If you're a comedian and your famous friend helps you get an audition in one of the most popular sketch comedy shows in the world, you don't turn them down. Leslie Jones is a beloved cast member of the long-running series Saturday Night Live, but prior to being a show staple, she was a touring stand-up comedian on the rise. Chris Rock was on the hit show from 1990 to 1993 and after seeing Leslie perform live, he thought she'd be a perfect addition. Leslie, on the other hand, did not.

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"I didn't come to get the job—Howard, I literally went to tell them how dope I was and was gon' tell 'em no," Leslie said. "I really came out so people can see me and maybe that was gon' give me some opportunities, but I had all plans of saying no." She also explained, "[Chris] saw me at The Comedy Store one late night doing a spot and he was like, 'Yep, she's next level. She's ready.'" Chris then wrote down her name in his "funny book." Leslie added, "I think he called me and was like, 'Hey, I just talked to Lorne [Michaels], I just had dinner with Lorne. Somebody from SNL is gon' contact you for an audition."

She couldn't believe it and initially, she was upset. "Why the f*ck would you do that?" Leslie said she asked him. "I am not a sketch [comedian]. What the f*ck, Chris?! I don't do that sh*t. The f*ck am I gon' do? I'm a f*ckin' stand-up. I'm not gon' be able to do that sh*t." In true Chris Rock fashion, he told her to "shut the f*ck up" and go impress SNL. "And he hung up."

Watch Leslie share the funny story and explain what happened when she went on stage during her audition below.

The Comedy Cellar is one of America’s most well-known institutions in the world of comedy. The New York City venue has hosted most stand-up legends and continues to be a hub for up-and-coming talent and established acts alike. A stain was left on The Comedy Cellar’s respected history when the owner allowed Louis C.K. to perform there in late 2018 after admitting to multiple incidents of sexual misconduct. Protesters gathered outside the club to express their disapproval of the disgraced comic being granted this platform. Leslie Jones protested this decision in her own way. 

In a freshly-published profile for The New York Times, Jones divulged that she stopped performing at The Comedy Cellar in light of its support of Louis C.K. “I am at the age when I will get off the boat and get on another damn boat,” the former Saturday Night Live star said. The profile highlights that Jones was the only comedian to boycott the club for this reason. “I knew girls,” she told the Times, “and they got to walk into the club and see him talking to the owner. That ain’t cool.” 

Jones has since returned to testing out material at The Comedy Cellar. Her comedy special for Netflix, Time Machine, was released this week and she is set to star in the Coming To America sequel.