Humor is a powerful tool. It can cut through tension like a hot knife through butter and make the mundane sparkle. Plus, it is a craft that some have mastered with such finesse that their names have become synonymous with comedy itself.

Jennifer Coolidge

First up: Jennifer Coolidge's approach to comedy is like a perfectly timed pratfall. It catches you off guard, leaving you gasping for air amidst your giggles. She has crafted a niche for herself, playing characters that are as bizarre as they are loveable.

Coolidge / IG / Jennifer Coolidge, now 61, is one of the funniest actresses of the day.

Her role as the bend-and-snap enthusiast Paulette in "Legally Blonde" showed her unique blend of whimsy and warmth, while "Best in Show" offered a peek into her uncanny improvisational skills. But it is perhaps as the archetypal "Stifler's Mom" where Coolidge's comedic prowess shines brightest.

Thus, Coolidge is not just funny. She is a comedy enigma that keeps audiences guessing and laughing in equal measure.

Jean Smart

Next up: Jean Smart's laughter-inducing legacy spans decades, but her ability to adapt and thrive in any comedic environment is what truly sets her apart. From her early days as the charmingly naive Charlene on "Designing Women" to her recent, more nuanced role in "Hacks," Smart has a chameleonic talent for comedy.

Jean Smart / IG / Jean Smart’s characters may change. But the joy she brings to the screen is a constant.

Whether she is delivering a snappy one-liner or partaking in an elaborate comedic setup, Smart does it all with a blend of intelligence and relatability that makes her every performance a delight.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg's brand of comedy often doubles as a mirror to society. It reflects the times with humor that is as thought-provoking as it is hearty. Her breakout performance in "The Color Purple" may have showcased her dramatic strengths, but roles in "Sister Act" and "Ghost" solidified her status as a comedic powerhouse.

Goldberg's humor transcends the punchline. It is often a subtle nudge or a sly comment that stays with viewers, prompting both laughter and reflection. Thus, on "The View," she continues to blend humor with discourse, proving that comedy can be as impactful as it is entertaining.

Carol Burnett

An embodiment of television comedy royalty, Carol Burnett is a pioneer who turned the variety show format into her own comedic playground.

Burnett's characters, from the calamitous Eunice to the bumbling Mrs. Wiggins, were never just caricatures. However, they were multi-dimensional personas brought to life with an earnestness that made them both hilarious and endearing.

Betty White

Betty White's humor was like a fine wine: Only getting sharper and more delightful with age. Her comedic style combined a grandmotherly sweetness with a zingy sauciness that broke through the stereotypes of what it meant to be an older actress in Hollywood.

Betty White / IG / The humor of the late Betty White (who died in 2021) was like fine wine. It gets better as it ages.

However, her portrayal of Rose Nylund on "The Golden Girls" is etched in the annals of comedy history. With White delivering lines so naively risqué they would leave viewers both shocked and in stitches. So, she embraced the dichotomy of innocence and mischief, creating characters that resonated across generations.

Kristen Wiig

In the modern era of comedy, few have made as significant a splash as Kristen Wiig. Her ascension from "Saturday Night Live" to movie stardom is a journey paved with laughter. Wiig possesses an uncanny ability to transform the ordinary into the absurd, a trait that has produced unforgettable characters and sketches.

Thus, her writing and acting in "Bridesmaids" was a cocktail of cringe-worthy moments and hearts. A formula that redefined female-led comedy for new generations.