Punkie Johnson

Jessica Williams (born April 29, 1985), known professionally as Punkie Johnson, is an American comedian and actress based in New York City and began her career as a stand-up comedian at The Comedy Store in California. Johnson is best known for being a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live for four seasons, joining its 46th season in 2020 and leaving in 2024 after its 49th season.

Early life 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. 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. 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 + Film Year Title Role Notes 2019 The Lot Punkie Short film 2020 Sixteen Thousand Dollars Jo'Nique Short film 2020 The Adventures of Whit Detective Short film 2023BottomsRhodes + Television Year Title Role Notes 2018 Take My Wife Episode: "Episode 205" 2018 Adam Ruins Everything Ava Episode: "Adam Ruins Guns" 2019 Corporate Taylor the Tattoo Artist Episode: "The Fall" 2019 A Black Lady Sketch Show Dance Biter Episode: "Angela Bassett Is the Baddest Bitch" 2019 Crank Yankers Shasta Episode: "Jimmy Kimmel, Kathy Griffin & Jeff Ross" 2020 Bill Burr Presents: The Ringers Herself 2020 Space Force Staff Sergeant Kiki Rhodes Episode: "Space Flag" 2020–2024 Saturday Night Live Various characters Repertory cast member 2021 Love Life Ida Watkins Supporting role (season 2) 2022 Ghosts Ally 2 episodes 2023 Firebuds Cousin Fanny (voice) Episode: "Annie Spokely/Ingrid on Ice"