15 Women Defying Stereotypes about Female Comedy

While comedy has largely been a male-dominated industry, things are gradually beginning to change. More and more women are stepping up and closing the vast gender gap in comedy. Not only that, but the roles that women play in comedies are also shifting; from likable and naive to strong, independent, honest and unapologetic women. The stereotype that women are not funny is passé. We are witnesses to a new generation of comedians who act, write, direct and perform stand-up. We picked 15 hilarious women, some who pioneered female comedy and some who continue to break down stereotypes and get comfortable in an archaic boy’s club.

1. “While we have the gift of life, it seems to me that the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die-whether it is our spirit, our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness.” ― Gilda Radner

2. “I’ve always dreamed of growing up to be Amy Poehler.” ― Amy Poehler

3.  “My point is, life is about balance. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The pina and the colada.” ― Ellen DeGeneres

4. “I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.” ― Lily Tomlin

5. “It is an impressively arrogant move to conclude that just because you don’t like something, it is empirically not good. I don’t like Chinese food, but I don’t write articles trying to prove it doesn’t exist.” ― Tina Fey

6. “If you’re creating anything at all, it’s really dangerous to care about what people think.” ― Kristen Wiig

7. “I’m not funny. What I am is brave.” ― Lucille Ball

8. “I used my imagination to make the grass whatever color I wanted it to be.” ― Whoopi Goldberg

9.  “Reminding myself that I have a tailbone keeps me in check.” ― Tig Notaro

10. “I’m not going to die because I failed as someone else. I’m going to succeed as myself.” ― Margaret Cho

11. “I don’t look my best when I wake up. But, I do feel beautiful when I’m tired and happy and I’ve had a good laugh and a glass of champagne.” ― Maya Rudolph

12. “If you’re passionate about your work, it makes the people around you want to be involved too.” ― Wanda Sykes

13.  “…write your own part. It is the only way I’ve gotten anywhere. It is much harder work, but sometimes you have to take destiny into your own hands. It forces you to think about what your strengths really are, and once you find them, you can showcase them, and no one can stop you.” ― Mindy Kaling

14. “Everybody has their own way of tapping into their realness.” ― Sandra Bernhard

15.  “I read somewhere that men’s biggest fear is that women will laugh at them. And women’s biggest fear is that men will kill them. Kind of different stakes that we’re working with.” — Chelsea Peretti

Leave a comment below and share with us who is your favorite woman in comedy.