Leslie Jones is an American comedian and actress, renowned for her dynamic presence in stand-up comedy and television. Born on September 7, 1967, in Memphis, Tennessee, Jones pursued higher education at Colorado State University on a basketball scholarship before discovering her passion for comedy.
Jones gained widespread recognition as a cast member and writer for the iconic sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) from 2014 to 2019. Her tenure on SNL showcased her bold comedic style, earning her three Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
In 2016, Jones starred as Patty Tolan in the all-female reboot of “Ghostbusters,” alongside Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon. The film, directed by Paul Feig, received mixed reactions, with Feig attributing some of the backlash to political factors during the 2016 presidential election.
Beyond SNL and “Ghostbusters,” Jones has appeared in various film and television projects, including roles in “Trainwreck” (2015), “Masterminds” (2016), and voicing characters in animated films like “Sing” (2016) and “The Angry Birds Movie 2” (2019). In 2021, she starred in “Coming 2 America,” the sequel to the 1988 comedy classic.
Jones has also ventured into hosting, leading the revival of the game show “Supermarket Sweep” in 2020, and serving as a guest host on “The Daily Show” in 2023.
Recently, Jones joined fellow SNL alumni to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary, reflecting on her experiences and the impact of the show on her career.
Throughout her career, Leslie Jones has remained a prominent figure in comedy, known for her fearless humor and vibrant performances.