Comedy is an industry largely dominated by men. And while many of those men are genuinely hilarious, there are several women who are just as funny but far less lauded.
Some, though, have managed to earn their rightful praise and have earned lots of money, too. Here are the world’s richest female comedians.
25. Leslie Jones – $7 million
Stand-up extraordinaire Leslie Jones has been part of the industry for many years but truly made a splash in 2013 when she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live.
Since then, the 55-year-old tall actress has been in many major projects, including the all-female Ghostbusters reboot and the sequel Coming 2 America alongside Eddie Murphy.
Leslie Jones, who rose to fame through her tenure on Saturday Night Live, has maintained a strong presence in the comedy industry and currently possesses a net worth of around $7 million (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Jones has since left SNL but is still at work in the comedic world. She has a stand-up special on Netflix, is the host of the thrilling ABC game show Supermarket Sweep, and in 2021 hosted the MTV Movie & TV Awards.
24. Sarah Silverman – $8 million
52-year-old Sarah Silverman is one of the most recognizable women in comedy. She’s been seen on The Sarah Silverman Program and several stand-up specials on Netflix and heard on the Disney movies Wreck-It Ralph and Ralph Breaks the Internet.
Sarah Silverman, a prominent and outspoken comedienne known for her Netflix stand-up specials, has amassed a net worth of approximately $8 million (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Much of Silverman’s work touches on social issues, like religion and sexism, and she’s widely regarded as an outspoken woman. Her work has earned her several nominations and awards, and she currently hosts her own podcast.
23. Molly Shannon – $8 million
Molly Shannon is another comedian whose career took off thanks to Saturday Night Live. On the late-night sketch comedy show, the 58-year-old actress became known for her character Mary Katherine Gallagher, a role she later reprised in the hit movie Superstar.
After achieving success through her role on Saturday Night Live, Molly Shannon’s comedy career skyrocketed, resulting in a commendable net worth of around $8 million (Credit: Mega / WENN)
After leaving SNL, Shannon continued working in television and film and has returned to the famed set at Rockefeller Center to host the show and participate in various special episodes.
22. Samantha Bee – $8 million
53-year-old talk show host Samantha Bee has been on television for many years, first as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, then on her own show Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.
Samantha Bee, a talk show host and comedienne, kickstarted her career as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and her continued success has led to a notable net worth of approximately $8 million (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
Bee has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time and is known for her outspoken criticism of politicians.
21. Ellie Kemper – $9 million
Ellie Kemper is a comedian who’s gained notoriety for her roles in popular television shows, including, The Office and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmitt, the latter of which she played the titular role.
Ellie Kemper, renowned for her performances in The Office and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, has gained recognition as a talented comedienne, and her notable net worth is estimated to be around $9 million (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
The 43-year-old actress has also been nominated for various awards and featured in critically acclaimed movies, including Bridesmaids and 21 Jump Street. Recently, she released her debut book, My Squirrel Days.
20. Kate McKinnon – $9 million
Kate McKinnon has been making audiences laugh since she began her comedy career on The Big Gay Sketch Show.
After ending her work on that show, the 39-year-old star continued finding work as a comedic actress and eventually found her home on the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, where she performed from 2012 to 2022.
Kate McKinnon, widely recognized for her exceptional celebrity impressions on Saturday Night Live, has established herself as a prominent talent in the comedy industry, resulting in an estimated net worth of $9 million (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
McKinnon has dabbled in other areas of the entertainment industry, including voice acting and film. The SNL alum can also be seen in Verizon Wireless commercials.
The comedian is known for her stellar celebrity impressions and is one of the few SNL stars to have won an Emmy for their work on the show.
19. Wanda Sykes – $10 million
Unlike many comedians, Wanda Sykes’ work in the entertainment industry is a second career.
Before writing and performing stand-up material, Sykes was working in government. Dissatisfaction at her job led her to try stand-up, an art for which she had a penchant.
