Tracee Ellis Ross has questioned whether racism was behind Jay Leno's failure to invite her on The Tonight Show when Girlfriends was at the height of its success - 17-Aug-2026 - NZ Entertainment news

The 53-year-old actress, who played lawyer Joan Clayton throughout the eight-season run of Girlfriends, discussed the lack of mainstream recognition afforded to the hit sitcom during an appearance on Trevor Noah's What Now? podcast while recalling her confusion when stars of less-watched television shows were welcomed on to the late-night programme.