Amy Schumer: Navigating Controversy And Comedy In A Divided World

Like many celebrities choosing to comment on the war between Israel and Hamas, Amy Schumer has come under fire online. The 42-year-old actress and comedian, who was raised Jewish, has divided fans with her pro-Israel statements—particularly in a viral message chain between Schumer and Black Filipino actress Asia Johnson. Responding to the fallout on Instagram, Schumer called out social media users who have insulted her appearance and comedic skills. "People calling me a failed comic. I'm the most successful female comedian of all time," she wrote in a statement Thursday.

"I'm ugly/fat okay sorry you’re not attracted to me. I found someone who is. We are all in a lot of pain. What hurts the most is that we all actually love each other. You hate Jews. You don't know why. I still love you," she said.

Newsweek has reached out to Schumer for comment via email.

Whether or not you're a fan of Schumer's, describing yourself as the "most successful female comedian of all time" is a pretty big claim, and it has led to a backlash on social media. But is it true?

"I do believe Amy Schumer is one of the most successful comedians of our time," American actress and stand-up comedian Chanel Omari told Newsweek. "She has changed the game for comedy for female comedians especially and is just as genuine offstage as she is onstage."

Exploring the Success of Female Comedians

In the realm of comedy, success can be measured in various ways, including financial reward, awards, and influence. Understanding these factors provides insight into the landscape of female comedians today.

Financial Success: Who Leads the Pack?

Financial reward is perhaps the easiest way to measure success, and when it comes to money, one female comedian stands above the rest—Ellen DeGeneres. Although the 65-year-old's public image took a battering after allegations of on-set bullying on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, over her four-decade career, DeGeneres has amassed a net worth of $500 million.

Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the second wealthiest female comedian in the world, with a net worth of $250 million, followed by Melissa McCarthy at $90 million, Tina Fey at $70 million, and Whitney Cummings at $30 million, according to the website The Richest.

Amy Schumer’s Financial Standing

Schumer is tied at sixth place with $25 million, alongside Bridesmaids star Kristen Wiig and Amy Poehler. Although fiscal success is an easy metric to measure, Omari, who hosts the pop culture podcast Chanel in the City, said money isn't usually the driving force for comedians.

"At the end of the day, comedians don't get into comedy because of money," she said. "We know in the beginning it doesn't make you much. We do it for the love of it, for the art of it."

Recognizing Achievements: Awards and Accolades

This one can be a bit tougher to measure, especially as many comedians are also talented actors, writers, philanthropists, and more. Nevertheless, Tina Fey is definitely up there, with 56 wins and 148 nominations. Whoopi Goldberg has 59 wins—including the coveted EGOT designation for winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony during her six-decade career—along with 94 nominations.

Although not quite reaching the heights of some of her peers, Schumer has her fair share of accolades. She has been nominated for 44 awards, including a Golden Globe, a Grammy, and a Tony. She has 22 wins to her name, including a Primetime Emmy Award in 2014 for her sketch comedy series, Inside Amy Schumer.

The Impact of Awards on Comedy

While awards may validate a comedian's work, they are not the sole measure of success. As Omari pointed out, "I think awards validate the art. However, I don't think we should have to get awards to be validated. I think going up on stage and making people laugh is the real reward."

Legacy and Influence in Comedy

When it comes to legacy, there are some big names to contend with. There is I Love Lucy star and Desilu Productions co-founder Lucille Ball, who has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one for her film work and another for her contributions to television.

Joan Rivers is another female comedian credited with paving the way for future generations of women in comedy. Beginning as a stand-up performer in the 1960s, the late comedian turned TV host reinvented herself several times throughout her career and was still a major name when she died in 2014 at the age of 81.

Impact of Diversity in Comedy

Women of color such as Margaret Cho, Wanda Sykes, and Tiffany Haddish have been praised for breaking barriers in comedy and becoming household names, as has Jewish comedian and actress Sarah Silverman. Omari praises Schumer for similar reasons, describing her as a "prime example of what originality and authenticity looks like."

In conclusion, the landscape of female comedians is rich and diverse, showcasing talent that challenges societal norms and highlights the importance of representation in the entertainment industry.