Sarah Silverman Reflects on Her Time with SNL
Despite a brief tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL) that lasted just one season, comedian Sarah Silverman has profound memories of the show’s intense atmosphere. In a recent conversation on the Howard Stern Show, Silverman described how the show’s unique energy could lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Joining the sketch-comedy giant in 1993, the two-time Emmy Award winner’s experience was bittersweet. Even though her stint ended with her firing, she recalled the time spent on the show as a “magical” experience that shaped her career. During her appearance, she shared, “SNL is so magical and amazing, but there’s just something about it where they create an energy that makes you feel like a piece of shit and terrified.” Silverman emphasized the difficulty of staying relaxed and centered while navigating the show’s pressures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euEpDciCPOE
Life After SNL
Following her unexpected dismissal, Silverman described the experience as “totally thrown for a loop,” reflecting on her initial denial regarding her departure from the iconic program. However, she soon found new opportunities that would contribute to her success. One pivotal moment came when she was invited to appear on Late Night With Conan O’Brien during its inaugural year with O’Brien at the helm. Silverman stated, “His first year [hosting Late Night] coincided with my first and only year at SNL, and he featured me regularly even after I was fired.”
She strongly believes that her time on SNL prepared her for future roles, branding it as “an incredible kind of boot camp experience.” When asked by Stern whether Lorne Michaels was the one who let her go, she confirmed with a hint of nostalgia, “I guess, yeah.” Reflecting on the moment she received the news, Silverman disclosed the mix of emotions she experienced when her agents called, stating, “You know when they call you together it’s either great news or terrible news… I was in such denial about it — I couldn’t believe it.”
The journey of Silverman’s career, influenced by both triumphs and setbacks, continues to inspire many in the comedy world and beyond.