The Funniest Young Actresses of All Time

The entertainment industry continues to produce remarkable comedic talent among its younger performers who captivate audiences with their timing and wit. These actresses have earned acclaim through television sitcoms and sketch shows as well as leading roles in major comedy films. Many of them began their careers in improv groups or on social media before transitioning to mainstream success. This list highlights fifty women who have made significant contributions to the world of comedy during their early years in the spotlight.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri rose to prominence for her portrayal of Sydney Adamu in the critically acclaimed series ‘The Bear’. She showcased her comedic range in the teen comedy film ‘Bottoms’ where she played a high school student starting a fight club. Her background includes writing for shows like ‘Big Mouth’ and performing stand up comedy in New York City. She has won several awards including a Primetime Emmy for her work in television. Her performance in ‘Theater Camp’ further established her as a leading voice in modern comedy.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson is the creator and lead actress of the hit mockumentary series ‘Abbott Elementary’. She first gained fame through her viral comedy videos on platforms like Instagram and BuzzFeed. In her show she plays Janine Teagues an optimistic second grade teacher navigating the challenges of a public school system. Brunson made history as the first Black woman to receive three Emmy nominations in the comedy categories in a single year. She also appeared in the sketch series ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’.

Rachel Sennott

Rachel Sennott established herself as a comedic force with her starring role in the independent film ‘Shiva Baby’. She co wrote and starred in the comedy ‘Bottoms’ which became a cult favorite for its absurd humor. Sennott also appeared in the horror comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ as a vapid socialite. Her style often incorporates deadpan delivery and awkward social situations. She began her career performing stand up and creating digital shorts while studying at New York University.

Taylor Tomlinson

Taylor Tomlinson is a prominent stand up comedian and actress who hosts the late night show ‘After Midnight’. She became widely known through her Netflix specials ‘Quarter-Life Crisis’ and ‘Look at You’. Her comedy focuses on themes of mental health and the struggles of adulthood. She started performing stand up at the age of sixteen in church basements before reaching national television. Tomlinson is recognized for her sharp observational humor and relatable storytelling.

Hannah Einbinder

Hannah Einbinder is best known for her role as Ava Daniels in the comedy drama series ‘Hacks’. She plays a young comedy writer who forms an unlikely partnership with a legendary stand up performer. Einbinder grew up in a comedic household as her mother was an original cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’. Her performance has earned her multiple nominations for Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. She also performs stand up comedy and has appeared on late night talk shows.

Megan Stalter

Megan Stalter gained a massive following on social media for her eccentric and improvised character videos. She transitioned to television with a breakout role as the chaotic assistant Kayla in ‘Hacks’. Her comedy style is often characterized by intentional awkwardness and high energy absurdity. Stalter has appeared in films such as ‘Cora Bora’ and the mockumentary ‘Problemista’. She is considered a leading figure in the new wave of alternative comedy.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan made her professional acting debut as Devi Vishwakumar in the Netflix series ‘Never Have I Ever’. She was chosen for the lead role by Mindy Kaling after an open casting call that saw fifteen thousand applicants. Her performance as a high school student dealing with grief and teenage angst was praised for its comedic timing. She also voiced the character Priya Mangal in the animated film ‘Turning Red’. Ramakrishnan continues to be a prominent figure in young adult entertainment.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin became a household name for her role as Diane Johnson on the ABC sitcom ‘Black-ish’. At the age of fourteen she became the youngest person to ever produce a major Hollywood film with the release of ‘Little’. She starred in ‘Little’ as a younger version of a high powered executive who is transformed overnight. Her work on ‘Black-ish’ earned her numerous NAACP Image Awards for her sharp wit. She also runs her own production company called Genius Productions.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein received critical acclaim for her leading role in the coming of age comedy ‘Booksmart’. She played a high achieving student who decides to break the rules on the last night of high school. Feldstein also had a significant supporting role in the film ‘Lady Bird’ alongside Saoirse Ronan. Her theater background includes a starring role in the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’. She is known for bringing a heartfelt and energetic quality to her comedic characters.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever showcased her comedic abilities in the film ‘Booksmart’ as the socially conscious Amy. Before her film success she starred for several seasons on the sitcom ‘Last Man Standing’ as Eve Baxter. She also appeared in the dark comedy series ‘Last Man Standing’ and the film ‘Ticket to Paradise’. Dever is recognized for her versatility in moving between intense dramas and lighthearted comedies. Her chemistry with her co stars is often cited as a highlight of her performances.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone became a comedy star through her early roles in films like ‘Superbad’ and ‘Easy A’. She played a sarcastic and witty high school student in ‘Easy A’ which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Stone continued to showcase her humor in ‘Zombieland’ and ‘Crazy Stupid Love’. She eventually transitioned into more dramatic territory while maintaining a sharp comedic edge in projects like ‘The Favourite’. Her performance in ‘Poor Things’ showcased a unique blend of physical comedy and surrealism.

