Zainab Johnson
Biography
Zainab Johnson is an American stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and podcaster known for her work in television and comedy. She is best known for playing Aleesha in the science-fiction comedy series Upload (2020–2025).
Early Life and Education
Johnson was born on March 22 in Harlem, New York City. She grew up in a large family and later earned a degree in Education and Mathematics. She initially worked as a teacher before deciding to pursue comedy and entertainment professionally.
Career
Johnson began performing improv and sketch comedy before moving into stand-up. In 2013, she won the inaugural Comedy Wings competition at the American Black Film Festival. She later competed on Last Comic Standing in 2014 and performed at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, where she was recognized as a New Face of Comedy. In 2019, she was named one of Variety's 10 Comics to Watch.
Her television career includes appearances in Private Practice, All Def Comedy, American Koko, Avant-Guardians, and History of Swear Words. She also co-hosted the Netflix series 100 Humans in 2020.
Upload
Johnson gained wider recognition as Aleesha in Upload, created by Greg Daniels. Aleesha works in the digital afterlife and becomes closely connected to Nathan Brown and the other characters living in the virtual world. Johnson remained part of the series throughout its four-season run from 2020 to 2025.
Comedy
Johnson's comedy draws heavily from her personal experiences and observations. Her first hour-long comedy special, Hijabs Off, was released in 2023. She has also performed on programs including Late Night with Seth Meyers, Comic View, Gotham Comedy Live, and The Stand-Up Show with Katherine Ryan.
Selected Credits
- Private Practice – Actress
- All Def Comedy – Comedian
- Last Comic Standing – Contestant
- Avant-Guardians – Dr. Hanniel
- 100 Humans (2020) – Co-host
- History of Swear Words (2021) – Comedian
- Launchpad (2021) – Nurse Sherri
- Ramy (2022) – Amira
- Hijabs Off (2023) – Comedian, Executive Producer
- Upload (2020–2025) – Aleesha
Zainab Johnson has built a diverse career combining stand-up comedy, acting, writing, and television hosting, with Upload serving as her most prominent scripted television role.
