Watch Latin American Music Awards
“Saturday Night Live” has found a new cast member in its writing staff.
Leslie Jones, who has been a writer for the show since early this year, is joining the cast, a rep for the show confirmed on Monday. She’ll begin in this role starting with this week’s Jim Carrey-hosted episode.
The comedian was a contender in the search for a new cast member last fall. The spot went to Sasheer Zamata, but producers decided to bring Jones on as a writer.
Jones is only the latest “SNL” cast member to be plucked from the writing staff. Michael Che, the new Weekend Update co-anchor, was also upped from his spot as a writer to go onscreen.
Viewers may recognize Jones from her appearances on Weekend Update, including one in the 40th season premiere, proving her onscreen chops. She also starred in her own comedy special, “Problem Child,” for Showtime.
Jones and the show both tweeted about the news on Monday.
It's official I'm a cast member!!! Get ready! Get ready!! @nbcsnl
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) October 20, 2014
Welcome to the cast, @Lesdoggg!! http://t.co/r6XVUu78bg #SNL
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) October 20, 2014
The news was first reported by Deadline.
