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I love female comedians over 50 because they have an edge that the younger generation doesn’t. That’s just my opinion, of course. Honestly, anybody who can make me laugh gets a thumbs-up from me.
These days, it’s completely normal for a young female comedian to get on stage and talk about anything she wants to. We take it for granted!
Back in “the day” men kept women away from audiences for fear they’d seem unlady like. That fact alone makes me laugh.
Did you know that your favorite female comedians over 50 would never have graced the stage if it weren’t for trailblazers like Phyllis Diller? That woman was nearly 40 years old when she started her comedy career.
Her perseverance and talent helped push her past the male-dominated comedy set and into stardom. Imagine!
She was a stay-at-home mom looking to make a little extra money. She knew she was funny, she just had to prove it to the world.
You could say stand-up comedy was Phyllis’s side hustle back in the day. It definitely wasn’t easy though.
The male dominated comedy industry didn’t think female comedians would draw an audience. They also didn’t think women could be funny or even should be funny. Instead, they told her to “tame down” her comedy routine.
Thankfully, their outdated notions backfired. Women loved to see themselves represented through her humorous take on domestic life. She turned self-deprecation into an art form and audiences loved it.
Keep reading for details on the best female comedians over 50 the world has ever seen.
Best Female Comedians Over 50 – Then and Now
I started this blog post talking about Phyllis Diller because of the way she opened doors for new female talent.
From her first stand-up set at The Purple Onion in 1955 to her final stand-up performance in 2002, at the age of 84, Phyllis was a force to be reckoned with.
She starred in feature films, released comedy albums, and even headlined her own television programs.
Some of her funniest self-deprecating humor came through famous lines like, “I admit, I have a terrific body. It’s in the trunk of my car.” and “My cooking is so bad, my kids thought Thanksgiving was to commemorate Pearl Harbor.”
Phyllis Diller passed away on August 20, 2012, at the age of 95, and yet her legacy lives on.
Comedians like Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Tig Notaro, and Taylor Tomlinson wouldn’t be cracking us up without the gutsy women who paved the way.
The Early Days of Stand-Up Comedy
Stand-up comedy began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The original “comedy acts” were vaudville performances that combined slapstick, music and variety acts.
Slapstick is the kind of thing you either love or hate. It’s a type of comedy that requires exaggerated, over-the-top physical and facial expressions.
There’s usually a lot of bumping into things, falling over, and accidental mishaps designed to trigger a laugh.
When I think of slapstick and vaudeville, the comedy team of Laurel and Hardy comes to mind.
In time, vaudeville performances began to blend into the silent movie era.
Slapstick became popular in film because it was designed to be visually funny. There were rudimentary captions, but it was the physicality of the performance that mattered the most.
From Vaudeville to Silent Films to Stand-up Comedy
Filmmakers began refining slapstick comedy in the 1910s, making it more sophisticated and cinematic.
This evolution continued until the late 1920s when sound was introduced and the evolution of “talkies” took hold. Slapstick’s influence, however, remained strong in films.
By the 1920s and 1930s, stand-up comedy started gaining traction as its own art form in small clubs and larger venues.
The comedy world, at that time, was dominated by men who could openly express the world as they saw it. Little did they know that a long line of funny women were waiting in the wings.
Breaking Barriers: The Unheard Voices of Early Female Comedians
In the early 20th century, women were expected to play sidekicks or straight-laced housewives.
There were, of course, exceptions. Sophie Tucker, who used lewd humor to challenge societal expectations, comes to mind.
Her nickname, the Last of the Red-Hot Mamas, tells you everything you need to know about her risque comedy.
Even more recent female comedians over 50, like Joan Rivers really pushed the envelope.
In order to be seen and taken seriously as comedians, these women really had to pull out all the stops. They couldn’t afford to take a break or stay quietly on the side-lines.
The Challenges of Breaking Into the Business
Back in the day, club owners weren’t interested in booking female comics. They figured the audience simply wouldn’t find them funny.
Of course, even when women were booked, they had to work hard to prove themselves.
It wasn’t considered “ladylike” to be a female comic and women had to work twice as hard to prove their talent and gain respect in the industry.
The Shift in the 1970’s and 1980’s
In the 1970’s, feminism played a significant role in challenging gender norms. More female comedians began to emerge.
One of my favorites, Gilda Radner, created characters with enough energy to put Red Bull to shame.
Of course, we can’t forget Carol Burnett of The Carol Burnett Show! My mother always let me stay up past my bedtime to watch it.
I’m not even sure I understood the humor at my young age, but I knew it was funny. Carol Burnett used slapstick comedy in many of her acts.
