LUENELL

HEY LUENELL!

Up Close and Personal With the Original Bad Girl of Comedy

Submitted by Wyllisa R. Bennett

Comedienne and actress Luenell is having a moment! The self-proclaimed “Original Bad Girl of Comedy,” is a comedic force of nature. The stand-up comic is best known for her breakthrough role as the “hooker with the heart of gold” in the 2006 Oscar-nominated, blockbuster comedy “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.” She also appears in the Oscar-buzzy film “A Star Is Born” with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, plus, she’s in the new Eddie Murphy film, “Dolemite Is My Name, “ on Netflix. She’s also pat of the ensemble cast of “Coming to America 2,” due out later this year.

In addition to her film roles, she’s also making a splash in Las Vegas with an extended run at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The LINQ Promenade in Vegas. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, she was touring the country as a stand-up comic, and tickling the funny bones of many from one comedy club to another. We had a chance to catch up with Luenell, and chat with her about comedy, her work and upcoming projects. XS10 Magazine: Who inspires you and your work?

Luenell: Well, many women inspire me like May West, Glodean White (wife of the late Grammy Award-winning crooner Barry White), Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr (before her many insensitive rants and outbursts), Lucille ball, JaNet Dubois as well as Pearl Bailey.

The comedians that inspire me are the legends like Joan Rivers, Redd Foxx, George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, Wanda Sykes, etc. I draw a lot of inspiration from these comics because they are iconic in their style, delivery and material as they addressed the social ills of their day in a funny, unapologetic way.

XS10 Magazine: I hear you are in “Coming to America 2” can you tell us more about the movie?

Luenell: I’m excited to be a part of the ensemble cast of “Coming to America 2,” directed by Craig Brewer (“Dolemite Is My Name,” “Hustle & Flow”), which wrapped at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, and due in theatres December 2020. Along with legendary comedian Eddie Murphy and talk show host Arsenio Hall, the cast, includes Vanessa Bell Calloway, Shari Headley,

XS10 Magazine: Luenell, how did you get your start in comedy?

Luenell: Well, how I became a professional comedienne is a long and complicated story; but, I come from a very large family, and being the youngest of eight children and seeking attention definitely had something to do with it! Or maybe it was being bullied at home and school, which made me want to speak up. It’s probably a combination of both. Still, I landed on stage by accepting a dare. Never in my wildest dreams did I foresee a “career” in comedy or making a living at it.

When I began my career in comedy, there was no ComicView or Def Comedy Jam. And the only African Americans I knew really making a living at it were Richard Pryor, Red Foxx, LaWanda Page, Flip Wilson, and Bill Cosby. Plus, there weren’t a lot of women in the game. But tv exposure with the various comedy shows changed that. I decided that instead of comedy being a hobby, and “something to do” to vent my frustrations, I felt I could make a decent living doing this. Basically, I made a commitment to make people happy because I didn’t ever want anyone to feel how I use to feel growing up. To this day, that is still my driving force to get on a stage every night and tell a joke. It’s not for the money. It’s a passion. If you do what you love and are passionate about, the money will come.

John Amos, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones – just to name a few! For me, that’s two Eddie Murphy movies in one year because I also appear in in the Netflix movie, “Dolemite Is My Name.”

The sequel, called “Coming To America -- The Quest” is one of the best scripts I’ve ever read. It will easily be one of the most talked about films of 2020. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that “Coming to America – The Quest” is gonna take over the WORLD! The original is such a beloved movie, and thankfully with the 30-year difference for the sequel, most of the original actors are still alive and well and have returned for the sequel. It’s magic! Sheer magic, and I am blessed to be a part of it after all these many years later.

XS10 Magazine: What process do you use to develop your stand-up comedy material?

Luenell: I really don’t have a process to develop my stand-up material. I just observe life through a comedic lens. As comedians, I believe we are wired differently because we can see “the funny” in daily life. I don’t write much. I usually just make mental bullet points of what I want to discuss, and develop the material in real time on stage. It’s sort of like magic – that is, a gift if you will.

XS10 Magazine: Who are your top 5 favorite comedians?

Luenell: That’s always a hard question, but my top five comedians are: Richard Pryor, Paul Mooney, Joan Rivers, Robin Harris, and George Carlin. But don’t hold me to it because those names can change from time to time, depending on my mood.

XS10 Magazine: So far, 2020 has been good to you. Can you talk about some of the accomplishments that you’re particularly proud of as a female comedian?

