3. Melissa McCarthy

2011 key role: 'Bridesmaids'

Veteran comedy performer Melissa McCarthy stole 'Bridesmaids' from Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Rose Byrne -- no easy task -- and won an Emmy award for her performance in 'Mike & Molly,' the CBS sitcom from Chuck Lorre. After her lady-balls-out 'Bridesmaids' performance, you'll probably never look at a bridesmaids dress and a bathroom sink the same way ever again.

Upcoming projects: Judd Apatow's untitled 'Knocked Up' non-sequel sequel, as well as a potential lead role in Paul Feig's 'Dumb Jock' with Jon Hamm.