was the first openly queer Black woman to be a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Her comedy often touches on her relationships and her upbringing in New Orleans.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein gained fame for her roles in the comedic films ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in ‘Booksmart’ which was praised for its portrayal of female friendship. Feldstein also starred on Broadway in ‘Hello Dolly’ and as Fanny Brice in ‘Funny Girl’. She played Monica Lewinsky in the series ‘Impeachment’ showing her dramatic range. Feldstein has been open about her relationship with her wife Bonnie Chance Roberts.

Please share which of these incredibly talented comedic actresses is your absolute favorite in the comments.