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick is widely recognized for her starring role as Beca Mitchell in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ film franchise. She brought a dry sense of humor and musical talent to the role of a college student in an a cappella group. Kendrick received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the comedy drama ‘Up in the Air’. She also starred in ‘A Simple Favor’ and the television series ‘Love Life’. Her public persona is often characterized by a self deprecating and quick witted nature.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza rose to fame as the deadpan April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. Her unique brand of awkward and dark humor became a staple of the show for seven seasons. She has starred in various comedy films including ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ and ‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’. Plaza also produced and starred in the dark comedy ‘Ingrid Goes West’. Her performances often involve intense commitment to unconventional and strange characters.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld delivered a standout comedic performance in the film ‘The Edge of Seventeen’. She portrayed a cynical and socially isolated teenager navigating a series of personal crises. Steinfeld also starred in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ sequels as Emily Junk. She brought humor to the superhero genre in the series ‘Hawkeye’ and the animated ‘Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse’. Her ability to balance wit with emotional vulnerability has made her a popular lead actress.

Kathryn Newton

Kathryn Newton appeared in several comedic roles before starring in the horror comedy ‘Lisa Frankenstein’. She played the daughter of a main character in the series ‘Big Little Lies’ and appeared in ‘Blockers’. In the film ‘Freaky’ she showcased her range by playing a teenager who swaps bodies with a serial killer. Newton also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Cassie Lang in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania’. She is known for her expressive acting and strong screen presence.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her career as a child star on the Disney Channel sitcom ‘Shake It Up’. She later produced and starred in the series ‘K.C. Undercover’ as a teenage spy. While she moved into more dramatic roles in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Dune’ she maintained a comedic presence in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. Her portrayal of MJ offered a dry and observant counterpart to the lead character. She continues to be one of the most influential young actresses in the industry.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega became a global star for her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the series ‘Wednesday’. She utilized a commitment to deadpan physical comedy and macabre humor for the iconic role. Ortega also appeared in the comedy series ‘Jane the Virgin’ and ‘Stuck in the Middle’. She returned to the comedy horror genre with a leading role in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’. Her ability to convey personality through minimal expression is a hallmark of her work.

Emma Myers

Emma Myers gained widespread recognition for her role as Enid Sinclair in the series ‘Wednesday’. She played the sunny and colorful roommate of the title character providing a sharp comedic contrast. Myers showcased her comedic timing in the family film ‘Family Switch’ where she participated in a body swap plot. She is set to appear in the upcoming live action ‘Minecraft’ movie. Her energetic performances have made her a favorite among young audiences.

