Did you know that August 16th is National Tell A Joke Day? What better way to celebrate than watching Black female comedians whose personality, clever jokes, and unique sense of humor will have you laughing for hours?
Here are some comedians who are dominating the comedic arena.
Tiffany Haddish
A California native, Tiffany Haddish has made people laugh since high school. In 2006 her Netflix special Black Mitzvah helped solidify her name in the comedy scene. Besides being a hilarious show, Black Mitzvah came out when Haddish turned 40 — showing that there is no age limit to fame and success.
Since then, she has made many appearances, including in Real Husbands of Hollywood (starring Kevin Hart), The Carmichael Show, and If Loving You Is Wrong by Tyler Perry.
Haddish further solidified her name among Hollywood comedians in the movie Girls Trip and her comedy special, She Ready.
What makes her so funny: Haddish is a natural performer who loves to have fun on stage. While her jokes may focus on others, she has no problem making fun of herself. Her ability to make others laugh while sharing funny and personal stories comes from knowing and being confident in herself.
Fun Facts:
- Haddish was the first Black female stand-up comedian to host Saturday Night Live.
- When Haddish was in high school, her troubled teen years took a dramatic turn when she had the choice to go to therapy or the Laugh Factory Comedy Camp. She chose the latter and discovered her talent for comedy.
Leslie Jones
Leslie Jones is a veteran of the comedy world. Since 1987 she’s been doing stand-up comedy and has contributed to Saturday Night Live as a member and writer from 2014–2019.
Because of her astounding work on SNL, she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
She has also worked with Katt Williams on his It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’ tour and was a guest host on The Daily Show.
Ironically, when Jones was growing up, her family and peers thought she was more erratic than funny. As a high-energy child, she discovered how to put that energy to good use in college. During her college days, she became the life of the party. People often invited her to parties and events because she was the go-to person to make everyone laugh.
What makes her funny: Whether it’s through her stand-up or skits on SNL, she is eccentric, loud, and fearless. She’s not afraid, to be honest, and through her authenticity, she makes pure comedy.
Fun facts:
- When Jones joined the SNL cast, she was 47, making her the oldest person to be a part of the cast.
- Jones studied basketball, prelaw, and computer science before settling on a communication major that led to her destined career in comedy.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri is a multi-talented young American comedian, producer, actor, and writer. Some of her breakout roles include working on shows such as Dickinson, What We Do in the Shadows, and the animated series Big Mouth. Most recently, she has developed her career as a writer on Season 2 of The Bear. She also landed a leading role in the romantic comedy Bottoms.
Edebiri’s career started as a production assistant, doing coffee runs for the stars such as Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer. Now those same stars attend her premieres.
What makes her funny: Edebiri is relatable, authentic, and honest. An example of her open stand-up comedy style was in 2019 when she shared how she used weed to help her regulate her stress. She has a unique way of making people laugh by discussing the traumas she and many people experience.
Fun facts:
- Edebiri grew up with a very religious mother whom she often worried would one day be taken up to heaven by the Rapture.
- Despite these religion-related fears, she loved attending church as it gave her purpose.
- When she was eight or nine years old, she wrote a fantasy novel about a girl, who was an orphan.
Janelle James
Most people know Janelle James as the witty and obnoxious character, Ava Coleman from the ABC series Abbott Elementary. While this actor has made audiences laugh with her witty banter, she first started her career as a comedian.
While some people believe that she got her big break from working with Chris Rock, James does not give Rock too much credit. James and Rock went their separate ways after touring in 2017 on the Total Blackout Tour, and nothing more became of their collaboration. While she appreciated her opportunity with Rock, James carved out her career path.
What makes her funny: She is naturally funny. She has a way of weaving in-jokes into a conversation that will have you unexpectedly laughing.
Fun facts:
- James hopes to one day land a role in a Marvel movie and play the infamous Storm from X-Men.
- She refuses to diet for her role unless it’s to play Storm. She wants the audience to know and appreciate her body for how it is.
Jasmine Luv
Jasmine Luv has connected to millions through her viral social media videos. Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Luv is educated and funny, and holds a master’s degree in accounting. When she moved to Los Angeles, she began pursuing an entertainment career and was named Top Influencer in the Online Community by VH1.
Luv started her internet career by making videos on Vine after seeing only funny videos from men. She was inspired to create funny videos that women could relate to.
What makes her funny: She takes experiences from her life and makes funny and relatable sketches. Her comedy acts around petty friends and wild relationships has helped her build a strong following.
Fun facts:
- In 2016, she took a leap of faith and quit her accounting job to move to LA with no real plan or secure employment.
- When Luv accumulated enough fame and wealth, she bought her mom a 2020 BMW 840i and her dad an Audi S7.
Whether you’re celebrating National Tell A Joke Day or just need a good laugh, these women will lift your spirits.
What's Your Reaction?
