10 Iconic Female Comedians Of The '80s: Where Are They Now In 2025?

The 1980s was a pivotal decade for stand-up comedy, a time when the once male-dominated clubs began to crack open, allowing a new, fearless generation of female voices to storm the stage. These women were not just funny; they were pioneers, using sharp wit, raw honesty, and boundary-pushing material to challenge societal norms and pave the way for every major female comedian working today, from Amy Schumer to Ali Wong. As of December 2025, the legacy of these iconic figures remains incredibly strong, with many still actively touring, releasing new material, or having their groundbreaking work celebrated in retrospectives. This article dives deep into the lives and careers of the most influential female comedians of the '80s, revealing their indelible impact on the comedy scene and providing the latest updates on what they are doing now.

The Pioneers: Biographical Profiles and Their Groundbreaking 80s Work

The energy of the 1980s comedy boom was fueled by a handful of women whose distinct styles broke the mold. They moved beyond traditional domestic humor, tackling subjects like sex, relationships, politics, and the absurdity of fame with an unprecedented level of candor.

Joan Rivers (1933–2014)

• Born: Joan Alexandra Molinsky (June 8, 1933), Brooklyn, New York.
• 80s Breakthrough: Became the permanent guest host for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show in 1983.
• Key 80s Work: Launched her own late-night program, The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers (1986), becoming the first woman to host a network late-night talk show.
• Style: Acerbic wit, self-deprecating humor, and a sharp focus on celebrity culture and plastic surgery.
• Legacy: A true pioneer who shattered the glass ceiling in late-night television, paving the way for future female hosts.

Whoopi Goldberg (Born 1955)

• Born: Caryn Elaine Johnson (November 13, 1955), New York City.
• 80s Breakthrough: Her one-woman show, The Spook Show, which evolved into Whoopi Goldberg on Broadway (1984).
• Key 80s Work: Won a Grammy for Best Comedy Album (1985) for her Broadway show recording. Starred in Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple (1985), earning an Oscar nomination.
• Style: Character-based stand-up, using distinct, insightful personas to deliver social commentary on race, class, and gender.
• Current Status (2025): Remains a co-host on the daytime talk show The View.

Gilda Radner (1946–1989)

• Born: Gilda Susan Radner (June 28, 1946), Detroit, Michigan.
• 80s Breakthrough: Transitioned from her iconic run on Saturday Night Live to film, including Hanky Panky (1982) and The Woman in Red (1984).
• Key 80s Work: Her one-woman Broadway show, Gilda Radner—Live from New York (1979/1980), which was later released as a film.
• Style: Character comedy, absurdism, and a blend of vulnerability and manic energy.
• Legacy: A foundational figure in modern sketch and character comedy, whose work continues to inspire.

Sandra Bernhard (Born 1955)

• Born: Sandra Gail Bernhard (June 6, 1955), Flint, Michigan.
• 80s Breakthrough: Gained notoriety for her role in Martin Scorsese's film The King of Comedy (1983) and her frequent appearances on Late Night with David Letterman.
• Key 80s Work: Developed her signature blend of stand-up and cabaret, culminating in her influential one-woman show Without You I'm Nothing, With You I'm Not Much Better (1988).
• Style: Biting satire, cultural commentary, and a provocative, rock-and-roll sensibility.

Rita Rudner (Born 1953)

• Born: Rita Rudner (September 17, 1953), Miami, Florida.
• 80s Breakthrough: Her appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and her HBO special Rita Rudner: An Evening of... Whaaat? (1988).
• Key 80s Work: Became known for her clean, observational, and soft-spoken style, a contrast to the era's louder, more aggressive comics.
• Style: Observational comedy, focusing on the minutiae of relationships, marriage, and everyday life, delivered with a quiet, deadpan charm.