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter first rose to fame for her role as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series ‘Girl Meets World’. She demonstrated her comedic abilities early on by playing a rebellious and witty best friend. Carpenter continued her acting career in films like ‘Adventures in Babysitting’ and ‘The Hate U Give’. She has since transitioned into a successful music career while still taking on comedic roles. Her personality in music videos often reflects the same humor found in her early acting.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence showed her comedic chops in the R rated comedy ‘No Hard Feelings’ as a woman hired to date a shy teenager. She won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ which blended drama with dark humor. Lawrence also appeared in the satirical film ‘Don’t Look Up’ alongside an ensemble cast. She began her career on the sitcom ‘The Bill Engvall Show’ where she played a typical teenager. Her candid interviews and physical comedy have made her a popular figure.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer became a child star in the film ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ before starring in the sitcom ‘True Jackson VP’. She later joined the cast of ‘Scream Queens’ as the intelligent and hilarious Zayday Williams. Palmer appeared in the horror comedy ‘Nope’ and voiced a character in ‘Lightyear’. She is also known for her viral internet clips and her work as a television host. Her high energy and relatable humor have sustained her long career in the industry.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina gained international fame for her scene stealing role in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. She went on to create and star in her own semi autobiographical comedy series ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’. Her performance in ‘The Farewell’ showed she could master both heavy drama and subtle humor. She has voiced characters in several animated hits including ‘The Bad Guys’ and ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’. Awkwafina started her career as a rapper and internet personality before transitioning to film.

Ali Wong

Ali Wong became a massive comedy star following her Netflix stand up specials ‘Baby Cobra’ and ‘Hard Knock Wife’. She wrote and starred in the romantic comedy film ‘Always Be My Maybe’ on Netflix. Wong also voiced characters in the animated series ‘Tuca & Bertie’ and ‘Big Mouth’. Her performance in the dark comedy series ‘Beef’ earned her significant critical acclaim and awards. She is known for her bold and unapologetic approach to topics like motherhood and relationships.

Maria Bakalova

Maria Bakalova achieved breakout success for her role as Tutar Sagdiyev in ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’. She performed improvised scenes with real people and showcased an incredible talent for physical comedy. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She went on to star in the horror comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and ‘The Bubble’. Bakalova is praised for her bravery and ability to stay in character during unpredictable situations.

Nicola Coughlan

Nicola Coughlan is widely known for playing Clare Devlin in the hit sitcom ‘Derry Girls’. She portrayed an anxious and high strung teenager living in Northern Ireland during the nineties. Coughlan also stars as Penelope Featherington in the period drama ‘Bridgerton’ which features its own brand of social comedy. She recently starred in the comedy series ‘Big Mood’ alongside Lydia West. Her expressive face and comedic timing have made her a standout in British and Irish television.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan demonstrated her comedic talent in the title role of the film ‘Lady Bird’. She played a headstrong and creative high school student navigating a complicated relationship with her mother. Ronan also showcased her humor in the period mystery ‘See How They Run’ as a rookie police officer. While primarily known for dramas she often incorporates wit and charm into her diverse roles. She has received multiple Academy Award nominations throughout her young career.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh showcased her comedic abilities in the biographical sports comedy ‘Fighting with My Family’. She played professional wrestler Saraya Bevis as she navigated her journey to the WWE. Pugh also brought a dry humor to her role as Yelena Belova in the Marvel film ‘Black Widow’. She appeared in the satirical dark comedy ‘Don’t Look Up’ in a brief but memorable role. Her ability to deliver sharp dialogue with a straight face has become a signature of her acting.

Sarah Sherman

Sarah Sherman is a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ known for her surreal and physical comedy. She often performs under the name Sarah Squirm and creates bizarre visual sketches. Her work on the show includes frequent appearances on Weekend Update where she mocks the anchors. She also appeared in the film ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’. Sherman is a key figure in the modern alternative comedy scene.

Ego Nwodim

Ego Nwodim is a veteran cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’ who joined the show in 2018. She is known for her original characters like Lisa from Temecula who often causes chaos in restaurant settings. Nwodim has appeared in several comedy series including ‘Brockmire’ and ‘Love Life’. She frequently guests on comedy podcasts like ‘Comedy Bang Bang’ where she showcases her improv skills. Her versatility allows her to play both grounded and wildly eccentric characters.

Chloe Fineman

Chloe Fineman joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ and quickly became known for her celebrity impressions. She has parodied famous figures like Drew Barrymore and Britney Spears with great accuracy. Fineman appeared in the film ‘Babylon’ and the comedy series ‘Search Party’. She often utilizes her background in The Groundlings improv troupe for her character work. Her ability to mimic voices and mannerisms has made her a standout performer on sketch television.