Wanda Sykes, with an intriguing career trajectory that includes working for the National Security Agency before transitioning to become a successful stand-up comedienne, has achieved a commendable net worth of approximately $10 million (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Soon her career took off, and the 59-year-old star was writing for shows like The Chris Rock Show. She’s also known for her work in various successful movies such as Evan Almighty, and currently stars in the original series The Upshaws on Netflix.
18. Alex Borstein – $14 million
Alex Borstein has been working in Hollywood for decades and has voiced Lois Griffin on Family Guy since it began in 1999.
The 52-year-old actress’ most recent prominent role is on the series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, for which she’s earned two Emmy Awards.
Alex Borstein, renowned for her recent role in the critically acclaimed series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, where she received two Emmy awards for her outstanding performance, has amassed an impressive net worth of around $14 million (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
17. Lily Tomlin – $20 million
Many people know Lily Tomlin from the popular Netflix comedy Grace & Frankie, which she stars in alongside Jane Fonda, but the comedian began using her funny bone decades before streaming services existed.
Lily Tomlin, celebrated for her iconic roles on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In as well as the popular Netflix series Grace & Frankie, has established herself as a beloved actress, leading to a substantial net worth estimated at $20 million (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN)
The 83-year-old actress has made dozens of film appearances and made a name for herself on the sketch comedy show Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. Tomlin is just one award away from EGOT status, though she has been nominated in all four categories.
16. Chelsea Peretti – $20 million
Chelsea Peretti is best known for her work on the police sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but her resume has many other credits. Jordan Peele’s wife has written for other popular television shows, like Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation.
Chelsea Peretti, a versatile comedienne, has not only showcased her talent on various TV shows but has also made significant contributions as a writer for both television and major publications, leading to a commendable net worth of approximately $20 million (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
The 45-year-old comedian also has a stand-up special on Netflix and has written for major publications like American Theatre Magazine and The Huffington Post.
15. Kristen Wiig – $25 million
Kristen Wiig is yet another Saturday Night Live alum. Her time on the show was marked by her performance of several different recognizable characters, including Target Lady, Penelope, and Dooneese.
Kristen Wiig, a highly accomplished writer and comedienne, garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for her work on Bridesmaids and has since amassed a substantial net worth of approximately $25 million (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Since leaving SNL, the 49-year-old actress has returned to host, but most of her time has been spent starring in successful movies, like the second and third installments of the Despicable Me series and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, and playing the villain in Wonder Woman 1984.
Wiig is also an accomplished writer. Her script for Bridesmaids earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
14. Amy Poehler – $25 million
Amy Poehler is a former improv star who took her talents to Saturday Night Live, where she earned widespread recognition for her hilarious characters and hosted “Weekend Update” alongside Tina Fey and, later, Seth Meyers.
Amy Poehler, renowned for her roles in notable TV shows such as Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation, as well as movies like Blades of Glory, has enjoyed immense success in her career, accumulating an impressive net worth of around $25 million (Credit: Mega / WENN)
After leaving SNL, the 51-year-old actress starred as Leslie Knope in NBC’s hit sitcom Parks and Recreation. While on both television shows, Poehler acted in several comedic movies like Blades of Glory and often collaborated with “Update” partner Fey for projects like Baby Mama and Mean Girls. Poehler also writes, directs, and produces film and television.
13. Mindy Kaling – $35 million
Mindy Kaling is a well-known comedian who rose to popularity thanks to her role as Kelly Kapoor on the American version of The Office. Kaling also worked as a staff writer for the sitcom and wrote several episodes herself.
Mindy Kaling, celebrated for her role in The Office and for creating and starring in her own show, The Mindy Project, has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and her remarkable achievements have contributed to a notable net worth of approximately $35 million(Credit: Mega / WENN)
After The Office, Kaling created, wrote, and starred in her own television show, The Mindy Project, which lasted for six seasons.
Now the 43-year-old star is busy running two other television shows of her creation: Netflix’s Never Have I Ever and HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
12. Whitney Cummings – $35 million
Whitney Cummings is known by many titles – comedian, actress, and podcaster. The 40-year-old multi-hyphenate started in stand-up and soon after began making guest appearances on Chelsea Lately.
