Leeper also discussed his upbringing in rural Pennsylvania, where his unique name, Mekki, didn’t quite fit in. He hilariously described how his name bounced off people’s heads and was often mistaken for other names like Michael or Matthew. Growing up in an Amish country made it even more difficult, as he would be teased by kids with names like Ezekiel and Hezekiah.
The conversation then turned towards Leeper’s show St. Denis Medical, which has recently been renewed for a second season. He plays a nurse who is new to the hospital, and interestingly, there are similarities between his character and a previous role he played in a show called “Jury Duty.” Leeper jokingly mentioned that he might be getting typecast as scared and religious characters due to his appearance.
Despite his success on St. Denis Medical, Leeper admitted that he isn’t yet recognized as a famous actor. However, he shared a funny story about being recognized in a hospital while he was being treated for stomach flu. It seems that his comedy show’s setting attracts attention in real-life medical situations, though he jokingly mentioned that it wasn’t ideal to be recognized while “evacuating his bowels.”
The interview took a heartwarming turn when Leeper shared a personal story about his girlfriend’s father, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. He described how even in the midst of a challenging situation, her father continued to joke and maintain his sense of humor. Leeper acknowledged that hospital dramas often capture the intense moments, but his experience taught him that humor plays a significant role in real-life medical scenarios.
To wrap up the segment, Fallon showed a clip from St. Denis Medical, featuring Leeper’s character in a comedic exchange with his boss. Leeper’s performance demonstrated his comedic timing and ability to deliver laughs.
Fans can catch Mekki Leeper on St. Denis Medical, airing on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. on NBC and streaming on Peacock. With his wit and talent, it’s no wonder Leeper is making a splash in the world of comedy and entertainment. Stay tuned for more from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after the break!