Female Comedians: The Classics

This week’s post is part one of several because there are so many people to include. Though I hesitate to call them “female comedians” because, let’s face it, they are “comedians”. However I am particularly writing about the ladies here so it’s kinda necessary. There are so many wonderful comedians of the female gender right now and they are killing it! They are evidence against those who think women cannot be funny. (And if that is you, I don’t even know what to say to you except that really, you can discount an entire gender from having a sense of humor?)

There are many good comedians in general at present, including the fellas, like Nick Offerman, Stephen Colbert, Wyatt Cenac, Aziz Ansari, etc. But I feel like it’s never been a better time to enjoy the funny ladies. The first category I will cover is the classics. These are women who have made me laugh throughout much of my life and are still going strong.

There have been some seriously funny women in the past that have paved the way for the female comedians of today. I cannot fit them all here but these are some that are still working the funny and making the world a better place. And also, I find them particularly hilarious.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a hoot! Her stand up goes back to 1969 and she has been consistently awesome since. I particularly enjoy her in the current show, Grace and Frankie, where she and Jane Fonda play two women whose long-time business partner husbands came out in their 70’s and got married. The show itself is amazingly done, with sensitivity and insight into all of the characters involved. Lily is perhaps the comic relief in what would otherwise be a heavy story. Though some of the most intense moments include those with Lily's character, Frankie. She's such an amazing actress!

My favorite aspect of Lily’s humor is in her facial expressions. With more than words she leaves you laughing heartily when she gives a look of cunning, surprise, or mischief.

Paula Poundstone

If you do not remember her by name you may by her clothing style. Known for wearing big bright suits with shoulder pads or suspenders and usually a tie, it’s hard to forget. She has some skeletons from her celebrity past but has managed a solid career. She’s frequently one of the two best panelists on NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me (the other is Mo Rocca and the two of them together makes for great episodes) and continues to perform stand up, as well as occasionally write books, record albums, etc.

Paula’s humor comes best in her interactions with others. Half of her stand-up includes engaging the audience and simply working off of the interaction. Before you know it, you are laughing hysterically.

Ellen DeGeneres

I remember falling a little more for my husband when I said to him early in our relationship, “club soda, be right back” and he knew the reference. I have heartily enjoyed Ellen’s stand up, her sitcom, that terrible movie with Bill Pullman, and eventually her talk show. I am so excited to see her succeed and also to become a strong proponent of LGBT rights who is easily beloved and accepted across many homes across America where LGBT rights are less supported.

Ellen’s style is simple and relatable. Her amusement in everyday events is what makes her so special as a comedian.

Thank you, ladies, for making the world a funnier place, inspiring others to do the same, and paving the way for more women to do so. There will be future posts that include more recently famous ladies who have followed these three women (and others) in making light the weight of the world, sharing laughter with others, and finding amusement in the everyday.  Our society is certainly better for it.