Laughter is the best medicine, but making people laugh is an art form.
So, genuinely funny comedians are few and far between.
That’s why we’ve scoured the internet to find the best and funniest Black women comedians you should follow.
These are the women whose humor will light up your day.
Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes didn’t start out as a comedian.
Sykes initially worked at the National Security Agency.
But in 1987, she quit her job to do comedy.
Sykes’ big break came in 1999 when she received an Emmy Award for writing on The Chris Rock Show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdNPr5MBpks
Since then, the comedian has had roles in TV shows and movies, bringing her distinct humor to her parts.
Her latest leading TV role shows this clearly in The Upshaws.
Tiffany Haddish
Haddish had a rough upbringing, and she was homeless for a while.
Her options were to attend therapy or the Laugh Factory Comedy Camp.
She chose the latter, and her passion for comedy ignited.
Haddish got her breakthrough role in Girls Trip and has featured in several films since.
Her special, Tiffany Haddish: She Ready! From the Hood to Hollywood was raw, hilarious, and gave us a glimpse into her life.
Haddish doesn’t hide who she is or how she grew up, making her comedy hit harder than most other comedians.
Just for that, she is among the funniest Black women comedians you can follow today.
Whoopi Goldberg
Of course, no list of the funniest Black women comedians is complete without the MVP, Whoopi Goldberg.
In 1986, she won a Grammy for her self-titled comedy album, an award that no other Black woman won until Tiffany Haddish in 2021.
And let’s not forget: she brought us the iconic Sister Act and its sequel.
Leslie Jones
Saturday Night Live has given us a wide range of comedians, though not all of them make the grade.
Leslie Jones is a clear exception.
Between 2014 and 2019, she wrote and starred in Saturday Night Live, even earning an Emmy nomination.
And she starred in 2016’s Ghostbusters and featured in 2021’s Coming 2 America.
Maya Rudolph
Like many other comedians, Maya Rudolph’s career started on Saturday Night Live.
She was a mainstay between 2000 and 2007.
During this time, she took home an Emmy award for her portrayal of Vice President Kamala Harris.
She also acted in a range of films, including:
- Idiocracy
- Grown Ups
- Bridesmaids
- CHiPs
- Inherent Vice
Maya Rudolph is among the funniest comedians today, period.
Today’s Funniest Black Women Comedians: All Stellar
There are more Black women comedians like Sasheer Zamata, Kim Wayans, Yvonne Orji, and Sommore.
But the 5 above have had the most significant impact on the industry.
They are also among the funniest people alive today.
Who would you add to this list?
