Javicia Leslie was born in Augsburg, Germany. She moved to Maryland at a young age and was raised in Upper Marlboro near Washington, DC. Her first stream of work began as the lead for the television film, Killer Coach. Javicia has continued work ties with series such as MacGyver, Chef Julian, and Prototype. Along with film, television, and commercials, Javicia has performed in many plays. These plays include August Wilson's Seven Guitars, Ntozake Shange's For Colored Girls, and Bob Fosse's Chicago. Javicia Leslie is also trained in dance, track, and swimming.