Punkie Johnson

Johnson, born Jessica Williams, is of African American heritage. She was raised by her single mother, Mary Johnson, in New Orleans, Louisiana, attending Catholic and public schools. She graduated from McDonogh 35 High School in 2003. Johnson studied at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, where she graduated in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in general studies. ==Career==

Johnson began her career as a stand-up comedian. She later joined The Comedy Store in Los Angeles as a paid regular. In 2019, Johnson performed at Just for Laughs comedy festival. As an actress, Johnson has appeared in various television series such as Space Force, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Corporate, and Adam Ruins Everything. Saturday Night Live In 2020, Johnson was cast as a featured player on Saturday Night Live, starting in its forty-sixth season. She was promoted to repertory status in 2022 before the beginning of the 48th season. During that season, Johnson co-wrote the viral song "Big Boys". On Thursday, August 1, 2024, after four years of being a cast member, it was announced that Johnson would not be returning to the show. Her final episode aired on May 18, 2024, with host Jake Gyllenhaal. ==Personal life==

Johnson is a lesbian as well as identifying with the queer community. She and her wife had been partnered since 2002, In a 2021 interview with NBC News, Johnson affirmed her LGBTQ identity, stating: "I'm just this little lesbian chick from New Orleans who is just enjoying life doing comedy". ==Filmography==