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‘SNL’ Adds Two African-American Women Writers to the Show

Jan 8, 2014  •  Post A Comment

" ‘Saturday Night Live’ has just added a new African-American woman to its cast, and now the show is adding two to its writers’ room as well," reports Lesley Goldberg in an exclusive story for The Hollywood Reporter.

Goldberg writes: "LaKendra Tookes and Leslie Jones, who were discovered during the sketch show’s recent auditions, will join ‘SNL’s’ writers’ room starting on Monday, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

"Tookes and Jones were both among the black female comedians who auditioned during showcases held in New York and Los Angeles after the long-running Lorne Michaels sketch series faced widespread criticism that its new cast lacked diversity — specifically the inclusion of an African-American woman."

The article adds, "Sources tell THR that producers were impressed with both Tookes and Jones and thought they were talented, smart and funny. Currently there are no plans to have either of them appear onscreen, though a number of ‘SNL’ writers in the past have transitioned to larger roles. Most recently, Mike O’Brien was promoted to featured player for the current 39th season after joining ‘SNL’ as a writer in 2009."

lakendra tookes.jpgLaKendra Tookes

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