Watch this clip on Gilda Radner
Why It Was So Hard for Women
Humor was seen as a predominantly male trait, with women not expected to be funny, let alone assertive or bold in a comedic setting.
This cultural bias created significant barriers for women trying to break into comedy.
Comedy clubs and television shows were largely dominated by men, leaving little room for female comics to showcase their talents.
As a result, opportunities for women in the industry were limited, making it harder for them to gain recognition.
Adding to the challenge was the double standard that female comedians faced. While male comedians could push boundaries and take risks in their performances, women were often criticized for doing the same.
They were labeled as “too crass” or “unladylike” for being bold or pushing societal norms.
Many women faced the challenge of balancing their comedy careers with societal expectations of marriage and motherhood. This added pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.
Comediennes vs Comedians
Did you know that the male patricarchy was so afraid of female comedians that they tried to distance them a little further by calling them “comediennes”?
It’s a fact. They just couldn’t share the spotlight. Today, thankfully, the term is considered outdated.
The Continuing Legacy of Ageism
Society often has a limited view of women as they age, and this can be reflected in the comedy world, where female comedians might be typecast or overlooked for roles.
Another obstacle is the changing expectations of female performers.
In their 50s, women may want to take on more serious or mature topics in their comedy, which can be a harder sell in a market that often values edgier, youthful humor.
However, there are also examples of successful female comedians over 50 like Ellen DeGeneres, Sarah Silverman, and Tig Notaro, who have overcome these challenges.
Their success shows that while it can be more difficult, it is by no means impossible, and older female comedians are finding new ways to connect with audiences.
Recent Years: A Female Comedic Awakening
In recent years, the comedy world has seen an explosion of funny women.
Netflix specials, TikTok fame, podcasts, and stand-up comedy tours have given female comics a much wider platform that ever before.
Today, female comics can be raunchy, family-friendly, or anywhere in between.
They can talk about real life, perform on late-night television, and even host major award shows like the Golden Globe Awards or the Academy Awards.
Comedians like Ali Wong, Amy Schumer, and Tig Notaro continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a female stand-up comedian, and we love them for it.
While it’s still a tough business, the trailblazers of the past have made it possible for new talent to thrive.
Female comedians have proven they’re not just funny for women—they’re some of the funniest people in the world.
Before you head out to the comedy club
If you’re heading out to see your favorite female comedians over 50, you might want to take a good selfie. READ: 11 Secrets on How to Take a Good Selfie Over 50 and learn to snap selfies like a pro.
Best Female Comedians Over 50
The following list of female comedians over 50 is not inclusive, so if I’ve missed some of your favorites, please forgive me. Drop me a comment to let me know who I’ve missed!
Joan Rivers
From: New York City
Famous For: Joan appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and also hosted Fashion Police in her later years.
Raunchy Rating: 4 – Her humor often pushed boundaries, but her comedic genius was undeniable.
Joan Rivers (1933–2014) was a groundbreaking comedian known for her sharp wit and fearless humor.
One of the first women to succeed in stand-up, she became a TV icon with The Joan Rivers Show and revolutionized red carpet commentary.
Rivers’ bold, boundary-pushing style made her a lasting influence in comedy and entertainment.
Lucille Ball
From: Jamestown, New York
Famous For: Star of I Love Lucy and co-founder of Desilu Productions with husband Desi Arnaz.
Raunchy Rating: 0 – A clean female comedian who excelled in family-friendly humor.
Lucille Ball (1911–1989) was a pioneering actress and comedian, best known for her iconic role in the TV sitcom I Love Lucy.
Her groundbreaking work in television, marked by her impeccable comedic timing and physical humor, made her a trailblazer for women in comedy.
Ball’s legacy includes becoming the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions, and leaving an indelible mark on both comedy and television history.
Betty White
From: Oak Park, Illinois
Famous For: Her roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Golden Girls made her a TV legend.
Raunchy Rating: 1 – Known for her wit, but she kept it mostly clean.
Betty White (1922–2021) was an iconic actress and comedian, beloved for her long and diverse career in television. Known for her roles in The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, White’s sharp wit, charm, and comedic timing made her a national treasure.
She was a trailblazer for women in comedy, with a career spanning over 80 years, and was known for her ability to stay relevant, earning admiration from multiple generations.
Phyllis Diller
From: Lima, Ohio
Famous For: Her eccentric stage persona, wild hair, and self-deprecating humor. She broke barriers for funny ladies in stand-up comedy during the 1950s.
Raunchy Rating: 3 – Her material was edgy but never over the top.
