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Leslie Jones Says SNL Typecast Her as Angry

6/24/2026

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Summary

Leslie Jones Criticizes SNL

Leslie Jones appeared on The Sam Sanders Show to discuss her NBC Saturday Night Live tenure.
She said the show repeatedly cast her as an angry or fighting character, limiting her roles.
Jones explained she joined SNL to showcase abilities but later realized writers kept typecasting her as “mad.”
She noted SNL provides a platform for Black comedians, yet writers’ reluctance to broaden her range disappointed her.

Summary

Leslie Jones Record

Leslie Jones became the oldest person ever hired as an SNL cast member at age 47 in 2014.
She moved from writer to featured player and then to repertory status.
She frequently appeared on Weekend Update, playfully flirting with co-anchor Colin Jost.
After leaving SNL in 2019, Jones started the nationwide “I’m Hot Tour,” while Kenan Thompson reported a $1.5 million loss, showing varied alumni finances.

Summary

Leslie Jones Misogyny

Leslie Jones said she faced stronger misogyny than racism during her five-year tenure at Saturday Night Live.
She repeatedly asked writers to let her play male roles, though they consistently refused.
The writers kept her in angry or fighting parts.
Jones noted that other cast members received varied characters while she was limited to the same angry persona.
She stayed at SNL despite the bias because she wanted career advancement.

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Leslie Jones Criticizes SNL

Leslie Jones appeared on The Sam Sanders Show to discuss her NBC Saturday Night Live tenure.
She said the show repeatedly cast her as an angry or fighting character, limiting her roles.
Jones explained she joined SNL to showcase abilities but later realized writers kept typecasting her as “mad.”
She noted SNL provides a platform for Black comedians, yet writers’ reluctance to broaden her range disappointed her.

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