15 Greatest Female Stand-Up Comedians

15 Greatest Female Stand-Up Comedians

Stand-up comedy has traditionally been defined by its sharp-witted male mouthpieces. However, the rise of iconic funny women like Joan Rivers, Ellen DeGeneres, and Amy Schumer has forever changed the landscape of stand-up. This impressive list celebrates the 15 greatest female comedians who have destroyed stereotypes and beat the odds to achieve massive success.

These groundbreaking women have proven that females can dominate any microphone. Through sheer comedic brilliance, they have carved out an esteemed place for themselves in the annals of stand-up history and blazed a trail for countless aspiring female comics. Find the comedians below;

1. Amy Schumer

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Amy Schumer is an American stand-up comedian and actress who rapidly grew in fame after starring in her own Comedy Central sketch series Inside Amy Schumer. Her comedy is known for being provocative, and outrageous, yet insightful on issues facing modern women. Schumer fearlessly jokes about sex, body image, dating, and gender inequality.

Her blunt, vulgar style combines with a charming presence to both shock and engage audiences. Schumer branched into film starring in Trainwreck and I Feel Pretty. She continues pushing comedic boundaries to highlight absurdities in our culture, earning both praise and criticism through her boundary-breaking fearless humor.

2. Janeane Garofalo

Janeane Garofalo is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and writer. She often comments on politics and social issues in her sharply witty comedy routines. Garofalo first broke out as a cast member on Saturday Night Live in the 1990s then starred in her own comedy specials on TV.

She has acted in many movies over her career playing funny, sarcastic characters. Known for her deadpan and ironic delivery, Garofalo’s comedy blends cynicism, intelligence, and activism. She continues to perform stand-up today often offering controversial opinions and perceptions on her trademark progressive topics.

3. Sarah Silverman

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Sarah Silverman is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and writer. She is known for her very bold, ironic, and sometimes offensive style of comedy. Many of Silverman’s jokes focus on taboo or controversial topics like racism, sexism, and religion. She often plays an oblivious comic persona, saying politically incorrect statements that reveal the absurdity behind prejudices.

Silverman has starred in comedy films like “School of Rock” and “I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With.” She was also part of the comedy show “The Sarah Silverman Program” and continues to perform stand-up routines. Though sometimes vulgar, Sarah Silverman uses humor to cleverly criticize serious social issues.

4. Paula Poundstone

Paula Poundstone is an American stand-up comedian known for her clever observational humor. She became popular in the 1980s with regular appearances on TV comedy shows. Poundstone is recognized for her spontaneous style of interacting with the audience.

She comments on her life experiences as a woman and mother in a humorous way. Poundstone also is a frequent guest on radio quiz shows, displaying her wide knowledge of trivia. She continues to tour and perform stand-up comedy over 30 years after first gaining fame.

5. Maria Bamford

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Maria Bamford is an American stand-up comedian and actress. She is known for her unique comedic style where she uses different voices and impressions in her jokes. Bamford often talks about mental health issues like anxiety and depression in her comedy. She starred in her own Netflix comedy series called Lady Dynamite where she played a fictionalized version of herself. Bamford has been praised for openly discussing taboo topics like mental illness. Her comedy mixes absurdity and vulnerability to create both laughs and thoughtful commentary on serious issues.

6. Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a trailblazing stand-up comedian celebrated for her sharp wit and fearless social commentary. With a unique ability to blend humor with insightful observations, Sykes tackles issues of race, gender, and politics. Her delivery is marked by a distinctive candor, challenging societal norms with comedic finesse.

Beyond stand-up, Sykes has made a significant impact in television writing and acting, showcasing her versatility. As a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality, she infuses her comedy with a powerful dose of social consciousness. Wanda Sykes continues to be a comedic force, pushing boundaries and provoking thought with laughter.

7. Ellen DeGeneres

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Ellen DeGeneres started as a stand-up comedian in the 1980s. Her comedy style is friendly and positive, focusing more on observing everyday life humor than shocking audiences. She talks lightly about things like annoying airline passengers, overeating, phone etiquette, pets, and relationships.

Ellen connects well with all types of audiences with her easygoing charm and uplifting message that we need more kindness in the world. Though Ellen is less controversial than some comedians, she helped make comedy feel more inclusive for the average person. Many people love Ellen for both her comedy and her warm personality.

8. Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr is very famous as a stand-up comedian. She first became well-known in the 1980s for making jokes about her life as a wife and mother. Her comedy style is loud and insulting, but very funny. She talks about controversial things like women’s rights, mental illness, and racism.

Barr connected with audiences because her jokes were about real-life struggles that many people relate to. Though some people get offended by her comedy, no one can deny that Roseanne Barr has been one of the most influential female stand-up comedians.

9. Phyllis Diller

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As one of the first widely popular female stand-up comics, Phyllis Diller broke ground with her eccentric stage persona and self-deprecating humor in the 1950s and ’60s. Known for her outrageous outfits, wild hair, and clownish makeup, Diller cultivated an image as the quintessential messy, hapless housewife.

She mocked her fictitious husband “Fang” and gleefully made fun of domestic life with lines like “I haven’t spoken to my mother-in-law for 18 months—I don’t like to interrupt her.” Though she carefully styled her jokes as harmless absurdities, Diller subtly challenged traditional gender roles. With her brazen confidence and expert timing, she paved the way for generations of female comics to insert their voices into the comedy world.

10. Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers, an iconic stand-up comedian, born in 1933, was a trailblazer in the world of comedy. Renowned for her sharp wit and fearless humor, Rivers broke barriers with her candid and often controversial style. She paved the way for female comedians, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Rivers’ observational humor, self-deprecation, and quick wit earned her widespread acclaim. Her decades-long career, which included hosting “The Tonight Show” and “Fashion Police,” solidifies her legacy as a groundbreaking and influential figure in stand-up comedy. Joan Rivers’ comedic brilliance continues to inspire comedians today.

11. Ali Wong

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Ali Wong has become one of the most popular and sharpest stand-up comedians in recent years. She first drew attention in 2016 with her Netflix special Baby Cobra, in which she unabashedly joked about pregnancy, marriage, Asian culture, feminism, and more while over 7 months pregnant. Her humor is brazen and no-holds-barred as she candidly shares intimate details of her personal life.

Wong is admired for bringing a refreshingly unique and feminist perspective to her comedy. She has helped pave the way for more female comedians to tackle taboo topics and break through gender barriers in the stand-up world with her raw, fearless sensibility.

12. Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is a talented American actress, comedian, and talk show host. Born in 1955, she gained fame for her roles in movies like “The Color Purple” and “Sister Act.” Whoopi is known for her distinctive humor and versatility in acting. In 1990, she became the second black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Apart from acting, she co-hosted the popular talk show “The View” for many years. Whoopi Goldberg has used her wit and charisma to entertain and inspire audiences, breaking down barriers for African-American women in the entertainment industry.

13. Wanda Sykes

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Wanda Sykes is a fantastic stand-up comedian celebrated for her sharp wit and hilarious observations. Born in 1964, she has made a mark with her stand-up specials and roles in shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

Sykes fearlessly tackles social issues, offering a unique perspective. Her quick humor and relatable storytelling make her a standout performer. Wanda Sykes has not only entertained audiences but also contributed to the diversity and impact of women in comedy, earning her a place among the greatest stand-up comedians.

14. Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman, born in 1970, stands out as one of the greatest stand-up comedians of her generation. Renowned for her edgy, provocative humor, Silverman fearlessly addresses taboo subjects, challenging societal norms with clever wit. Her comedy is characterized by a perfect blend of social commentary, self-deprecation, and satire.

Silverman’s unique style, exemplified in specials like “Jesus Is Magic,” has earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Beyond stand-up, her work in television and film further showcases her comedic genius. Sarah Silverman’s impact on the comedy landscape solidifies her status as a trailblazer and influential figure in the industry.

15. Fortune Feimster

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Fortune Feimster, born in 1980, is a standout stand-up comedian known for her infectious humor and relatable storytelling. Hailing from North Carolina, she gained recognition on Chelsea Handler’s show and has since captivated audiences with her down-to-earth comedic style. Fortune’s comedy often revolves around her Southern roots, navigating life, and embracing her identity as a lesbian. With a warm and approachable stage presence, she effortlessly connects with crowds, sharing laughs and personal anecdotes. Fortune Feimster’s charm and authenticity make her a beloved figure in the comedy scene, bringing joy and laughter to audiences through her engaging performances.