As a gamer with a deep appreciation for pop culture history, I can say that Jane Curtin‘s journey with Saturday Night Live is nothing short of captivating. Her initial dismissive attitude towards the audience, labeling them “stupid,” might seem harsh, but it’s understandable given the unique and groundbreaking nature of SNL during its inception. However, as she delved deeper into the production, she began to realize the profound impact her work was having on people, even causing physical reactions among fans passing by 30 Rock.
For almost 50 years now, Saturday Night Live has delighted generations of TV viewers, employing various sketches, comedic actors and memorable musical guests. The long-running NBC series may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it remains an impactful piece of pop culture even today. Why the show has and continues to appeal to so many can certainly vary by person. Interestingly, though, it turns out that when the show first started, OG cast member Jane Curtin had some pointed assumptions about those tuning in. She even went so far as to use the term “stupid” when recalling her sentiments.
Alongside Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and John Belushi, Jane Curtin became an essential piece of TV history when NBC’s Saturday Night Live (then known as Saturday Night) made its debut in October 1975. At that time, Lorne Michaels, the series creator who is still active today, and his team were exploring creative boundaries, and their work resonated with viewers. Curtin herself wasn’t overly concerned about this success at the time, admitting that she had doubts about the intelligence of the audience who watched.
Instead of focusing on the audience much, I used to think rather dismissively that whoever is tuning in must not be very bright. This perspective often caused me stress. To cope, I created a sort of protective barrier around myself, focusing solely on our task within this boundary.
That “stupid” assertion may sound a bit harsh, but it makes sense. For one, the series was somewhat unorthodox at that time, given how zany some of the sketches were, and the politically charged segments were also something of a novelty. Also, based on the Kate & Allie star’s comments, she felt this way because she distanced herself from the public by keeping herself in a figurative “bubble.” She went on to explain to the NYT, though, that she eventually began to see the positive effect she and the cast were having on people:
As you walked past, people seemed to tremble. This wasn’t just an ordinary response; they could sense the electricity in the air from the events unfolding at 30 Rock. It was truly thrilling.
Jane Curtin stayed on Saturday Night Live until 1980 and is still highly respected as one of the original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.” The Emmy-winning actress has reminisced about her time on the show, sharing stories of her interactions with her fellow cast members. For example, she’s spoken about their tendency to party and her issues with John Belushi. Her behind-the-scenes tales from the initial episode are set to be depicted in the upcoming movie Saturday Night, directed by Jason Reitman. In the dramedy, Curtin is played by Kim Matula.
Despite varying motivations behind tuning into late-night television, it’s undeniable that its influence continues to resonate with many viewers. The actress from Coneheads can rightfully feel proud of the impact she and her fellow cast members have had on launching this lasting phenomenon. Moreover, her contributions will undoubtedly persist in public memory for years to come.
To explore Jane Curtin’s work, watch classic Saturday Night Live episodes by subscribing to Peacock. Moreover, don’t forget to tune in for the hosts, musical guests, and other highlights of SNL Season 50 when they air on NBC at 11:30 PM ET during the 2024 TV schedule.
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2024-10-02 05:37