Phyllis Diller (1917–2012) was a pioneering comedian known for her eccentric humor, wild appearance, and self-deprecating jokes.
One of the first female stand-up comedians to gain widespread popularity, Diller broke barriers in the 1950s and 60s with her sharp wit and outrageous stage persona.
She also appeared in television and film, becoming an influential figure in the comedy world and paving the way for future female comedians.
Carol Burnett
From: San Antonio, Texas
Famous For: The Carol Burnett Show, a beloved variety show that blended sketch comedy, song, and laughter.
Raunchy Rating: 1 – A queen of clean humor with a dash of cheekiness.
Carol Burnett (born 1933) is a legendary comedian and actress, best known for The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1978. Renowned for her versatility, she blended slapstick, satire, and heartfelt moments in her sketches, becoming a trailblazer for women in television comedy. B
Tig Notaro
From: Jackson, Mississippi
Famous For: Her deadpan delivery and standup specials on Comedy Central and Netflix. She’s also known for her work in One Mississippi.
Raunchy Rating: 2 – Smart, relatable humor with a few mature moments.
Tig Notaro (born 1971) is a comedian and writer known for her deadpan delivery, dry humor, and unique storytelling style.
She gained widespread recognition with her 2012 stand-up special Tig Notaro: Live, which famously addressed her personal struggles, including a cancer diagnosis, with raw humor and vulnerability.
Ellen DeGeneres
From: Metairie, Louisiana
Famous For: Standup comedy, her daytime talk show, and hosting the Academy Awards. She brought humor to The Tonight Show and her own sitcom, Ellen.
Raunchy Rating: 1 – Always family-friendly and full of charm.
Ellen DeGeneres (born 1958) is a comedian, actress, and television host, best known for her daytime talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which ran from 2003 to 2022.
DeGeneres became a pioneering figure for LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment, particularly with her groundbreaking role in the 1990s sitcom Ellen, where her character famously came out.
Sarah Silverman
From: Bedford, New Hampshire
Famous For: Edgy, provocative humor that pushes the envelope.
Raunchy Rating: 5 – Not for the faint of heart!
Sarah Silverman (born 1970) is a comedian, actress, and writer known for her bold, provocative humor and social commentary.
She rose to fame with her stand-up specials, where she blends irreverent jokes with sharp insights on topics like politics, religion, and gender. Silverman has also starred in the television series The Sarah Silverman Program and appeared in numerous films.
Melissa McCarthy
From: Plainfield, Illinois
Famous For: Bridesmaids and many other comedy films. She started in sketch comedy and has become a Hollywood favorite.
Raunchy Rating: 3 – Her humor is bold, but often hilarious for all.
Melissa McCarthy (born 1970) is an actress, comedian, and producer known for her breakout role in Bridesmaids (2011).
Renowned for her physical comedy and fearless performances, McCarthy has starred in hit films like Spy, The Heat, and Tammy.
Her ability to blend slapstick humor with heartfelt moments has made her one of Hollywood’s most successful and beloved comedic talents.
Ali Wong
From: San Francisco, California
Famous For: Her Netflix specials, including Baby Cobra. Ali blends personal anecdotes with sharp punchlines.
Raunchy Rating: 5 – Outrageously funny but adult-focused.
Ali Wong (born 1982) is a comedian, actress, and writer known for her sharp, candid humor on topics like gender, race, and motherhood.
She gained widespread recognition with her Netflix specials Baby Cobra (2016) and Hard Knock Wife (2018). Wong has also appeared in films like Always Be My Maybe (2019) and starred in the hit series Tuca & Bertie.
Chelsea Handler
Where She’s From: Livingston, New Jersey
Famous For: Hosting Chelsea Lately and standup specials that tackle everything from politics to relationships.
Raunchy Rating: 4 – She doesn’t shy away from spicy topics.
Chelsea Handler (born February 25, 1975) is a comedian, actress, and former host of Chelsea Lately (2007–2014).
Known for her sharp wit, she has authored several bestselling books and performed stand-up comedy. Handler is also recognized for her outspoken views on politics and social issues.
Maya Rudolph
Where She’s From: Santa Monica, California
What She’s Famous For: Known for her work as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, her roles in Bridesmaids, and her voice work on Big Mouth.
Raunchy Rating: 3 (Maya’s humor can be edgy and playful, but it’s typically not overly explicit.)
Maya Rudolph (born July 27, 1972) is an actress, comedian, and singer, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 2000 to 2007.
She has appeared in films like Bridesmaids and The Way Way Back and voiced characters in animated series such as Big Mouth.
