Bio

One of the many great things about stand up comedy is the widely varied circumstances that lead people to jump on stage for the first time to tell jokes to entertain. The where, when, and how is often as intriguing as the comedy itself. For many it comes later in life after leading successful careers as teachers, lawyers, or corporate executives. What is more rarely seen is for a mother of three, living in rural Appalachia, who grew up on a farm within a truly extended family to find her way to the stage of stand up. Leanne’s journey into comedy is far from the standard profile but so intertwined into her act and success that it would be hard to imagine her starting any other way.

As a stay at home mother of three, Leanne was looking for a way to get some grown up time without interfering with her children or her husband’s career. She turned to selling jewelry at in home parties. Word of her wonderful sense of humor and intoxicating southern charm spread like wildfire and she was staying booked months in advance. She was so popular that local civic organizations would ask her to host and emcee various events. From here she was asked to entertain several local corporate events and a professional comedy career was born.

A move to Texas with her husband’s career opened many new opportunities for Leanne. While in San Antonio she was asked to appear in the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and appeared on ABC’s The View in a hilarious housewife segment.

Leanne’s style of comedy combines her southern charm and hilarious story telling about her own life into an act that keeps them coming back for more. People are always accusing her of spying on them because she seems to be living the same life that they do. The fact that everyone can relate to her comedy has made her a hit even among the strangest of audiences.

After returning to Knoxville, Leanne appeared as a finalist on Nick at Nite’s Funniest Mom and toured three years with the Southern Fried Chicks. She has appeared in comedy clubs, performing arts centers, and theatres all over the United States. She is currently under contract with Warner Brothers and ABC to develop a sitcom based on her comedy.