How did Leslie Jones get famous?

Leslie Jones began doing stand-up comedy in college in 1987, when her friend signed her up for a “Funniest Person on Campus” contest. After winning the contest, Jones left school for Los Angeles.

Leslie performed at comedy clubs while working day jobs at Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles and UPS to make ends meet.

Comedian Mother Love and Dave Chappelle encouraged her to move to New York City to hone her craft for two years, where she appeared on BET’s ComicView before returning to Los Angeles.

She performed at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood but received unfavourable reviews of her shows there.

In 2008, Jones was part of Katt Williams’s It’s Pimpin Pimpin’ tour.

Netflix signed Jones for a stand-up special slated for 2020.