30 Facts About Leslie Jones

Early Life and Background

Leslie Jones, a name synonymous with comedy, has a fascinating backstory. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about her early years.

1. 01Born on September 7, 1967, in Memphis, Tennessee, Leslie Jones moved around a lot due to her father's military career.
2. 02Her full name is Annette Jones, but she adopted "Leslie" as her stage name.
3. 03She spent her teenage years in Lynwood, California, where she attended high school.
4. 04Leslie initially pursued a career in basketball, earning a scholarship to Chapman University before transferring to Colorado State University.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Leslie Jones had to navigate the challenging world of comedy.

5. 05Leslie's first taste of stand-up comedy came in college when a friend signed her up for a comedy contest.
6. 06She won the contest, which inspired her to pursue comedy full-time.
7. 07Leslie worked various odd jobs, including a stint as a cook at Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles, to support her comedy career.
8. 08She performed at numerous comedy clubs, often facing tough crowds and hecklers.

Breakthrough and Success

Leslie's perseverance paid off, leading to significant breakthroughs in her career.

9. 09In 2013, she joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" as a writer and later became a featured player.
10. 10Leslie's "Weekend Update" segments on SNL quickly became fan favorites.
11. 11She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her work on SNL in 2017 and 2018.
12. 12Leslie starred in the 2016 reboot of "Ghostbusters," playing the role of Patty Tolan.

Personal Life

Beyond the spotlight, Leslie Jones has a rich personal life filled with interesting tidbits.

13. 13Leslie is an avid sports fan, particularly of basketball and football.
14. 14She often live-tweets during major sporting events, gaining a large following for her humorous commentary.
15. 15Leslie has a close relationship with her family, frequently sharing stories about them in her stand-up routines.
16. 16She is a proud dog owner and often shares pictures of her pets on social media.

Activism and Advocacy

Leslie Jones uses her platform to advocate for various causes close to her heart.

17. 17She is a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance.
18. 18Leslie has spoken out against online harassment and bullying, sharing her own experiences to raise awareness.
19. 19She supports numerous charitable organizations, including those focused on mental health and animal welfare.
20. 20Leslie has used her comedy to address social and political issues, often incorporating these themes into her performances.

Fun Facts

Leslie Jones is full of surprises. Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about her.

21. 21Leslie is a huge fan of the TV show "Game of Thrones" and even appeared on a special episode of "Late Night with Seth Meyers" to discuss the series.
22. 22She has a passion for fashion and often designs her own outfits for red carpet events.
23. 23Leslie once worked as a telemarketer, a job she has joked about in her stand-up routines.
24. 24She has a fear of flying, which she has had to overcome for her career.

Awards and Recognitions

Leslie's talent has not gone unnoticed, earning her several accolades over the years.

25. 25In addition to her Emmy nominations, Leslie won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2018.
26. 26She was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2017.
27. 27Leslie received the Comedy Act of the Year award at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in 2016.
28. 28She was honored with the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Award in 2017.

Future Endeavors

Leslie Jones continues to evolve, with exciting projects on the horizon.

29. 29She is set to host the reboot of the classic game show "Supermarket Sweep."
30. 30Leslie has several film projects in development, promising more laughs and memorable performances in the future.

Leslie Jones: A True Inspiration

Leslie Jones has carved out a unique space in comedy and entertainment. From her early days on "Saturday Night Live" to her standout roles in movies, she’s shown incredible talent and resilience. Her journey is filled with hard work, dedication, and a lot of laughs.

Jones isn’t just a comedian; she’s a trailblazer for women in comedy, especially for Black women. Her candidness about her struggles and triumphs makes her relatable and inspiring. Whether she’s on stage, on screen, or on social media, Leslie Jones continues to break barriers and make us laugh.

Her story reminds us that success doesn’t come easy, but with perseverance and a sense of humor, anything is possible. Keep an eye on Leslie Jones—she’s not done making history yet.