Luenell: One of my greatest accomplishments as a female comedian is being able to make a living doing what I love. When I first started in the comedy game, it was just a way for me to express myself and get some attention. Through comedy, I’ve been able to provide for my family, send my daughter to college and be an independent businesswoman for many years.

I’m proud to be a part of a small girls’ club with an engagement in Las Vegas. In February 2019, I did a three-month gig at the SLS hotel in Viva Las Vegas, along with Mo’Nique and Eddie Griffin. In August 2019, I returned to Sin City with an extended run at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The LINQ Promenade. I look forward to resuming my residency in Las Vegas, once things get back to normal in response to the pandemic in America.

I’ve also been inducted into the Little Rock Black Hall of Fame in Arkansas -- the state where I was born. My picture and information are part of an exhibit in a museum, located in Little Rock. Plus, if you Google me, I’m the most famous person from my small town, which is not hard to do if you knew where I was from. lol

Also, I was honored at Los Angeles City Hall in February 2020 as a part of Black History Month by the office of LA City Councilman President Emeritus Herb Wesson. It was particularly special to receive the award from his office because he is the first an only African American to be selected the president of the Los Angeles City Council.

The City of Los Angeles honored me and iconic comic legends like Eddie Griffin; Marsha Warfield; Miss Laura Hayes – the Original Queen of Comedy; and Emmy-winning comedienne and actress Tiffany Haddish as part of its Stand UP: The Art and Politics of Comedy for Black History Month. It was truly a great day!

XS10 Magazine: What is one of the challenges you have had in your career?

Luenell: One of the biggest challenges I’ve had in my career is trying to balance motherhood and a marriage with my career. As an entertainer, it has been very difficult and remains so.

XS10 Magazine: What advice can you give others that want to be a comedian?

Luenell: I really don’t give advice to others who want to pursue comedy; BUT, I would say this: If you like to sleep a lot; if you’re very close and connected to your family; if you have problems leaving your children or your significant other during very important holidays, such as birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas , then this business is not for you!

XS10 Magazine: What advice would you give your younger self?

Luenell: I would tell my younger self that when they say: “It’s not personal,” sometimes, it’s really not! There will be people you meet and bond with on various projects; however, don’t expect to speak with them everyday after the project wraps. People go on about their business. Life gets busy. It’s rare that you will stay in touch with someone unless you developed a true friendship with the person. Don’t trip!

XS10 Magazine: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Luenell: Oh, the possibilities are endless. I have a couple of things on my bucket list. I would love to have my own talk show or a regular role on a popular television show – either broadcast or cable television -- so I don’t have to travel so much, and I can actually come home after work.

XS10 Magazine: Luenell, you’re a comedienne and actress. Do you have a preference – that is, standup comedy or acting – in your entertaining fans?

Luenell: In the entertainment industry, my preference of mediums and/or disciplines is television, stand up, films and finally, theatre.

XS10 Magazine: Who is someone you would love to work with?

Luenell: On my bucket list of people I would like to work with include Wanda Sykes, Robert De Niro, Octavia Spencer and Jane Fonda; maybe Cardi B.; plus, Megan Thee Stallion and of course, Bruno Mars!

XS10 Magazine: What projects are you working on and where can everyone follow you?

Luenell: Well, I’ll be back in Vegas. So, once the Strip opens, folks can come see me in Viva Las Vegas!

While you all were at home, bingewatching TV, I hope you checked me out in the Netflix movie, “Dolemite Is My Name,” starring Eddie Murphy. I also appear in the sequel, “I’ve Got the Hookup-2,” the urban cult classic, starring music mogul/businessman Master P and his son, Romeo Miller. I’m in the episode, “Family Feud,” (Season 3, Episode 5) of Tracy Morgan’s show, “The Last OG,” which just aired on TBS. Check it out.

I have a couple of things in the can. Along with “Coming to America 2,” I’m in a movie with Jerry O’Connell, called “Ballbusters,” as well as “Family Reunion” on Netflix. I’m also really excited about a VERY secret project that I just filmed with my daughter. So, stay tuned. Fans will be able to see me on the road, as well as appearances on their favorite tv shows and movies. And if you want more of me, you can always purchase my comedy CD, “Luenell Live: I Only Drink at Work,” available on digital platforms everywhere. PLUS, there’s my new YouTube channel – that is, HeyLuenell. Check it out and subscribe.

For more about Luenell and her touring schedule, visit www.HeyLuenell.com Visit her on YouTube at Hey Luenell. ON A SOCIAL NOTE: Find me: Visit www.HeyLuenell.com Follow me: @Luenell on Instagram Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/luenell