Do Funny Women Also Have to Be Pretty?
By Sarah Wexler, Allure magazine
The obvious answer is no. After all, being quick-witted, outspoken, and self-deprecating, though not traditionally beautiful, was certainly enough to make the careers of Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett, and Kathy Griffin.
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Recently, though, it seems that "pretty" has become part of a comedienne's job requirement. What got me thinking of this is the release of Bridesmaids, one of those comedies that stars women, was made for women, and was written by women; happily, it's getting great reviews. Inevitably, TMZ used this as an opportunity ask ask readers who from the female cast they would rather sleep with. Not-funny-but-totally-gorgeous Rose Byrne won with 50 percent of the vote; all of the professional comics-Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper-tied at a mere 11 percent.
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It seems that the most successful female comedians today (Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Sarah Silverman) are also rail-thin and attractive. Remember, when The Daily Show was criticized for not employing enough women, they made a hire: former model Olivia Munn. I just can't imagine a female comedian who looked like Chris Farley making it very far on TV, talented or not. Even very funny women who are just average-looking don't stand a chance; after all, Rachel Dratch was replaced on 30 Rock with Jane Krakowski!
Do you care if female comics are pretty? Do men?
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Photo Credit: Courtesy of Universal Pictures
