Luenell

Luenell
Name	Luenell
Caption	Luenell in 2019
Birth name	Luenell Campbell
Birth date	12 March 1959
Birth place	Toledo, Arkansas, U.S.
Occupation	Comedian, actress, singer
Years active	1989–present

Luenell. Luenell Campbell, known mononymously as Luenell, is an American comedian, actress, and singer renowned for her brash, unapologetic comedic style and scene-stealing supporting roles in film and television. Rising from the Chitlin' Circuit and the San Francisco Bay Area comedy scene, she gained widespread recognition for her breakout role in the 2006 film Borat. Her career spans stand-up specials, numerous appearances on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Real Husbands of Hollywood, and roles in major studio films including Think Like a Man and Hotel Transylvania 2.

Early life and education

Luenell was born in the small town of Toledo, Arkansas, and was raised primarily in Oakland, California. Her early environment in the San Francisco Bay Area profoundly influenced her comedic perspective and resilient personality. She attended public schools in Oakland, where she first began to hone her performance skills. Before pursuing comedy full-time, she worked various jobs, including at the United States Postal Service, experiences that would later provide rich material for her stand-up routines.

Career

Luenell began her comedy career in the late 1980s, performing in clubs across the San Francisco Bay Area and on the famed Chitlin' Circuit. She gained a loyal following with her raw, honest humor about life, relationships, and social observations. Her big break came in 2006 with a memorable supporting role in Larry Charles's controversial hit film Borat, starring Sacha Baron Cohen. This led to numerous television opportunities, including recurring roles on BET's Real Husbands of Hollywood and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Eric Andre Show, and Wild 'N Out. In film, she has appeared in successful projects like Think Like a Man, its sequel Think Like a Man Too, and the animated franchise Hotel Transylvania, providing the voice for Wanda Sykes's character's wife. She released her first stand-up special, Luenell: She Got Balls, in 2023 on YouTube.

Personal life

Luenell has been married twice and is the mother of one daughter. She is known for being fiercely private about certain aspects of her family life while openly discussing broader personal experiences in her comedy. A longtime resident of Los Angeles, California, she is an active supporter of various charitable causes. She has spoken candidly about the challenges of being a woman in the male-dominated world of stand-up comedy and has mentored younger comedians coming up in the industry.

Filmography

A selected list of Luenell's acting credits includes: * Borat (2006) as a Prostitute * Think Like a Man (2012) as Lydia * Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015) as Wanda (voice) * A Star Is Born (2018) as a Bartender * The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019) as a Neighbor On television, she has had recurring roles on Real Husbands of Hollywood and made guest appearances on series such as The Middle, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The Boondocks.

Discography

While primarily known for comedy and acting, Luenell has ventured into music. Her musical output includes featured appearances on tracks and the release of comedy songs that blend humor with musical styles. She performed the song "I'm a G" for the soundtrack of the film Think Like a Man. Her forays into music often extend the bold persona she has cultivated in her stand-up and film work.

Awards and nominations

Throughout her career, Luenell has been recognized for her contributions to comedy and entertainment. She received a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on Real Husbands of Hollywood. Her performance in Borat was part of the ensemble that won the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss, albeit in a satirical context. She is frequently celebrated at comedy festivals and has been honored with awards from organizations within the Black Entertainment Television community for her pioneering presence.

Category:American comedians Category:American actresses Category:1959 births Category:Living people