There is no denying the sheer comedic power of Leslie Jones. Jones has been making waves in film and television with her unyielding energy, larger-than-life personality, and unabashed humor. Beyond her comedic and acting achievements, she is also a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Leslie Jones, born on Sept. 7, 1967, in Memphis, Tennessee, moved around a lot as a kid since her dad was in the military. Because of this, she could call places as diverse as California and South Korea home.
In college, Leslie Jones entered and won a “Funniest Person on Campus” contest, which marked the beginning of her comedy career. With the confidence gained from this success, she began performing stand-up comedy at local clubs while juggling various odd jobs to make ends meet. However, Jones had a challenging time on the way to the top. For a black woman, the comedy scene of the ’80s and ’90s was a particularly tough terrain. Moreover, her towering height (6ft. tall) and unique comedic style didn’t fit the conventional norms, causing her to face rejection and struggle.
Despite the obstacles, Jones persisted and became well-known in the stand-up comedy scene. Her big break came after appearing on BET’s Comic View and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. Before that, she had toured with Jamie Foxx and opened for Katt Williams. Jones’ breakthrough came when she was hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live, one of television’s most iconic comedy shows. Her charisma and wit quickly earned her a spot as a featured performer on the show, and she went on to star in major Hollywood films. Here are a few of her most notable performances in no particular order.
Saturday Night Live (2014–19)
Between 2014 and 2019, Leslie Jones hosted Saturday Night Live, where she delivered memorable performances and infectious laughs. Over her five years on SNL, Jones changed the face of sketch comedy in countless ways with her boundless enthusiasm and larger-than-life character. Jones’ impersonation of herself in “Weekend Update” segments was one of her most memorable roles on SNL. Here she gave rousing monologues about herself, navigating tricky subjects like romance and middle age with an unusually potent mix of self-deprecation and confidence.
These were not merely comedic performances; they were genuine, relatable, and struck a chord with many viewers. Jones brought a lot of change to SNL. She defied the industry standard of focusing on younger talent by joining the show at 47, making her one of the oldest cast members. During her time on SNL, Jones was the only black female cast member; therefore instrumental in making the show more inclusive. Her contributions went beyond her on-screen appearance; she was also a key figure in the writers’ room, lending a unique viewpoint to the show’s skits.
Ghostbusters (2016)
In the 2016 remake of Ghostbusters, Leslie Jones portrayed Patty Tolan, a former MTA worker who becomes a Ghostbuster. At the film’s start, Patty, a regular MTA employee, has a supernatural experience on the New York City subway. This event launches her into the world of Ghostbusters, an initially academic-based team. Patty is an integral element of the Ghostbusters due to her street-smart demeanor, broad knowledge of New York City’s history, and calm attitude.
Despite her lack of formal education, Patty Tolan is courageous and contributes to the team with her unique viewpoint. Even though the film received mostly negative reviews, several critics praised Jones’ portrayal of Patty Tolan, citing her comedic timing and fresh approach to the part. After the film’s release, Jones was the target of a slew of racist and sexist internet attacks, but she addressed them head-on and has since been an inspiration to others for her grit and determination.
Masterminds (2016)
Leslie Jones portrays FBI Special Agent Scanlon in the 2016 film Masterminds. A crime comedy, Masterminds recounts the unbelievable true story of one of the largest bank heists in American history. Jones plays a pivotal role in the growing mystery and plot. FBI agent Scanlon is a no-nonsense, persistent investigator intent on uncovering the truth behind the robbery. She shows dedication to her job and an unwavering resolve to find the truth in this mystery.
Jones lends this role her signature comedic timing and energy, giving an otherwise serious character a sarcastic edge. The award-winning actress captures the character’s serious and businesslike manner while also bringing a wry sense of humor to the part that helps keep the story’s tone from getting too heavy. Her character’s involvement in solving the mystery ups the stakes and keeps viewers guessing.
