*Comedian Punkie Johnson credits her funny family for inspiring her career path as an artist and performer.
“My whole family was goofy,” the New Orleans native said during an interview with The New YorkHER podcast, Essence reports.
“My mom would – I would get in trouble and my mom would crack jokes on me as I was getting punished,” she added.
Punkie moved to Hollywood after graduating from Nicholls State University in Louisiana, where she landed a job at the famed Comedy Store as a bartender. She has since landed acting roles in shows such as “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Crank Yankers,” and “Space Force” on Netflix.
READ MORE: Angel Reese to Become Top Earning College Basketball Star with NIL Deals
Johnson joined the 46th season of SNL in (insert year) and was promoted as a regular prior to its 48th season. She is the first Black, an openly lesbian cast member on the long-running sketch comedy show.
“It wasn’t even a dream because I never thought that I would get there. That’s how surprised I was,” Johnson said. “I’m just this little lesbian chick from New Orleans who is just enjoying life doing comedy and thinking that’s it.”
Last week, she spoofed Louisiana State University basketball Angel Reese during “Saturday Night Live‘s” “Weekend Update,” PEOPLE reports.
Reese has grown in popularity since mocking Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark using the John Cena “You Can’t See Me” hand gesture in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
After her recent NCAA champion win, the young athlete has seen her social media followers across all platforms reach 2 million, according to MadameNoire. According to ON3, her NIL (name, image, and likeness) valuation is now $1.3 million, up from $370,000 before the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
“I’m a big deal now, Che,” said Johnson as Reese on SNL, referring to Reese’s newfound fame. Watch the moment via the YouTube clip below.
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
