Women over 50 who are still funny (and getting funnier!)
When Tina Fey hosted the premiere of Saturday Night Live UK, she opened with: “I’m officially the youngest woman ever to host SNL UK.” It’s a perfect joke—sharp, self-aware, and quietly calling out how rare it still is to see women over 50 centered in comedy.
That rarity isn’t just anecdotal–and it’s not limited to live sketch comedy shows, either!. Research from the Geena Davis Institute found that characters aged 50+ make up less than a quarter of roles in top films and TV—and women are dramatically underrepresented within that group. Audiences want more authentic, funny, complex stories about people over 50… and comedians are consistently delivering.
Here are women over 50 who are still hilarious—and in many cases, funnier than ever:
1. Tig Notaro
Known for her understated delivery and deceptively personal storytelling, Tig Notaro’s comedy has only grown sharper over time. Her work blends vulnerability with deadpan absurdity in a way that continues to influence stand-ups of all ages.
2. Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, and Maya Rudolph
This powerhouse group of SNL-alums continues to shape comedy through acting, writing, producing, and live performance. Their careers show how comedic voices can evolve long after sketch fame.
3. Leslie Jones
Another SNL-alum, Leslie Jones brings fearless storytelling and huge stage presence to everything from stand-up to commentary. Her comedy draws from lived experience and keeps getting funnier.
4. Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes remains one of the most incisive political and cultural comics working today, blending sharp social commentary with personal humor. She’s always been a powerhouse and that’s not ending anytime soon.
5. Susan Rice
Susan Rice brings sharp observational humor and perspective shaped by decades of life experience, adding to the growing field of women doing standout comedy after 50.
6. Luenell Campbell
Bold, sharp, and wildly funny, Luenell continues to bring her unmistakable voice to stand-up, film, and television.
7. D’yan Forest
D’yan Forest famously started stand-up in her 80s and now performs internationally—proof that it’s never too late to get funny. She also proves that it’s never too late to pose nude with a guitar for your headshots.
8. Margaret Cho
Margaret Cho remains a groundbreaking voice in stand-up, blending personal storytelling, politics, and fearless honesty. You’ve seen her, you love her, she’s the forever relevant and hilarious Margaret Cho, for God’s sake!
9. Cathy Ladman
A longtime stand-up favorite, Cathy Ladman continues performing with sharp observational humor that resonates across generations. Go see her live if you can, babe!
10. Janice Maffei
Janice Maffei brings smart, character-driven comedy and continues to build community-driven comedy spaces for emerging voices.
Research shows audiences want more authentic portrayals of people over 50—including funny ones. These comedians are already doing exactly that, proving that some of the best comedy comes with experience. If anything, turning 50 just means you’ve got better material.