The Enduring Legacy: Why the '80s Comedy Scene Still Matters

The 1980s comedy landscape was a crucible for change. The rise of cable television (like HBO's One-Night Stand specials) and the national expansion of comedy clubs (such as The Improv and Catch a Rising Star) provided a platform that had previously been unavailable. This environment allowed female comedians to hone their craft outside the restrictive confines of network variety shows. The '80s women—the "Comedy Super Women"—didn't just tell jokes; they redefined what female humor could be. They moved away from the "housewife" tropes of earlier generations and embraced a raw, personal, and often political voice. This shift was critical, establishing the blueprint for modern, confessional stand-up.

Where Are They Now? Fresh Updates and 2025 Projects

While some of the '80s legends have passed, their influence remains. For those still active, 2025 is proving to be a busy year, demonstrating the incredible longevity of their careers and their continued topical authority.

Sandra Bernhard: The OG Comedy Queen on Tour

In a powerful testament to her enduring appeal, Sandra Bernhard is actively touring with new material in 2025 and 2026. She is set to bring her latest show, *Sandyland: An Evening With Sandra Bernhard*, to Australia and New Zealand, with other dates featuring her show *Shapes & Forms* scheduled in the US in late 2025. This continuation of her signature blend of cabaret and provocative stand-up shows she remains as relevant and biting as ever, decades after her The King of Comedy breakthrough.

Rita Rudner: Still Charming Audiences in 2025

Rita Rudner, known for her soft-spoken delivery and witty observations, is still a major draw on the comedy circuit. She has several upcoming shows scheduled, including an appearance in Scottsdale in December 2025, confirming that her clean, observational style continues to resonate with audiences. Her last major special, *Rita Rudner: A Tale of Two Dresses* (2018), keeps her material fresh for a new generation of fans.

Cathy Ladman: Coaching and Creating in the Mid-2020s

A prominent figure who rose to fame with appearances on The Tonight Show and Mad About You, Cathy Ladman is maintaining a robust career in 2025. She is actively touring with live stand-up, which includes a 2024 Dry Bar Comedy special, and is also dedicating time to coaching aspiring comedians. Ladman is currently developing new projects, including a remount of a play, and has upcoming live dates scheduled in late 2025, showcasing her masterful blend of stand-up and storytelling.

The Late, Great Diane Ford

The '80s stand-up community recently mourned the loss of Diane Ford, a veteran comedian known for her HBO specials and numerous national television appearances. Ford, who was nominated for Comedienne of the Year eleven years in a row, passed away in 2024. Her legacy lives on through her groundbreaking comedy specials, which captured the raw, unfiltered spirit of the '80s comedy scene.

Beyond Stand-Up: The Television and Film Icons

The influence of '80s female comedians extended far beyond the stand-up stage, with many transitioning into major television and film roles that cemented their status as household names. * Tracey Ullman: While British, her American breakthrough came with *The Tracey Ullman Show* (1987), which was a crucial platform for sketch comedy and famously birthed *The Simpsons*. * Rosie O'Donnell: Began her career in stand-up in the '80s, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the MTV generation before transitioning to film and her successful daytime talk show. * Paula Poundstone: Known for her signature style of audience interaction and improvisation, she became a fixture on HBO specials and late-night shows throughout the decade, and remains a popular panelist on NPR's *Wait Wait Don't Tell Me* today. * Joy Behar: Though her major TV fame came later, she was a working stand-up comedian in the '80s, often appearing at New York's top comedy clubs, and is still a co-host on *The View*. * Elayne Boosler: A trailblazer whose early '80s HBO specials, like *Party of One*, were essential viewing, establishing her as one of the first female comedians to headline major cable specials. The collective impact of these women—from the acerbic, pioneering spirit of Joan Rivers to the observational brilliance of Rita Rudner—is undeniable. They didn't just participate in the '80s comedy boom; they defined it, ensuring that the microphone was permanently open for the generations of female comedians who followed. Their careers, still vibrant for many in 2025, serve as a continuous reminder of their groundbreaking, barrier-shattering work.