Comedian Punkie Johnson Opens Up About Being the First Out Black Queer Woman on 'Saturday Night Live'

Photo: Mary Ellen Matthews/getty

Punkie Johnson is still reeling after making history as the first out Black queer woman to be cast onSaturday Night Live.

Johnson wrapped her first season on the show in May, and while she is not the first Black queer person to star in the show, her predecessor Danitra Vance was not publicly out when she appeared onSNLin the 1980s.

“It wasn’t even a dream because I never thought that I would get there. That’s how surprised I was,” Johnson saidin an interview with NBC News. “I’m just this little lesbian chick from New Orleans who is just enjoying life doing comedy and thinking that’s it.”

“I was like, ‘If I get this job, that means that I’m supposed to do comedy,'” she said of auditioning forSNL.

After two rounds of taped auditions and dozens of celebrity impressions, Johnson received a call fromSNLcreator Lorne Michaels, telling her: “We think you’ll be a good addition to the cast.”

So, the former New Orleans bartender joined the iconic show — and the rest is, literally, history. Upon arriving in New York City, she found some messages from her mother that were tucked among her luggage.

The notes read: “I can’t believe you did it. I’m so proud of you.” Another said: “Now you’re one step closer to paying me back for giving you life.”

Johnson may not be sure what’s in store for her career, but she knows that comedy is “where I feel at home.”

RELATED VIDEO: Kate McKinnon SaysSaturday Night Live’Changed My Life’

The NBC sketch comedy show aired its final episode of season 46 on May 23 withAnya Taylor-Joyhosting andLil Nas Xas the musical guest. To mark the season finale, the entireSNLcast appeared during the episode’s cold open andreflected on completing 20 episodesamid the COVID pandemic.

The cast members all went on to share how they bonded during the season, withPete Davidsonsaying, “The main thing was that we were in it together. Everyone was there for each other no matter what.”

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Kenan Thompsonadded, “Mostly we remember how lucky were to have a job at a time when so many people were out of work.”

“This was the year we realized we are more than just a cast,” addedKate McKinnon, who began to get choked up. “We are a family.”

source: people.com