Pioneers of Television: Funny Ladies
This episode features the first standup comediennes to appear on television — legends such as Phyllis Diller and Joan Rivers. It also looks at Lucille Ball’s breakthrough on “I Love Lucy” and the sitcom stars who followed, including Mary Tyler Moore, Betty White and Marla Gibbs. The episode covers television’s most enduring variety star, Carol Burnett, and features interviews with contemporary actresses including Tina Fey and Margaret Cho.
See the first standup comediennes to appear on television and the sitcom stars who followed. Visit Pioneers of Television online »
Can't get enough of the Funny Ladies? We've scoured the Fresh Air archive for more —
- Cloris Leachman
- Bea Arthur
- Carol Burnett
- Joan Rivers
- Joan Rivers 2
- Tina Fey
- Carol Leifer
- Phyllis Diller
- Amy Poehler
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Susie Essman
- Mindy Kaling
- Amy Sedaris
- Sarah Silverman
