Our 10 Favorite Funny Ladies

Despite what narrow-minded fools (like Christopher Hitchens in his infamous Vanity Fair piece) have said, women are damn funny. From barrier breakers like Carol Burnett and Lily Tomlin to more modern trail blazers like Roseanne Barr and Carol Leifer, women have been making strides in the humor world for a long time now. These are just ten of our favorite women in comedy at this moment.

1. Tina Fey - When she was head writer and a cast member on SNL, we didn’t really appreciate what Tina had to offer. But then she wrote Mean Girls, and we liked her a little more, and then came 30 Rock, and we were certified Fey fans. Plus, she might have actually had a hand in Obama’s win, which is kind of surreal.

2. Amy Sedaris - She’s still the reigning queen of comedy in our hearts, though she hasn’t been getting especially awesome roles lately. Her “hence the gin” turn in Sex and the City was inspired though brief, and she’s improved otherwise so-so comedies like Elf and Maid in Manhattan over the years, and of course her hospitality book belongs on every bookshelf, but she’ll always be Jerri Blank to us.

3. Jennifer Saunders - Thank god the TV bigwigs axed their plan for a horrendous American version of Absolutely Fabulous, because fans like us would probably have to watch it, and then we’d be driven to suicide and/or eye gouging. Nobody can replace Edina and Patsy.

4. Chelsea Handler - Anyone whose book title includes vodka, and who manages to stay on the bestseller list for approximately 42 weeks (and counting), is OK by us. And her talk show deserves to be on network TV.

5. Wanda Sykes - We don’t know what that skunk picture’s all about, but she’s one of the funniest women in the business, period. Plus, she and her wife just had twin babies…congrats Wanda!

6. Mindy Kaling - Aside from doing a great job as the bubbly Kelly Kapoor on the American Office, Mindy is also a writer and producer on the show. She wrote some of the most classic episodes, like “The Dundies,” “Take Your Daughter to Work Day,” and “Frame Toby.”

7. Laura Kightlinger - If you haven’t watched her show, The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman (on IFC), check it out, if only because Laura’s character Jackie and her wacky blonde sidekick are like mirror images of Liz and Laura. And not just because they’re lushes!

8. Margaret Cho - Aside from “Prop 8: The Musical,” we haven’t seen much of her lately. Maybe she’s doing shows on cable that we’re not aware of? She still rules, though.

9. Joan Rivers - She’s a comedy legend, a stalwart LGBT rights activist, and now she’s even The Apprentice. And nobody can top her acerbic, Borscht Belt-style wit.

10. Amy Poehler - We haven’t really seen enough of her new show, Parks and Recreation, to render an opinion. But the work she did with Upright Citizens Brigade and SNL is enough to secure her a spot on this lofty list.