Netflix’s Comedy Star Leanne Morgan Reveals She Was Rejected 37 Times Before Her Big Break

Comedian Leanne Morgan, beloved for her Southern charm and brutally funny storytelling, has shocked her fans by revealing just how hard she had to fight to make it onto television. In a candid moment during a recent interview, Morgan confessed that she was rejected no fewer than 37 times before finally being accepted onto a show — a revelation that has stunned audiences and left many in tears of admiration.

Comedian Leanne Morgan is an 'open book' with her new sitcom--except for one thing

The Stunning Confession

Morgan, now a household name in American comedy, made the admission while speaking at a charity event in Nashville. Known for her lighthearted tales about motherhood, aging, and everyday struggles, the comedian stunned the crowd when she turned serious and revealed the pain behind her success.

“People see me now and think it all came easy,” she said, pausing as the audience leaned in. “But before I got a single yes, I heard 37 no’s. Thirty-seven people told me I wasn’t good enough. Thirty-seven times I went home and cried in my car before walking in the door to cook dinner for my kids. And still, I kept going.”

The audience erupted in applause, with some visibly wiping away tears.

Rejection After Rejection

Morgan described the grueling journey: auditions where producers looked at her for seconds before dismissing her, casting calls where she was told she was “too ordinary,” and endless letters of rejection from talent agencies who said her material was “too regional” to work on national television.

“They said a Southern mom couldn’t carry a show,” Morgan recounted. “They said my accent was too strong, my material too simple. What they didn’t realize is that my accent and my material are who I am. That’s what makes me funny. That’s what makes me real.”

For years, Morgan balanced rejection with raising her three children, performing in small clubs and community centers just to keep her dream alive.

The Breakthrough

The turning point finally came when a small cable network took a chance on her, booking her for a short appearance in a late-night comedy showcase. The response was overwhelming. Morgan’s jokes about family life and marriage resonated so strongly that producers couldn’t ignore her any longer.

Within months, she was signed for larger shows, eventually leading to her breakout  Netflix special, which catapulted her into the mainstream spotlight.

“That first yes changed my life,” Morgan said. “But I never forgot the 37 no’s that came before it.”

Fans React

The confession has sent waves across social media, with fans praising Morgan’s resilience and honesty.

One fan wrote on Twitter: “Leanne Morgan just admitted she was rejected 37 times before making it. I’ll never complain about rejection again. What a queen.”

Another added: “She’s living proof that persistence pays off. Thank you, Leanne, for reminding us not to give up.”

Clips of her emotional speech have been shared millions of times, with hashtags like #Leanne37 and #NeverGiveUp trending across platforms.

A Message to Aspiring Performers

Morgan, who built her comedy career later in life compared to many of her peers, used the story as a rallying cry for aspiring performers.

“If I can do it, you can do it,” she told the crowd. “Don’t let rejection define you. Let it sharpen you. Let it make you hungrier. Every no you hear just makes the yes that much sweeter.”

Her words struck a chord far beyond the comedy world, resonating with people in all walks of life — from students applying for college, to job seekers, to anyone battling self-doubt.

The Price of Perseverance

Close friends of Morgan say they always admired her determination, even when she doubted herself.

“Leanne would drive hundreds of miles for a 10-minute set, just to get stage time,” one longtime friend recalled. “She’d bomb sometimes, she’d get ignored, but she never stopped. Most people would have quit after the fifth rejection — she got 37 and still kept going.”

The Human Side of Comedy

Analysts say Morgan’s confession has only deepened her connection with fans. Known for making audiences laugh until they cry, she has now shown the tears behind her own laughter.

“Comedy is born out of pain,” said cultural critic Angela Brooks. “By revealing the struggles behind her success, Leanne reminded us that she’s not just a comedian — she’s a fighter. And that makes her even more relatable.”

Looking Forward

Today, Morgan’s career is stronger than ever. Her tours sell out across the country, her specials stream to millions, and she’s currently developing a scripted series loosely based on her life. Yet she insists she will never forget those years of rejection.

“When I walk onto a stage, I still hear those voices that told me no,” she admitted. “But then I hear the laughter of the audience, and I know I proved them wrong.”

For fans, the confession has become more than just a story — it’s a testament to persistence, resilience, and the power of never giving up.

A Legacy of Inspiration

As the lights dimmed at the Nashville event, Morgan left the audience with one final thought:

“My mother always said, ‘What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.’ I believe that now. Those 37 no’s? They weren’t the end of my story — they were just the beginning.”

The crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation, proving once again that Leanne Morgan’s real magic lies not only in her punchlines, but in her humanity.