Javicia Leslie: Everything you need to know about the new Batwoman

Her upbringing

To say that Javicia Leslie has an interesting background and upbringing is an understatement to say the least. Born in Augsburg, Germany in 1987 as a “military brat,” Leslie, her mother and brother moved to California, but because raising two kids by herself became difficult quickly, her mother then took the family over to Maryland.

It was in Maryland where Javicia Leslie found her calling as an actress. In her youth, she was quick to try everything from talent shows to school plays and even some official local productions (some of which she produced herself). She continued her acting pursuits when she attended Hampton University, where she acted in prestigious play productions such as For Colored Girls.

Upon graduating in 2009, she moved to Washington D.C. to work a job helping soldiers who were stop-lossed – which refers to a military soldier’s involuntary extension in active duty – and often worked closely with families of deceased soldiers. In between her regular nine-to-five, Leslie took part in additional plays, commercials, and ran her own talent show. She wanted to get any and every acting job she could get her hands on.

Leslie grinded hard as an actor and now, that grind has paid off.