Leslie Jones will not be returning to the Lorne Michaels-produced sketch comedy series when it returns in September for its new season. Sources say Jones opted to depart the veteran comedy and will instead focus on her upcoming feature film projects and Netflix comedy special.
Jones first popped up on SNL during a controversial Weekend Update segment in spring 2014, and was upped to a featured player that fall, becoming the oldest new cast member at age 47. She scored last season in a sketch in which she passionately debated the merits of old-school Weezer at a dinner party, and by getting Naked and Afraid with Peter Dinklage in 2016. She also scored frequently with her no-holds-barred commentaries on Weekend Update (during which she frequently flirted with anchor Colin Jost). For her work on SNL, Jones was nominated for a Supporting Actress Emmy in 2017 and 2018, receiving a third nomination this year for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for “The Upper East Side.”
The Ghostbusters alum opted to depart SNL to focus on her burgeoning film career. She will star with Chris Rock in the upcoming indie boxing drama I Am Maurice, and with Kristen Bell in the indie film Queenpins. She’s currently filming the Coming to America sequel Coming 2 America. Earlier this month, Jones announced that she also will headline a comedy special for Netflix that will premiere in 2020.
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