Luenell’s Celebrity Sightings In NYC
From Apollo to Harlem, the veteran comic details her city tour with familiar stars in tow.

Image: Instagram
Luenell’s Star-studded Nyc Crawl
Comedian and actress Luenell recently gave fans a peek at her whirlwind weekend in New York City. On Instagram she shared a carousel of candid shots captioned, “People I saw n NYC…..,” tagging everyone from Broadway legend Ben Vereen to pop star Ariana Grande. The post also features familiar faces like @dapperdanharlem, @realsway and @thekikishepard, giving followers a front-row seat to her celebrity-filled city rounds.
Exploring The Big Apple Beyond The Stage
This isn’t Luenell’s first social-media love letter to New York. In an earlier post she wrote about visiting RISENY, a “part museum/part ride” showcase of Big Apple history, even enjoying a Johnny Carson–style talk-show set. That same visit ended with a virtual simulator ride, and she urged followers to “check it out when you go to New York the next time.”
On this latest trip, her tagged snapshots span multiple boroughs. One frame shows Luenell laughing alongside beloved soul singer @collensjr, while another catches her posing with R&B artist @vwalls. A group shot in Harlem includes her good friend and style maven @dapperdanharlem fresh from a Met Gala appearance. Fans will recognize many names—@maxtucci, @rolondawatts and @mikewoodsfox5—each adding their own flair to Luenell’s street-style story.
High Notes At The Apollo
Between celeb meet-ups, Luenell was on performance duty. Back in mid-May she appeared at the world-famous Apollo Theater for an encore of her stand-up. A separate Instagram post read, “I LOVE YOU NEW YORK and Thank You for lovin’ me Back,” tagging @apollotheater and celebrating another sold-out show. That night also brought backstage glimpses: she shared a snap with Jordan “The Stallion” in the Apollo dressing room, teasing fans with the hashtag #LueNatikz.
On her way to Harlem afterward, she marked Malcolm X’s birthday by attending a classic-film screening of Cooley High with @sherrieshepherd and other local hosts. “Pop some popcorn, grab a blanket and lock in,” she advised—adding that she still cries at the movie’s emotional finale.
A Comedic Icon’s Journey
Born Maria Luenell Johnson (b. November 12, 1959), Luenell has built a career as one of America’s most celebrated comic voices. She’s best known for roles in The Parkers and feature films like Peeples, plus her live stand-up specials. Always authentic on stage, she brings the same energy to social media: equal parts humor, style and unapologetic truth.
In New York she balanced museum stops and movie nights with star-studded dinners at famed spots like Delmonico’s. An April post captured her feasting with family and staff, tagging friends and toasting “New York City vibes!” Luenell capped that meal with ginger shots and green juices—proving her appetite for both good food and good company.
Social Media As Sidekick
Throughout her career, Luenell has used digital platforms to extend her live performances. Whether hyping her Hollywood Squares appearance on CBS or documenting a meet-and-greet with @dapperdanharlem, she invites fans along on every laugh and landmark. Her #LueNatikz snippets mix behind-the-scenes footage with candid conversation, making followers feel like part of the show.
Her recent New York posts underscore the city’s pull for entertainers: a melting pot where past and present coalesce. From Apollo’s green room to Harlem’s screening rooms, Luenell runs the gamut—celebrating historic venues, soulful cinema and the bright faces who make each block unique.
Luenell’s latest carousel closes with a group selfie featuring her “Mommie & Daddy” shout-outs: @realsway and @thehappyhourwhb, plus close friend @officialalbsure. It’s a roll call of fellow comics, broadcasters and tastemakers who’ve shared her journey from small clubs to national TV.
Fans writing in the comments brimmed with excitement, praising her for spotlighting local spots and stage legends alike. Many tagged pals they hoped to bump into next. As one follower put it, “You make me want to book my next flight to NYC.”
Luenell’s New York adventure reminds us why the city remains a beacon for artists: a place where every alleyway has its own story, and every encounter can end up on the highlight reel.
Whether she’s onstage at Apollo or grabbing pizza in Midtown, Luenell’s lens captures it all—proving that sometimes the best comedy comes from real-life moments in the city that never sleeps.

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