Leslie Jones, the towering 6-foot-tall American comedian, recently shared her journey through grief, fame, and the complexities of modern life during a frank discussion in a photography studio in west London. Dressed in an eye-catching full-length gold lamé ballgown and holding a cigarette, Jones discussed her personal experiences and the impact of her upbringing on her comedy career.
The conversation touched on various topics, including her career trajectory, her views on societal issues, and her experiences with personal loss. Jones was subsequently hired as a full-time writer for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 2013. Although many slammed the show for being too white, he still made history as the oldest new hire at 47 years old. She eventually ended up in front of the camera for the show by May of that year.
She announced that she’d given up on men for good, telling everyone she was tired of “raising boys.” Her reflections on relationships coincide with a greater conversation on what masculinity should be, and the pressures that society places on young men today.
In her NPR interview, she wasn’t afraid to speak to the political climate in the country, specifically calling out former President Donald Trump. She remarked on a recent court ruling that blocked Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, saying, “We’re repeating the worst part of history right now, but maybe it’s for the lesson that we didn’t learn the last time.”
Jones’s childhood was marked by significant challenges, including the strokes and subsequent deaths of both parents within six months of each other and her brother’s untimely death in 2009 at just 38 years old. She has openly shared these experiences in her memoir, “Leslie F*cking Jones,” which highlights the adversity she overcame to succeed.
Reflecting on her childhood and family life, Jones added, “I was like: ‘Hey, everybody’s gone; if it’s time for me to die, then I’ll die.’” In spite of these challenges, she attributes therapy with empowering her to process her feelings and gain a better understanding of herself on an emotional level.
“I believe in a higher power. We’re in his image. So when you see someone, you’re looking at God.” – Leslie Jones
Jones also focused on societal problems like loneliness and the need for responsibility. She noted that many people expect others to solve their problems, saying, “You’re waiting for me to solve your problems. You’re waiting for me to give you permission. Grow up – I’m not Build-A-Bear.”
Additionally, she shared her outrage at the idea that God would have not made us all different. “He made all these animals, he made all these plants – you think he didn’t make gay men? A transgender man or woman?” This seemingly simple statement is an example of her deep commitment to seeing and respecting all communities and all people.
The one constant Jones has kept is an admirable work ethic. As she joked and terrifyingly accosted Colin Jost on SNL earlier this year, her artistry speaks for itself. Her path to stardom began in 1987 when she won the title of “funniest person on campus.” Since then, she’s starred in hit roles, from SNL to Patty Tolan in the 2016 reboot of “Ghostbusters.”
Jones’s story is an uplifting reminder to everyone who has ever struggled to find a way to follow their dreams. She has lately received wide acclaim on a bigger stage. Now, despite everything she’s been through, with her trademark resilience and strength, she uses her renewed platform to bring joy to others.
“That’s my job, to bring some joy – you can’t cry all day. That’s what they want; they want you sad. They want you to see no light.” – Leslie Jones