4 funny ladies with Wisconsin roots

It’s unlikely anyone will ever top Chris Farley when it comes to the title of “Badgerland’s Funniest,” but quite a few Wisconsin women have made a name for themselves in America’s comedy scene.

Here are four of the funniest ⤵️

🎤 Lara Beitz

Born and raised in Milwaukee, the standup (who now lives in LA) has opened for Joe Rogan at the Fiserv Forum, earned praise from Judd Apatow and David Spade, and has become to go-to feature act for Pete Holmes. Check out her set!

🎤 Kathy Kinney

You probably know Kinney as the comedic actor who stole scenes as Mimi Bobeck on The Drew Carey Show, but what you probably don’t know is that she grew up in Stevens Point! In 2019, she received UW-Stevens Point’s “Distinguished Alumni” award. This video has more details about her Wisconsin roots.

🎤 Mary Mack

Mack was raised in the small Wisconsin town of Webster. After high school, she attended UW-Oshkosh, where she later taught before seriously pursuing comedy. Since then, she’s released 5 albums, performed on Conan, competed on Last Comic Standing, and delved into voiceover work with a recurring role on the animated Hulu series Solar Opposites. Here’s a standup clip of Mack describing her Badger State upbringing.

🎤 Ann Risley

Remember when Lorne Michaels briefly left SNL in 1980 and the long-running sketch show quickly replaced a bunch of just-hired cast members? Madison’s Ann Risley was one of the casualties. Although she only lasted 12 episodes (and killed it in several sketches–watch here), she went on to earn roles in small films and TV movies before leaving the silver screen behind to start her own acting and improv school in Arizona.

MORE: 10 Celebs You Didn’t Know Were From Wisconsin