Coming 2 America (2021)
For the 2021 sequel Coming 2 America, Leslie Jones portrayed the vivacious Queens, New York, woman Mary Junson. Mary is the mother of Prince Akeem’s (Eddie Murphy) long-lost son, an unexpected revelation that moves the plot ahead. Jones gives a vibrant, humorous, and honest performance as Mary. She portrays a woman who is proud of her humble background, unashamedly herself, and not easily intimidated – even when surrounded by royalty. These traits make her an exciting contrast to the more staid and formal Zamundan nobility.
Jones’s seasoned delivery and natural talent for comic relief bring the role to life and provide several of the film’s most hilarious moments. Mary Junson’s presence adds a depth of humor and unexpected appeal, whether through her enthusiastic interactions with the royal entourage or her blatant flirtations with King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones). While Coming 2 America has an all-star cast, Jones’ performance stands out. She relishes her situations, delivering punch lines with excellent timing and capitalizing on her humorous connection with co-stars Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)
In The Angry Birds Movie 2, Leslie Jones voices Zeta, the film’s main villain. Zeta, a huge, royal, purple eagle, is bored with her chilly surroundings and longs for a change of scenery. Because she hates living on frigid, uninhabitable Eagle Island, she intends to colonize the warmer and more hospitable Bird Island and Piggy Island. The movie’s central conflict arises from Zeta’s ambitious scheme to use a superweapon to rain ice balls down on both islands, displacing the natives and allowing Zeta to seize control.
Zeta’s desire is the film’s driving force, and while her techniques are problematic, her motivations are at least understandable. Jones’ performance keeps Zeta from being a one-dimensional villain by finding a middle ground between the character’s villainous behaviors and her underlying motivations. Her vocal delivery gives Zeta depth and personality, bringing the character to life with humor, energy, and emotion.
Sing (2016)
Leslie Jones provides the voice of Meena’s mother in the animated musical film Sing. Meena — voiced by Tori Kelly — is a shy teenage elephant with a captivating and incredible voice, and Jones’ character plays a supportive role in her journey. Despite having less screen time than the primary characters, Meena’s mother profoundly influences her daughter. She is a compassionate, caring mother who immensely supports her daughter’s ambitions.
For the young elephant to overcome her terrible stage anxiety and show the world what she’s made of, her mother’s support and belief in her gift are essential. The film’s portrayal of the mother-daughter connection benefits greatly from Leslie Jones’ distinctive voice and natural warmth, which give the character a great deal of humanity. Her singing adds to the film’s emotional impact, making for some touching scenes and emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and familial love in Meena’s journey.
Top Five (2014)
Top Five, a humorous drama film written and directed by Chris Rock, who also stars in the film as Andre Allen, wrote the role of Lisa for Jones. The film follows Andre Allen, a comedian attempting to make it as a professional actor while dealing with personal problems. Lisa is Allen’s relative and one of the characters contributing to the film’s depiction of familial connections and interactions.
Her character injects life, wit, and authenticity into the story while shedding light on Allen’s past and giving the reader a more realistic understanding of his present. Allen’s relationship with Lisa contrasts his life as a famous superstar and his more modest beginnings. Even though Lisa isn’t a central character, Jones’ commanding presence and hilarious timing shine through, making the film even funnier.
Workaholics (2014)
The Comedy Central series Workaholics — which aired from 2011 to 2017 — featured Leslie Jones in a guest role as Lynette, an independent woman who speaks her mind and has a unique comic style. The series followed three friends who dropped out of college and began working from home together. Lynette, played by Jones, is a coworker of Adam, Blake, and Ders.
Jones’ character is so lively and confident that she frequently steals the show, providing a welcome change of pace in the predominantly male workplace. Jones’ performance of Lynette in Workaholics was memorable despite being a one-off part. In this episode, she showcases her comedic chops and continues to prove her talent for creating memorable, bold characters in brief amounts of screen time.
Death to 2020 (2020)
Leslie Jones portrayed Dr. Maggie Gravel, a behavioral therapist, in the mockumentary-style special Death to 2020, created by Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones.
Death to 2020 is a comical recap of 2020’s unusual occurrences, merging news footage with fictional characters who provide comments on the year’s events. The show boasted an impressive array of stars, including Leslie Jones’ whose doctor character’s witty and scathing comments reflected her anger at the year’s events.