Heidi Gardner

Heidi Gardner is a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ known for her relatable and detailed characters. She frequently plays teenagers or anxious social media personalities on the Weekend Update segment. Gardner also voiced characters in animated shows like ‘Mike Tyson Mysteries’ and ‘HouseBroken’. She has appeared in comedy films such as ‘Life of the Party’ alongside Melissa McCarthy. Her observational humor often focuses on specific personality types found in everyday life.

Janelle James

Janelle James gained widespread acclaim for her role as the narcissistic principal Ava Coleman in ‘Abbott Elementary’. Her performance is characterized by hilarious one liners and a complete lack of self awareness. James began her career as a stand up comedian and has toured with stars like Chris Rock. She hosted the comedy competition show ‘The Final Straw’ on ABC. Her work on ‘Abbott Elementary’ has earned her several nominations for major television awards.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Phoebe Waller-Bridge created and starred in the groundbreaking comedy series ‘Fleabag’. She used the technique of breaking the fourth wall to share intimate and hilarious thoughts with the audience. Waller-Bridge also developed the series ‘Crashing’ and served as the initial showrunner for ‘Killing Eve’. She won multiple Emmy Awards for her writing and acting in ‘Fleabag’. Her work is known for blending sharp wit with profound emotional honesty.

Aisling Bea

Aisling Bea is an Irish actress and comedian who created and starred in the series ‘This Way Up’. She plays a woman recovering from a nervous breakdown while maintaining a witty and protective relationship with her sister. Bea has appeared as a regular guest on British panel shows like ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’. She also starred alongside Paul Rudd in the Netflix comedy series ‘Living with Yourself’. Her comedy often deals with themes of family and mental health through a humorous lens.

Rose Matafeo

Rose Matafeo is a New Zealand comedian who created and starred in the BBC series ‘Starstruck’. The show follows a young woman who discovers she has had a one night stand with a famous movie star. Matafeo won the Edinburgh Comedy Award for her stand up show ‘Horndog’. She has appeared in several comedy films including ‘Baby Done’ produced by Taika Waititi. Her work often explores the awkwardness of modern romance and fandom.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel first gained fame for creating and starring in the E4 sitcom ‘Chewing Gum’. She played Tracey Gordon a religious and naive young woman living in London. Coel won a BAFTA Award for her comedic performance in the show before moving into more dramatic work. She created and starred in the critically acclaimed series ‘I May Destroy You’ which contained dark humor. Her early career in poetry and theater helped shape her unique comedic voice.

Lolly Adefope

Lolly Adefope is a British actress known for her roles in ‘Ghosts’ and ‘The Franchise’. In ‘Ghosts’ she plays Kitty a bubbly and optimistic spirit from the Georgian era. Adefope has appeared in the American comedy series ‘Miracle Workers’ alongside Daniel Radcliffe. She is also a frequent guest on panel shows and has a background in character stand up. Her performances often highlight her ability to play endearing and naive characters.

Anjana Vasan

Anjana Vasan starred as Saira in the comedy series ‘We Are Lady Parts’ about an all female Muslim punk band. Her performance as a nervous PhD student who joins the band was a comedic highlight of the show. Vasan also appeared in the dark comedy series ‘Killing Eve’ and the film ‘Cyrano’. She won a Laurence Olivier Award for her work in theater before gaining television fame. Her comedic style often involves physical awkwardness and subtle facial expressions.

