The 15 Funniest Women in Hollywood

There’s no shortage of comedic talent lighting up Hollywood — and these fifteen women keep audiences rolling with laughter whether they’re on stage, on screen, or both. Their lovable oddballs, outrageous improv, and whip-smart writing have made them household names and set new standards in the world of comedy.

Kate McKinnon

With a face that can twist into a thousand expressions, Kate McKinnon is a comedic chameleon. Her viral impressions on Saturday Night Live — from a wily Hillary Clinton to a galactic oddball abductee — never fail to deliver gut-busting laughs.

McKinnon’s Clinton impersonation debuted on SNL in 2013 and quickly evolved into one of the show’s most memorable political impressions during the 2016 election season.

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler‘s quick wit and lovable goofiness, especially as Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation, have made her a beacon of cheerful absurdity.

She is a cofounder of the Upright Citizens Brigade, a comedy institution and training center founded in 1996 that remains one of the most respected comedy training centers in the U.S.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy is a master of physical comedy, fearlessly diving into the most outrageous stunts — like launching herself over a counter in 2011’s Bridesmaids. At the 84th Academy Awards, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall‘s timing is as sharp as her smile, whether she’s parodying horror tropes in Scary Movie or letting loose in Girls Trip.

Tina Fey

A comedy writer, performer, and self-proclaimed “bossypants,” Tina Fey‘s genius shines in everything from Mean Girls to 30 Rock. As the first female head writer for Saturday Night Live from 1999 to 2006, she paved the way for women in comedy. Her sense of humor is cutting yet approachable, from her hilarious Sarah Palin impressions or her behind-the-scenes tales of SNL chaos.

Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher is a comedic secret weapon, stealing scenes as quirky troublemakers. Fisher’s breakthrough came with the comedy Wedding Crashers (2005), opposite Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, taking on the role of the seemingly clingy, aggressive, and precocious younger daughter of a politician who falls madly in love.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

From the epic dance moves of Elaine Benes to the razor-sharp insults of Selina Meyer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is comedy royalty. Her role on Veep earned Louis-Dreyfus six Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, setting a record in 2017 for the most wins for a single role, according to the Television Academy. She’s famous for her physical humor and deadpan delivery, and her characters prove a woman can truly own the joke and the spotlight.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch‘s towering presence and biting wit make her a scene stealer in any ensemble — whether riffing in Christopher Guest‘s mockumentaries or lobbing insults as Glee‘s Sue Sylvester. She earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of the razor-sharp and relentlessly competitive cheerleading coach, winning an Emmy Award in 2010 and a Golden Globe Award in 2011.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph‘s spot-on impressions, from Beyoncé to Kamala Harris, show a comedic dexterity that keeps audiences guessing. Rudolph won a 2020 Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series Emmy for her portrayal of the former vice president on Saturday Night Live, per NBC.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson‘s brash, self-aware characters burst with confidence — she’s never afraid to let loose an awkward one-liner or pratfall. She rose to international fame in the scene-stealing role in the Pitch Perfect trilogy, one of the highest-grossing musical comedy franchises of all time, according to IMDb. She’s also turned real-life embarrassing moments into comedy gold on talk shows, often using her Aussie background as material.

Kristen Wiig

Kristen Wiig‘s surreal sense of humor comes alive in quirky SNL creations. Wiig first developed her iconic Target Lady character while performing with the improv and sketch comedy troupe The Groundlings, and it later became one of Saturday Night Live‘s signature recurring sketches in the 2000s, per Adweek.

Anna Faris

Anna Faris delivers comedy with a mix of childlike wonder and sharp irony, especially as Cindy Campbell in the Scary Movie franchise. Faris established herself as one of Hollywood’s leading comedic actresses, with her films earning more than $1.5 billion globally, according to The Numbers.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling‘s wit is unmatched, bringing high-energy mischief and relatability to every project. Kaling first rose to prominence as Kelly Kapoor on The Office (2005–2013), where she also distinguished herself behind the scenes by writing 24 episodes — the most of any staff writer, per the Hollywood Insider.

Jennifer Coolidge

Jennifer Coolidge has mastered the art of the slow-burn joke — the kind that initially seems understated, then leaves you and everyone else in tears of laughter. Coolidge became a comedy icon with her scene-stealing role as Jeanine “Stifler’s mom” Stifler in the 1999 hit American Pie, which grossed more than $235 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick‘s lightning-fast comebacks and deadpan musical numbers make her a comedic standout in any genre. She first earned widespread recognition with her Oscar-nominated performance in Up in the Air (2009) before captivating audiences as one of the stars of the Pitch Perfect franchise, according to Business Insider.