Best SNL cast member from each state

Leslie Jones (Tennessee)

Tennessee native Leslie Jones knew she had a talent for comedy when she won the “Funniest Person on Campus” contest at her college. This influenced her to pursue a comedy career full time, finding work in comedy clubs and appearing on the BET show ComicView. After bombing a performance opening for Jamie Foxx, Jones stopped doing shows for several years.

Later, Jones was hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live. Soon afterward she started to appear in segments on the show, and became a featured player of the series. At age 47, she set the record for the oldest performer to join the series as a main cast member. She made her way into more and more funny sketches, and is still a beloved member of the cast. Jones has stated that she looks to Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor for inspiration with her comedy.

You might also recognize Jones from her role in the new Ghostbusters movie, which also stars fellow SNL alum Kate McKinnon and Kristen Wiig. The movie wasn’t without its negative critical reception, but no matter how you feel about it, one of its brightest spots is the inclusion of Jones, who’s just as funny in the movie as she is on SNL.

Next: Texas