Each Leslie Jones punchline is delivered with an enthusiasm (and at a volume) that few other comics ever approach. But, if you think the Saturday Night Live alum’s latest stand-up special, Peacock’s Life Part II, sees her approaching the apex of her energy… she says you’d be mistaken. That’s not to suggest the latest hour from the comedian and actress isn’t a frenzied marathon that tackles dating, aging, therapy and Jones’ hopes for her own funeral. It’s just that Jones says she’s still holding back — for the benefit of her audience. During a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, which touched on her fraught past with the comments section and her thoughts on the future of her old NBC gig, she explains why no one is ready for her at her absolute most.
Watching your latest special, I was so struck by the high level of energy you maintain for so long. How do you psych yourself up to do that kind of hour every night when you’re on tour?
That’s not even at the level that I could go to. That’s a five or a six. What’s so crazy is that was the one thing Lorne [Michaels] used to really push me to do: find levels. He was like, “You always start up here. You have nowhere to go!” But that’s who I am. I’d rather people tell me to pull me back than to tell me to build up.
