See ‘SNL’ star Leslie Jones slay all day from the Rio Olympics
America’s favorite amateur Olympics commentator took her game international as actress and comedian Leslie Jones arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday to continue her coverage in person.
After an eventful summer for Jones that included both the release of the much-discussed “Ghostbusters” reboot and online backlash over the film that drove the actress to temporarily abandon Twitter, things are looking up.
Jones’ coverage of the 2016 Olympics began in her living room, of her own accord, and garnered so much attention that NBC, who has faced plenty of criticism during its coverage of the Games and likely is looking for a PR win, invited her to take her show on the road and join its commentators in Rio.
After a brief period of contemplation, Jones decided to take the network up on its offer, thus continuing one of the most unexpected underdog stories of the Olympics.
See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour »
Ever the entertainer, even Jones’ travel tweets were amusing.
Note that in her first two videos, Jones is using her own personal SnapChat filter, created just for her.
How do you know you’ve made it? You have your own SnapChat filter.
Jones was soon on her way to the Games proper, starting her day with gymnastics and present for Simone Biles and Aly Raisman’s domination of the all-around.
Jones moved on to take in a historic night of swimming, witnessing Michael Phelps win gold for the 22nd time and Simone Manuel become the first African American woman to win an individual swim medal (and a gold one, to boot.)
Perhaps the best content Jones has provided has been her interactions with the famous faces floating around the Games, Olympians and otherwise.
Here she is kicking it with Matthew McConaughey, because why not?
Jones also visited with legendary gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi before performing a very mediocre cartwheel for him.
Before, that is, becoming basically best friends with swim team superstars Lilly King and Missy Franklin.
Jones even got a chance to pose for pictures with newly minted gold and silver all-around medalists Biles and Raisman for what may be the best candid moment the comedian has captured so far. (Raisman and her apple plus Biles and her phone questions are perfect.)
All in all, it was a good showing for Leslie Jones, who, according to her Twitter videos, is scheduled to stay in Rio through Monday night’s events.
Who might she run into next? Kerri Walsh Jennings? Kyrie Irving? Baby Boomer Phelps?
Only time (and Jones’ Twitter feed) will tell.
Twitter: @midwestspitfire
ALSO
'Fast 8' stars Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson post dueling Instagram posts
Seth Rogen and friends serve up a filthy, funny 'Sausage Party'
Watch our interview with Tom Hiddleston of 'The Night Manager' on Facebook
The biggest entertainment stories
Get our big stories about Hollywood, film, television, music, arts, culture and more right in your inbox as soon as they publish.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.