Whitney Cummings, who initially made her mark in stand-up comedy, went on to create and produce her own shows, including the popular series 2 Broke Girls, and her remarkable success has resulted in an estimated net worth of around $35 million (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Cummings created her own sitcom Whitney, which only aired on NBC for two seasons. Although that wasn’t commercially successful, the other show she created, 2 Broke Girls, was a hit and lasted for six seasons before cancellation.
Cummings has had a variety of stand-up specials air throughout her career, and currently has one available to watch on Netflix.
11. Chelsea Handler – $35 million
The 48-year-old comedian and television host Chelsea Handler began working in television in the early 2000s. Not long after beginning, she was given her own E! Network program, The Chelsea Handler Show, a late-night sketch comedy show.
The show didn’t last long, but the network kept her aboard, and thus was born Chelsea Lately, a late-night talk show that lasted for seven seasons. She also hosted the talk show Chelsea on Netflix from 2016 to 2017.
Chelsea Handler, renowned for hosting her own E! shows, The Chelsea Handler Show and Chelsea Lately, has solidified her presence in the entertainment industry, leading to an impressive net worth estimated at around $35 million (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Handler is a best-selling author known for her works like Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea, which spawned the television show Are You There, Chelsea? Handler is also a successful producer and is known for being outspoken.
10. Kathy Griffin – $35 million
Kathy Griffin is well-known for much of her work, most notably her reality show Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.
Kathy Griffin, a highly accomplished comedienne and author, has garnered immense recognition with two Emmy Awards and one Grammy to her name, and her continued success has contributed to an impressive net worth of approximately $35 million (Credit: Sheri Determan / WENN)
Griffin has filmed many stand-up comedy specials and has written an autobiography called Official Book Club Selection. The 62-year-old successful comedian is also the recipient of two Emmy Awards and one Grammy.
9. Amy Schumer – $45 million
Stand-up comedian Amy Schumer began her comedic career in the early 2000s and was propelled into stardom when she appeared on NBC’s competition show Last Comic Standing.
Chuck Schumer’s second cousin was eventually given her own sketch comedy show, Inside Amy Schumer, and earned multiple awards for her work, including a Peabody Award.
Amy Schumer, a groundbreaking comedian, achieved a significant milestone by being the first woman to be included in Forbes’ list of highest-earning comedians, and her remarkable accomplishments have led to a substantial net worth of approximately $45 million (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
Schumer’s stand-up work is very popular, and she has multiple specials available to stream on Netflix. Her work is so popular, the 41-year-old actress was the first woman to ever make Forbes’ list of highest-earning comedians.
The high earner took to print to detail much of her life in her memoir The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, and she’s even been seen on Broadway.
8. Carol Burnett – $45 million
Carol Burnett is known for much of her work but is arguably best known for starring in her eponymous variety show, The Carol Burnett Show.
The 90-year-old American icon is known for breaking ground as the first woman to host a comedic variety show, and she only broke more ground as her career continued.
Carol Burnett, a highly acclaimed and award-winning comedienne, made history as the first woman to host a comedic variety show, and her exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry have resulted in a noteworthy net worth estimated at around $45 million (Credit: WENN)
Burnett has a very long list of awards, including Peabodies, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and the Carol Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award, which was named after the comedian.
7. Whoopi Goldberg – $60 million
Very few people have achieved the success of Whoopi Goldberg. Now a host of The View, Goldberg’s illustrious career is marked by her success in film and on stage, as she’s one of 18 people to have earned EGOT status by winning at least one Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Whoopi Goldberg, renowned for her role as a host on The View, stands among a select group of only 16 individuals who have achieved EGOT status (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award), and her remarkable success has contributed to an impressive net worth of approximately $60 million (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
Some of the 67-year-old star’s notable work includes The Color Purple, Ghost, Sister Act, and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.
