Funny Girlz: The Funniest Actresses in Entertainment

Lucy. Whoopi. Gilda. The mere mention of these ladies' names conjurs up images or quotes of hilarity. The world of comedy is largely male-dominated and a particularly difficult and tough industry. Early comediennes such as Mabel Normand, Thelma Todd and Imogene Coca were all talented, though usually played as second bananas to their male costars. In the 1950's television and film allowed for stronger comedic roles for women, though often still steeped in sexism. During the 1970's and 1980's women were finally coming into their own - starring on their own television shows, headlining concerts and pulling in millions at the box office. Despite the success of these talented and wonderful individuals, the debate of "Are Women Funny?" is still continuing.

35) Billie Burke: This wonderful and light comedienne is now primarily known as the epitome of kindness, Glinda the Good of the North in 1939's The Wizard of Oz. Before that though, Burke was a respected and endearing vaudevillian and comic actress. Her beauty, ringing voice and slightly daffy air made her a great comic foil in some of her early comedies and musicals. She was far better served on the stage, and her film career was somewhat spotty, though she did offer a precious performance in 1938's Merrily We Live, a frothy comedy about a society matron who hires a servant, who ends up falling in love with her daughter. The performance is funny and darling, and proves that there was much more to this talented and appealing actress.

34) Debra Messing: if there were any heirs to Lucille Ball's crown it would be Debra Messing. Playing the wonderfully neurotic New Yorker, Grace Adler on Will & Grace, Messing blended a slapstick humor with a goofy sexiness. As the best friend of the gay lawyer, Will, Messing portrayed Grace's potentially abrasive idiosyncrasies as adorable characteristics; her character could’ve been overshadowed by the mugging Sean Hayes as the fey Jack or the explosive comedy of Megan Mullally's Karen Walker, but it's Messing's daffy beauty and fearless commitment to comedy that made her not only hold her own, but stand out.