Unleashing Energy: Leslie Jones on Comedy, Maturity, and Hollywood
Leslie Jones is known for her high-energy comedy style, which she brings to her latest stand-up special, "Life Part II." In a recent interview, she reveals that she believes she is still holding back in her performances for the sake of her audience. Despite the frenzied nature of her act, Jones claims she has even more energy to unleash. She discusses her approach to maintaining her energy levels during her tour and the importance of finding different levels in her performances.
Jones explains that she never reaches a 10 in her performances, as that level of honesty and intensity can be dangerous. She reflects on the benefits of finding success after turning 40, such as increased maturity and patience, but also acknowledges the drawbacks of feeling the effects of age. She also shares her thoughts on Hollywood's perception of her post-SNL and the need to showcase her versatility as an artist.
The comedian opens up about the challenges she faced during the Ghostbusters experience, dealing with sexist and racist backlash. She learned to block out the noise of toxic fandom and not let it affect her work. Jones also discusses her approach to handling online comments and feedback, emphasizing the importance of listening to constructive criticism while ignoring the negativity.
Jones shares her thoughts on the potential retirement of SNL creator Lorne Michaels and the impact it could have on the show. She praises her former co-star Kenan Thompson as an essential part of the SNL team. Jones also reflects on her appearance on Ziwe's show and the unexpected nature of the interview, highlighting the importance of being prepared for any situation in the entertainment industry.