6. Tina Fey – $75 million
One of the most prolific comedians, male or female, Tina Fey has been making crowds laugh for decades.
After becoming Saturday Night Live’s first female head writer, the 52-year-old star has been a force to be reckoned with, becoming a “Weekend Update” host and writing one of the most iconic films of the 21st century, Mean Girls.
Tina Fey, a highly accomplished comedienne and writer, has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and her outstanding achievements have contributed to an impressive net worth estimated at around $75 million (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Fey left SNL to star in and run a sitcom of her creation, 30 Rock, which she based on her own experience as head writer at the sketch comedy show.
Elizabeth Stamatina “Tina” Fey has written other films and television shows and has earned multiple awards, including the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
5. Roseanne Barr – $80 million
Roseanne Barr is best known for her work on the hit ‘90s sitcom Roseanne. The show initially ran for nine seasons and was revived for another season 30 years after its premiere. The revival only lasted one season, though, due to the controversy Barr caused.
Roseanne Barr, recognized for her self-titled sitcom, has earned critical acclaim, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, and her successful career has resulted in an estimated net worth of approximately $80 million (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN)
Recently, Barr made a comeback comedy special, Cancel This!, which was exclusively released on Fox Nation.
4. Melissa McCarthy – $90 million
Melissa McCarthy is an incredibly successful comedic actress who’s starred alongside many women on this list in various film and television projects.
After beginning her career in entertainment, the 52-year-old American actress landed a supporting role in the dramedy Gilmore Girls, and things took off from there.
Melissa McCarthy, known for her roles in a number of successful TV shows, including the beloved dramedy Gilmore Girls, has experienced considerable success in her career, resulting in an estimated net worth of around $90 million (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
McCarthy has been cast in multiple successful television shows and has earned acclaim for her work in film, including two Oscar nominations.
The Spy actress is best known for her comedic work but has been successful in her dramatic work as well. She recently portrayed Ursula in the musical fantasy film The Little Mermaid alongside Halle Bailey.
3. Rosie O’Donnell – $120 million
Rosie O’Donnell has amassed a large body of work over the course of her career. She’s hosted and co-hosted multiple talk shows, including The View, has done stand-up comedy and film, and is an accomplished writer.
Rosie O’Donnell, an accomplished comedienne, has not only made a name for herself in the comedy world but has also showcased her talents as an accomplished writer, leading to significant success and an estimated net worth of approximately $120 million (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
The 61-year-old television personality has worked in the radio industry and moderated panels and has long been an active advocate of LGBT rights.
2. Julia Louis-Dreyfus – $250 million
Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus is one of the most successful women on television. After acting for a few seasons on Saturday Night Live, the comedic actress gained notoriety as Elaine Benes in Seinfeld.
The 62-year-old actress then went on to star in The New Adventures of Old Christine, then HBO’s Veep.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, celebrated for her exceptional talent, has amassed an impressive collection of 11 Emmy Awards, eight for her acting performances and three for her producing contributions, highlighting her remarkable skills both in front of and behind the camera. Her extraordinary achievements have resulted in a substantial net worth estimated at around $250 million (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Louis-Dreyfus is one of the winningest actors of all time and is tied with Cloris Leachman for the most Primetime Emmy Awards won by an actor. Six of her Emmys were won consecutively while she portrayed Selina Meyer on Veep.
1. Ellen DeGeneres – $500 million
Ellen DeGeneres has been a force in the entertainment world for decades. Beginning her career in stand-up comedy, DeGeneres soon transitioned to film and television, eventually starring in her own sitcom, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, from 2003 to 2022.
Ellen DeGeneres, who started her career in stand-up comedy, achieved immense success with her own self-titled talk show, and her remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry have led to an astounding net worth estimated at approximately $500 million (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Portia de Rossi’s wife is also known for her voice performance of Dory in the hit Pixar films Finding Nemo and Finding Dory.
The 65-year-old comedian’s outstanding work in comedy has earned her several prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was given to her by President Barack Obama during his time in office.