Billie Lourd

Billie Lourd became a fan favorite for her role as Chanel #3 in the horror comedy series ‘Scream Queens’. She portrayed a deadpan sorority member who famously wore earmuffs in every episode. Lourd also delivered a standout comedic performance in the film ‘Booksmart’ as the eccentric Gigi. She has appeared in multiple seasons of the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. Lourd is the daughter of actress Carrie Fisher and carries on a legacy of wit in the industry.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat rose to fame as Maeby Fünke in the iconic sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She played a rebellious teenager who frequently cons her way into high level jobs. Shawkat later starred in and produced the dark comedy series ‘Search Party’ as Dory Sief. She has appeared in various independent films including the horror comedy ‘The Final Girls’. Her career has been marked by a preference for unconventional and edgy comedic projects.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloë Grace Moretz showcased her comedic and action skills as Hit-Girl in the film ‘Kick-Ass’. She played a foul mouthed and highly skilled young vigilante which became a breakout role. Moretz also appeared in the dark comedy ‘Dark Shadows’ and the comedy ‘Neighbors 2 Sorority Rising’. She voiced the character Wednesday Addams in the animated ‘The Addams Family’ films. Her early career involved balancing intense dramas with high energy comedic roles.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced showcased her comedic timing in the live action film ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’. She played the iconic character as an optimistic and slightly socially awkward teenager in the real world. Merced also appeared in the comedy ‘Instant Family’ alongside Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne. She demonstrated her range by taking on roles in action films like ‘Transformers The Last Knight’. Her ability to play earnest and funny characters has made her a rising star.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning received critical acclaim for her role as Catherine the Great in the satirical series ‘The Great’. She balanced dark humor with political maneuvering in a fictionalized version of Russian history. Fanning has appeared in various films including the comedy ’20th Century Women’ and ‘Somewhere’. She often takes on eccentric roles that allow her to showcase a whimsical sense of humor. Her performance in ‘The Great’ earned her multiple award nominations for comedy.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy demonstrated her comedic skills in the period comedy ‘Emma.’ based on the novel by Jane Austen. She played the titular character with a mix of entitlement and charm that highlighted the story’s humor. While often associated with horror and drama she brought wit to ‘The Menu’ as a cynical diner. Taylor-Joy also voiced Princess Peach in the animated ‘The Super Mario Bros Movie’. Her career is noted for her ability to inhabit diverse and stylized characters.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie showcased her comedic versatility in the blockbuster film ‘Barbie’ as the title character. She brought a perfect blend of earnestness and physical comedy to the role of a living doll. Robbie also received praise for her humorous and high energy performance as Harley Quinn in several DC films. She produced and starred in the dark comedy ‘I Tonya’ which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Her ability to lead major comedies has established her as a top actress.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt had a breakout comedic role as the high strung assistant Emily in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. She followed this with comedic performances in ‘Sunshine Cleaning’ and ‘The Five-Year Engagement’. Blunt also showcased her humor in the action comedy ‘The Fall Guy’ alongside Ryan Gosling. While she is a frequent lead in dramas her early work established her as a formidable comedic talent. She is known for her sharp delivery and effortless charm on screen.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is a comedian and actress known for her absurd and often confrontational humor. She appeared in several memorable sketches on the series ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’. Harrison starred in the independent comedy ‘Together Together’ which earned her significant critical praise. She has written for comedy shows like ‘Big Mouth’ and voiced characters in ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’. Her unique voice has made her a standout in the indie comedy world.

Molly Gordon

Molly Gordon co directed and starred in the mockumentary ‘Theater Camp’ which follows the staff of a summer camp. She also appeared in the hit comedy ‘Booksmart’ as Triple A and the series ‘The Bear’. Gordon had a leading role in the comedy film ‘Life of the Party’ alongside Melissa McCarthy. She frequently collaborates with other young comedians in the New York and Los Angeles scenes. Her work often focuses on niche subcultures and character driven humor.

Lisa Gilroy

Lisa Gilroy gained attention for her performance in the mockumentary series ‘Jury Duty’. She played a quirky and unpredictable character who was part of the staged jury proceedings. Gilroy has a background in improv and has appeared in comedy shows like ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and ‘Hacks’. She is also known for her viral character videos on social media platforms. Her high energy and commitment to absurd premises have made her a rising talent in comedy.

Chloe Troast

Chloe Troast joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2023 and quickly made an impact with her musical and character work. She is known for her powerful singing voice which she often uses for comedic effect in sketches. Troast has a background in the New York sketch comedy scene and has performed in various live shows. She appeared in the film ‘Please Don’t Destroy The Treasure of Foggy Mountain’. Her performances are often noted for their theatricality and charm.

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