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How Leslie Jones Became a Comedian

31m 00s

Comedian and actress Leslie Jones does a deep dive on her creative process. She speaks candidly about family life and the comedians like Richard Pryor who influenced her at a young age. We talk about the time she first fell in love with comedy in college and the many years she spent honing her craft. We learn about the process behind her most recent comedy special, "Leslie Jones: Life Part 2."

Aired: 12/18/25
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
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Elie Wiesel reunited with his sister in France.
In "Night," Elie Wiesel recounts a memory of witnessing three victims being hung.
Ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrate the life and career of iconic actor Dick Van Dyke.
Dick Van Dyke showcases his physical comedy strengths with a short story.
On May 31st, 1964, Dick Van Dyke delivered a speech on race relations.
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