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Born Name:
Annette Leslie Jones
Born Date:
September 7, 1967
Born Place:
Memphis, Tennessee
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations:
Stand-up comedian, actress, writer
Brief Biography:
Leslie Jones is known for her bold, energetic comedy, particularly during her time on Saturday Night Live (2014–2019) and in the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot.
Early Life and Career:
Born to a military family, Jones moved frequently before settling in Los Angeles when her father took a job at Stevie Wonder’s radio station, KJLH. Standing 6 feet tall, she originally played basketball in high school and attended Chapman University and Colorado State University on basketball scholarships. She discovered her talent for comedy after a friend signed her up for a "Funniest Person on Campus" contest at Colorado State, which she won. She left school to pursue comedy in Los Angeles, opening for comedians like Jamie Foxx and honing her skills for years in comedy clubs.
Breakthrough: Saturday Night Live:
After struggling to gain mainstream recognition during the 1990s and 2000s, Chris Rock recommended her to Lorne Michaels, and she joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a writer in 2014. She was promoted to a featured cast member shortly after and became known for her popular "Weekend Update" segments. During her tenure, she earned three Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
Film and Television Roles:
Ghostbusters (2016): Starred as Patty Tolan in the female-led reboot.
Coming 2 America (2021): Played Lavelle's mother.
Other Roles: Appeared in Top Five (2014), Trainwreck (2015), Masterminds (2016), and Sing (2016).
Hosting: Hosted the ABC game show Supermarket Sweep.
Recent Years and Projects:
Memoir: Released her memoir, Leslie F*cking Jones, in 2023, which was recognized for its raw, humorous account of her journey to fame.
Comedy Specials: Released the Netflix special Time Machine (2020) and Life Part 2 (2025).
Touring: As of April 2026, she is scheduled to bring her "I'M HOT TOUR" to the Patchogue Theatre.
Recognition and Impact:
In 2017, she was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People. She is known for her resilience in the face of online harassment and her, as described by critics, "unapologetic humor".