6. Kristen Wiig: The Sketch Comedy Genius
If laughter were currency, Kristen Wiig would be a billionaire. Wiig burst onto the scene with her stint on "Saturday Night Live," where she honed her craft and introduced the world to a host of quirky characters. Wiig's ability to seamlessly morph from one absurd personality to another made her a standout on the show. But it was the 2011 hit "Bridesmaid" that solidified her position as a titan of comedy.
Wiig Fan Page / IG / Kristn Wiig’s versatility and everywoman charm make her a relatable and beloved figure in modern-day comedy.
Her performance, punctuated by her signature deadpan wit and impeccable timing, earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
5. Betty White: The Timeless Comedienne
Betty White was a trailblazer and a delightful paradox. Dubbed "the first lady of television," her career spanned more than seven decades, with White becoming a beloved fixture in American households. Her sparkling blue eyes and sweet demeanor were the perfect cover for her razor-sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing.
Her infectious enthusiasm and propensity for double entendres kept audiences in stitches and earned her the affection and respect of millions. White proved that comedy knows no age and that one could be sassy and sweet all at once.
4. Whoopi Goldberg: The Daring Comedic Force
Whoopi Goldberg is a force to be reckoned with. Her career took off with her Broadway one-woman show that showcased her incredible range of characters and her willingness to tackle social issues with humor. Her role as Celie in "The Color Purple" proved she could do drama as well as comedy. But it was her performances in "Sister Act" and "Ghost" that displayed her comedic talents.
Whoopi / IG / Whoopi Goldberg’s humor is smart and often laced with a poignant message. Fairly so, she is one of the finest comedians of our time.
As a co-host on "The View," she continues to show that humor can be both enlightening and entertaining. Goldberg is not just funny. Instead, she is culturally significant.
3. Carol Burnett: The Queen of Television Comedy
Mention the name Carol Burnett, and one instantly pictures the charismatic comedienne tugging at her ear at the end of each episode of "The Carol Burnett Show." Burnett broke the mold for women in comedy with her variety sketch show, a domain mostly dominated by men at the time.
Her show was a showcase for her many talents, from slapstick to parodies, to emotional song numbers. Burnett’s iconic characters, like the brash and clumsy Eunice and the ever-so-awkward Mrs. Wiggins, have become a part of the American comedy lexicon.
2. Jennifer Coolidge: The Queen of Quirk
Jennifer Coolidge has made a career out of playing characters that are both outlandish and endearing. With her sultry voice and deadpan delivery, Coolidge steals scenes. Whether it is in the "American Pie" series, "Legally Blonde," or the cult favorite "Best in Show."
Coolidge / IG / Among the leading funniest actresses, Jennifer Coolidge is a big name!
Her portrayal of Stifler's mom introduced the term "MILF" into the pop culture lexicon. But it is her innate ability to play the blonde bombshell with a twist that has endeared her to audiences. Coolidge's comedy is often rooted in the character's unabashed confidence and her own fearless approach to roles.
1. Jean Smart: The Rare Versatile Comedian
Jean Smart has that rare ability to float between genres, nailing each performance, whether it is drama or comedy. While she may have won critical acclaim for her dramatic roles in recent years, her comedic chops are second to none. Smart first drew laughs as the sweet but dim-witted Charlene Frazier on "Designing Women."
Recently, she has garnered praise for her role in the dark comedy "Hacks," where she plays a legendary Las Vegas comedian with a biting wit. Smart's timing, her ability to deliver a line, and her flair for physical comedy make her a standout.