Wanda Sykes
- Where She’s From: Portsmouth, Virginia
- What She’s Famous For: Known for her stand-up comedy, appearances on The New Adventures of Old Christine, and Black-ish, Netflix specials, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and more.
- Raunchy Rating: 4 (Wanda is known for her bold, sharp humor on topics like race, sexuality, and politics.)
Wanda Sykes (born March 7, 1964) is a comedian, actress, and writer known for her sharp wit and bold, often politically charged humor.
She gained recognition as a writer and performer on The Chris Rock Show and later became a stand-up comedy star. Sykes has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Black-ish, and Bad Moms.
She is also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, using her platform to address issues with humor and insight.
Paula Poundstone
- Where She’s From: Huntsville, Alabama
- What She’s Famous For: Known for her stand-up comedy, appearances on Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, and her dry, observational humor.
- Raunchy Rating: 2 (Her humor is witty and dry, but it’s not overly explicit.)
Paula Poundstone (born December 29, 1959) is a comedian known for her observational humor, sharp wit, and spontaneous style.
A regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, she gained prominence in the 1980s with her stand-up comedy, which often involves interactions with the audience.
Poundstone has appeared on various television shows, including The Tonight Show and Comedy Central Presents, and authored books such as There’s Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say.
Lily Tomlin
- Where She’s From: Detroit, Michigan
- What She’s Famous For: Known for her roles on Laugh-In, Grace and Frankie, and her stand-up comedy.
- Raunchy Rating: 2 (Her humor is often playful and intelligent, but not raunchy.)
Lily Tomlin (born September 1, 1939) is an acclaimed actress, comedian, and writer known for her versatility and sharp wit.
She gained fame for her groundbreaking work on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In in the 1960s and for her iconic characters like Edith Ann and Ernestine.
Tomlin’s career spans television, film, and stage, with notable roles in 9 to 5, Grace and Frankie, and The West Wing.
Catherine O’Hara
- Where She’s From: Toronto, Canada
- What She’s Famous For: Known for her work on Schitt’s Creek, Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Waiting for Guffman.
- Raunchy Rating: 2 (Her humor is quirky, absurd, and playful but not explicitly raunchy.)
Catherine O’Hara (born March 4, 1954) is a Canadian actress, comedian, and writer known for her versatile performances in film and television.
She gained widespread recognition for her roles in Beetlejuice (1988) and Home Alone (1990) and is celebrated for her work on the critically acclaimed TV series Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020), for which she won multiple awards.
Watch Catherine O’Hara Bloopers in the video below
Judy Gold
- Where She’s From: New York City, New York
- What She’s Famous For: Known for her stand-up comedy, her appearances on Broad City, and her comedy specials.
- Raunchy Rating: 3 (Judy’s humor is often candid and witty, with some adult themes, but not excessively crude.)
Judy Gold (born November 15, 1962) is a comedian, actress, and writer known for her sharp wit and bold, unapologetic humor.
With a career spanning stand-up comedy, television, and film, Gold is recognized for her work in The Judy Gold Show and her appearances on talk shows like The View and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
She has also written several books, including Yes, I Can Say That.
Frances McDormand
- Where She’s From: Chicago, Illinois
- What She’s Famous For: An Oscar-winning actress known for Fargo, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and Nomadland.
- Raunchy Rating: 1 (Although her roles often have a sharp edge, McDormand herself doesn’t lean toward raunchy humor.)
Frances McDormand (born June 23, 1957) is an acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in Fargo (1996), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and Nomadland (2020), winning three Academy Awards.
Celebrated for her authentic, grounded portrayals of complex characters, she is one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Andrea Martin
- Where She’s From: Portland, Maine
- What She’s Famous For: Known for her work on SCTV, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and Great News.
- Raunchy Rating: 2 (Her comedy is often zany and absurd but not raunchy.)
Andrea Martin (born January 15, 1947) is a Canadian-American actress, comedian, and writer known for her work in television, film, and theater.
She gained fame as a cast member on the sketch comedy show SCTV, where she created memorable characters.
Martin has also appeared in films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and starred in the Broadway musical Pippin. Known for her sharp wit and versatility, she has won multiple awards, including Tony and Emmy Awards, and continues to be a respected figure in comedy and performing arts.
Lori Petty
- Where She’s From: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- What She’s Famous For: Known for her roles in A League of Their Own, Tank Girl, and Orange Is the New Black.
- Raunchy Rating: 3 (Her humor is offbeat and often quirky, with a bit of an edge.)
