Joyelle Johnson

Joyelle Nicole Johnson is a comedian, writer, actress, and activist known for her stand-up comedy, television writing, and advocacy work. Johnson began performing stand-up in 2006, describing her comedy as autobiographical and often drawing from her own experiences to address topics such as relationships, family, and therapy. She started her career after a friend filmed her interacting with customers at a cocktail lounge, a story she frequently shares on stage. Johnson became a regular performer at the Comedy Cellar.

Johnson made her network television debut on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and has performed on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon." She released her first stand-up special, "Love Joy," on Peacock, with Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers as executive producers. The special was nominated for a Critics Choice Award and was filmed at The Bell House on Johnson's 40th birthday. In addition to her stand-up work, Johnson served as a staff writer for HBO's "Pause with Sam Jay" and contributed punch-up writing for "Broad City" and the animated Comedy Central pilot "Mall Town." Her acting credits include appearances on Apple's "Helpsters," HBO's "Crashing," "Search Party," Showtime's "Flatbush Misdemeanors," and the Netflix series "Survival of the Thickest."

Johnson released her debut stand-up album, "Yell Joy," a compilation of sets performed at The Comedy Cellar and The Village Underground. She has appeared as a panelist on NPR's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!," served as the warm-up comic for Hasan Minhaj's Netflix talk show "Patriot Act," and was the permanent guest host for the SiriusXM radio show "Godfrey Complex." Johnson also made her off-Broadway debut in the 59e59 production of "The Panic of '29." Vulture and NY Magazine recognized her as one of the comedians to watch.

Beyond her work in comedy and television, Johnson is an activist whose advocacy is integrated into her performances. She collaborates with Lizz Winstead on Abortion Access Front, an organization that uses comedy and pop culture to destigmatize abortion and support reproductive rights. Johnson tours with the organization to educate the public and raise funds for clinic workers, and she has hosted the Brigid Alliance gala to help provide travel funding for abortion access. Johnson has spoken publicly about her own experiences to foster openness and reduce stigma around reproductive health. Her career spans stand-up, television, and activism, demonstrating the intersection of comedy and social change.