Top 10 Pioneering Women in Comedy

Top 10 Pioneering Women in Comedy

Throughout history, comedy has been dominated by men. However, many brilliant and courageous women comedians have made enormous strides, breaking down barriers and paving the way for others. This article honors 10 pioneering funny ladies who dared to make space for themselves in the testosterone-fueled world of comedy.

Risk-takers like Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, and Carol Burnett blazed a trail when the concept of a “female comedian” was still novel. Groundbreakers like Margaret Cho and Wanda Sykes proved women could hold their own next to the boys. Together, these 10 talents advanced women’s influence in the entertainment industry and changed comedy’s landscape forever.

1. Carol Burnett

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Carol Burnett is an iconic American comedian and actress who broke barriers for women in the comedy world. She first gained notice in the 1950s performing on Broadway and TV variety shows. Burnett really pioneered comedy entertainment when she launched “The Carol Burnett Show” in 1967. It was one of television’s most successful and acclaimed sketch comedy series ever.

Burnett starred alongside other funny women and male performers, proving women could be just as hilarious. She created memorable characters and impersonations. Her TV show helped change attitudes about female comedians. Burnett demonstrated that women can command the spotlight and succeed in every aspect of comedy. 

2. Phyllis Diller

Phyllis Diller was a pioneering stand-up comedian who paved the way for future female comics. She broke into comedy in the 1950s when it was completely male-dominated and women were only expected to play traditional roles. Diller shattered stereotypes with her outrageous hair and clothing style and self-deprecating jokes making fun of domestic life.

Her confidence and willingness to look foolish was groundbreaking. She never apologized for being loud, sarcastic, or edgy on stage – which was unheard of at the time. Diller’s enormous success as one of the first female stand-up stars gave women comedians after her the courage to pursue comedy and be themselves on stage.

3. Lucille Ball

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Lucille Ball revolutionized comedy for generations of women. She rose to fame in the 1950s with “I Love Lucy“, one of the first sitcoms ever made. Ball broke ground as the wacky lead character got into hilarious hijinks, which was unheard of for women at the time.

She was willing to look silly and be the butt of jokes, without worrying about appearing perfect or demure. “I Love Lucy” also pioneered filming sitcoms with a live audience. Ball’s talents as both a comedic and businesswoman allowed her to form her own production company. Her tremendous influence opened doors for funny female actors and creators that still impact television today.

4. Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers was a barrier-breaking stand-up comedian and television host who paved the way for many women in comedy. She rose to fame in the 1960s with her unapologetic style of humor that was unprecedented for female comedians of the time. Her success as a stand-up comic led to her being the first woman to host her own late-night TV talk show.

Rivers never backed down from making biting jokes, especially about herself. She spawned a candid, self-deprecating style of female comedy that was groundbreaking. Joan Rivers demonstrated that women can not only compete but excel as stand-up comics and TV personalities in spheres traditionally reserved only for men.

5. Gilda Radner

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Gilda Radner was a gifted comedian and one of the first breakout stars of Saturday Night Live in the 1970s. Radner burst onto the scene with her quirky, memorable characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella at a time when women in comedy were rare.

Her willingness to act silly and risk-taking abilities paved the way for generations of funny female sketch comedians and improvisers to feel confident being themselves. Radner showed that with talent and fearlessness, women can thrive in edgy spaces like SNL. Her impact reshaped attitudes about what women can achieve in all realms of comedy.

6. Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is a groundbreaking comedian and actress who created new paths for women, especially women of color, in entertainment. Goldberg rose to fame in the 1980s with her innovative, socially aware stand-up routines where she gave unique perspectives playing a variety of fictional personalities.

Her ability to insightfully tackle serious issues through a comedic lens was unprecedented. Goldberg was one of the first African-American women to find huge success in comedy and dramatic acting. Her legendary career opened doors for many marginalized comedians to bring their diverse voices into mainstream comedy, television, and film.

7. Jane Curtin

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Jane Curtin was an original cast member of Saturday Night Live in the 1970s. At that time, women were not often seen in groundbreaking comedy shows. Curtin helped break barriers by becoming one of the first female comedians on SNL. She made a name for herself by being the calm, straight-faced anchor delivering the news on Weekend Update.

She often played the roles of professional women. Curtin showed that women could thrive in satirical sketch comedy without conforming to any typical expectations people had for female performers at the time. She paved the way for many funny actresses on SNL over the decades.

8. Tracey Ullman

Tracey Ullman is a pioneering comedian who became one of the few women in the 1980s to create and star in her own sketch comedy television show. The Tracey Ullman Show featured her immensely talented character acting and impersonations ranging from eccentric original personas to her takes on famous women like Joan Rivers.

Ullman proved that a female performer could carry a comedy show playing an endless array of both male and female parts. Her success inspired networks to take more chances on female-driven projects. Ullman opened the door for the next generations of funny character actresses and comedies to display their versatility on television.

9. Ellen DeGeneres

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Ellen DeGeneres pioneered comedy for the LGBTQ community. Breaking barriers, she came out as gay in the 90s when that was taboo, especially for celebrities. Despite fears it would end her career, DeGeneres thrived becoming one of America’s most beloved TV personalities. 

She starred in the landmark sitcom “Ellen” where her character also came out, paving the way for LGBTQ representation in entertainment. DeGeneres’ signature kind of comedy makes light of her personal life in a way that brings understanding. She has influenced generations to accept all people with humor and compassion. Her success advanced acceptance for both the comedy and LGBTQ communities.

10. Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho was one of the first Asian American women to become a big comedy star in America. She was very brave to talk about her life growing up as the daughter of Korean immigrants. Many people could relate to the way she made fun of racism and made people laugh at the same time.

Cho proved that women, especially minority women, could be very successful stand-up comedians. She paved the way for other women comedians by showing you can talk about controversial topics and still get big laughs.

Despite women being descriminated in the entertainment industry most especially as comedians, we have few women who have fought along and achieved and accomplished their dreams. They are so important in the industry and keep fans entertained.