This Thursdays episode will be her last.
I feel like Im growing up and graduating.
Daily Showhost Trevor Noah was similarly bittersweet about the news.
Ifher podcastis anything to go by, its going to be an exciting show!
Like a lot ofDaily Showtalent, Williams was a relative unknown when she joined the show in January 2012.
We see her as a great voice shes so dynamic and so funny, Alterman tells EW.
And shes kind of grown up there atThe Daily Show.
(Naomi Ekperigin, a writer forBroad CityandDifficult People, is co-producing.)
Still, when she reflected on her time atThe Daily Show, her voice wavered with emotion.
It really is such a warm, wonderful place to be, she said.
Theyre just like a family.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: So, how are you doing today?
JESSICA WILLIAMS:Im good!
Ive been telling my coworkers that Im leaving the show its so bittersweet.
Youre just telling them now?
When did you first start making this decision, and when did you decide to go through with it?
I met with Kent a couple of times a few months ago, and wed just got to talking.
Id already had all these ideas that Ive sort of been kicking around.
So we talked, and then it was like, Oh, yeah, I guess Icoulddo this?
I could write a pilot and shoot a pilot and do all that stuff.
It all started happening very quickly.
How does it feel, to now be leaving?
I feel so many emotions.
I startedThe Daily Showwhen I was 22.
I was going toclass at Long Beach.
So I said, Okay, well hold on, I need to do my finals first.
[Laughs] I picked up everything and moved out of my parents house and into New York City.
I feel like Ive learned a lot about myself on the show.
Do you have a favorite memory from doing the show?
Doing live shows in the studio with Jon [Stewart] were some of my favorite moments.
Sometimes hed laugh, and sometimes hed put his script to his face because something wasreallyfunny.
He wouldnt just do it just because hed do it because he genuinely thought it was funny.
Those are some of my favorite moments that Ill never forget.
Have you had a chance to talk to Jon Stewart since making the decision to leave?
Since making the decision, no.
And I was like, Oh, wow, youve got a beard now.
So since Im retiring frommylate-night job for the time being, Ill grow out a beard.
you’re able to snap me in pictures walking around New York City.
Im going to be, like, a 60-year-old white dude.
How would you describe your legacy on the show?
Oh, gosh, I dont know.
Well, I know a couple of things: Im a black woman.
Of that, Im certain of!
I feel like thats a big part of the work that I got to do on the show.
It was really fun to try and figure that out and basically find my voice.
Your last episode is this Thursday.
Will it also include one final Jessica Williams field piece?
Yeah, my last piece is this Thursday.
Im doing a piece on Bernie Sanders supporters that are going to vote for Trump.
Itll be a nice farewell.
Yes, Im so excited!
I did a movie last year calledPeople Places Thingswith Jemaine Clement and Regina Hall.
It was great, check it out on Netflix.
No braggies, but Im in it!
So I get to play this main character in this independent romantic breakup comedy.
Were going to shoot it in Brooklyn, which Im excited about.
And the TV show youre working on, what can you tell us about that?
that you should always have your shit together.
[Pauses] And shes, like, goofy and silly and funny!
Are there any other projects or ambitions youve been eyeing for the near future?
We just finished season 1 with WNYC Studios, and now were gearing up for season 2.
I also really want to do more standup and get back into doing more shows at Upright Citizens Brigade.
[Laughs] I definitely think that thats in myfutch.
Is it tough to leaveThe Daily Showat a time like this?
Im a little afraid, a little terrified for what is about to happen.
I think itll actually be kind of good for me.
But were in good hands as long as we have Sam and Oliver and Trevor.
I think they got it covered.
Watch an exclusive highlight reel of some of Williams best moments onThe Daily Showabove.