Lori Petty (born October 14, 1963) is an American actress and director, best known for her roles in films like A League of Their Own (1992), Tank Girl (1995), Orange is the New Black and The L Word.
Bette Midler
- Where She’s From: Honolulu, Hawaii
- What She’s Famous For: A multi-talented performer known for her roles in The First Wives Club, Hocus Pocus, The Rose, and her outrageous humor.
- Raunchy Rating: 4 (Bette is known for her bold and irreverent humor, especially in her earlier career.)
Bette Midler (born December 1, 1945) is a celebrated singer, actress, and comedian, known for her powerful voice and roles in The Rose, Beaches, and Hocus Pocus.
A multiple Grammy, Golden Globe, and Emmy winner, Midler is renowned for her stage presence, wit, and advocacy, remaining a beloved figure in entertainment.
Jean Stapleton
- Where She’s From: New York City, New York
- What She’s Famous For: Best known for playing Edith Bunker on All in the Family.
- Raunchy Rating: 1 (Edith Bunker’s humor was innocent and sweet, not raunchy.)
Jean Stapleton (1923–2013) was an American actress best known for playing Edith Bunker on All in the Family, a role that earned her three Emmy Awards.
Her portrayal of the kind-hearted, lovable character made her a television icon and left a lasting legacy in entertainment.
Vicki Lawrence
- Where She’s From: Inglewood, California
- What She’s Famous For: Known for her role as “Mama” on The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family.
- Raunchy Rating: 2 (Her humor is typically light-hearted, though sometimes a bit sharp, but not explicit.)
Vicki Lawrence (born March 26, 1949) is an actress, comedian, and singer best known for her work on The Carol Burnett Show and for creating the iconic character “Mama” in the spinoff sitcom Mama’s Family.
Her comedic timing and versatility made her a standout on The Carol Burnett Show, where she won an Emmy. Lawrence also had success as a singer with her hit song The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.
Jennifer Saunders
- Where She’s From: Jennifer Saunders was born on July 6, 1958, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England.
- What She’s Famous For: Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012)
- Raunchy Rating: 4/5. (bold and edgy)
Jennifer Saunders (born July 6, 1958) is an English comedian, actress, writer, and producer, best known for creating and starring in the iconic British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012).
Saunders rose to fame in the 1980s as part of the comedy duo French & Saunders, alongside Dawn French, which became known for their clever sketches and parodies.
Saunders also appeared in numerous TV shows, films, and voice acting roles, including voicing the Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2.
Marla Gibbs
- Where She’s From: Chicago, Illinois
- What She’s Famous For: Known for playing the sassy maid, Florence Johnston, on The Jeffersons.
- Raunchy Rating: 2 (Her humor was quick-witted, but not too explicit.)
Marla Gibbs (born June 14, 1931) is an American actress, comedian, and singer, best known for her role as the sharp-tongued, no-nonsense housekeeper Florence Johnston on the popular TV sitcom The Jeffersons (1975–1985).
Gibbs also starred in the spin-off series Checking In and had notable roles in 227 (1985–1990), where she played the lead character, Mary Jenkins.
Jean Smart
- Where She’s From: Seattle, Washington.
- What She’s Famous For: Designing Women (1986–1993), “Marge” on 24 (2005–2007). Fargo (2017) and Hacks (2021)
- Raunchy Rating: 3/5.
Jean Smart (born September 13, 1951) is an acclaimed American actress best known for her roles in Designing Women (1986–1993), 24 (2005–2007), and Fargo (2017).
With a career spanning comedy and drama, she won multiple awards, including Emmys for her role in Hacks (2021).
Ann B. Davis
- Where She’s From: Schroon Lake, New York
- What She’s Famous For: Known for playing Alice, the wise-cracking housekeeper on The Brady Bunch.
- Raunchy Rating: 1 (Her humor as Alice was wholesome and innocent.)
Ann B. Davis (1929–2014) was an American actress best known for her role as the housekeeper Alice Nelson on The Brady Bunch (1969–1974). She earned an Emmy Award for her work on The Bob Cummings Show (1955–1959) and was celebrated for her warm, comedic timing. Davis’s portrayal of Alice remains one of her most iconic and beloved roles in television history.
Summary
The comedians listed in this blog post are some of my favorites. Yes, there are hundreds more I could name but I’m not sure blog posts can be 15,000 words long.
If you’re over 50, as I am, you may recognize most of the names in the list. If you don’t know them by name, you’ll likely recognize their faces. These women shaped my sense of humor (and probably yours!) through the years.
They are (or were) talented, charismatic, and genuinely funny people.
Thank you for reading.
