As a long-time fan of Saturday Night Live (SNL), I’ve always been captivated by the tales of camaraderie, creativity, and chaos that have unfolded behind the scenes at 30 Rockefeller Center. The latest anecdote involving Seth Meyers and his wall-punching incident is yet another fascinating chapter in the rich tapestry of SNL history.
As a devoted admirer, I’m excitedly looking forward to 2024, which, though not officially marking the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live’s 1975 start, signifies the commencement of Season 50 for this iconic NBC show. The upcoming biopic by Jason Reitman and the array of future SNL hosts and musicians promise a nostalgic peek into the past as we cheerfully usher in the future. There are more than a few instances where the past and present seem to intertwine, creating an atmosphere that’s both familiar and fresh.
Reading a story about Seth Meyers damaging a dressing room wall while on the show brought back memories of another property damage incident at 30 Rock, which I’d recently learned about. Remarkably, Meyers’ tale bears a striking resemblance to an old tale from Saturday Night Live’s past, one involving John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
That Time Seth Meyers Punched A Hole In The Wall At SNL, And Why A Producer Made Him Keep It
Inquire anyone from the SNL cast, and they’ll confirm that it can be a setting where emotions often escalate. This has been the case since the establishment of Lorne Michaels’ groundbreaking counterculture comedy show, and Meyers’ recent interview with The New York Times supports this observation.
It seems that during an upsetting situation, the host of Late Night with Seth Meyers accidentally damaged a wall in a dressing room when one of his sketches was replaced by another sketch on the show’s schedule. In response to this change, Meyers opened the dressing room door forcefully enough to create a hole, which producer Michael Shoemaker requested be left undisturbed after it had been made.
Interestingly, two distinct explanations have been provided for why this hole persists. Although they don’t contradict each other significantly, the discrepancy is intriguing to observe. Let’s first delve into Seth Meyers’ account of the events, where he relayed Shoemaker’s rationale as such:
I want you to see it every day. I want you to remember how small of a thing it was.
Living by that principle is particularly relevant in a cutthroat atmosphere like Saturday Night Live, where everyone’s constantly vying for screen time, be it through performance or writing. The advice from the Late Night with Seth Meyers producer undeniably resonates in such a setting.
Although it may not be the entire truth. You see, this report also included Michael Shoemaker’s account of the sage wisdom. While his version isn’t terribly different, here’s the lesson Shoemaker said he was trying to teach:
Let’s reconsider your actions here. Instead of rushing into mistakes, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself, “What could I have done differently to produce a more favorable outcome?
Regardless of which account of the story resonates with you most, two points stand out: firstly, Michael Shoemaker’s message intended for Seth Meyers is a valuable lesson for us all to heed. Secondly, due to this lesson, the damage that Meyers caused to 30 Rockefeller Center’s property persisted for seven of his thirteen years on Saturday Night Live.
A small part of me questions whether Shoemaker, having been associated with SNL since 1986, derived this lesson from some other significant historical event. This brings us to a narrative centered around a place called “The Cave,” inhabited by the notorious “Bully Boys” of Saturday Night Live – John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
How Seth Meyers’ Story Mirrors A Detail About John Belushi And Dan Aykroyd’s SNL Run
In Jason Reitman’s latest movie, there are numerous memorable scenes, but if you’re looking for a piece of Saturday Night Live history, you might want to read about it in a book instead. In a story from the 1985 book “Saturday Night” by Doug Hill and Jeff Weingrad, it was revealed that the future creators of The Blues Brothers actually shared an office that truly lived up to its imposing name.
Apart from the clutter of soiled garments and assorted study materials, the office shared by Belushi & Aykroyd also had some intriguing gaps in its walls. The purpose behind these openings was uncertain, but as you’ll find out later, they were likely not typical: [implying that the reasons might have been unusual or unconventional]
The small office space number 17, which they both occupied, was famously referred to as “The Cave.” This chaotic haven, the heart of disarray, was a sanctuary for untidiness. Fan-sent soiled underwear, Polaroid snaps of convenience store workers, and assorted peculiar items adorned its walls, riddled with holes of various sizes and messages scribbled in Magic Marker. Above one hole, the phrase “Do not paint over this hole” was inscribed; they claimed to be preserving it as a keepsake.
Dan Aykroyd’s heartfelt recollections depict John Belushi as brothers by choice, sharing a similar mindset. These two men weren’t afraid to challenge observed resistance; Aykroyd was more reserved and subtle in his defiance, while Belushi’s “wild” reputation was well-known. It’s not hard to imagine that Belushi might have occasionally vented his frustrations with the Saturday Night Live company line by punching a few holes in the walls.
If the walls of the 17th floor at NBC Studios could speak, they’d likely be filled with a continuous hubbub. Much of this noise would stem from the hearty laughter brought about by the most hilarious Saturday Night Live sketches featuring top-tier hosts, along with those crafted for the cast members. However, occasionally, it might be the sober reflections shared by Seth Meyers, Dan Aykroyd, and John Belushi – insights gleaned from their time in the comedy frontlines – that would echo the most distinctly.
As a gamer, I appreciate how masterfully crafted narratives weave together humor and emotion, creating an immersive experience that keeps me hooked. And it’s this delicate dance between laughter and tears that makes stories truly remarkable, especially when celebrating the groundbreaking history of Saturday Night Live. Don’t miss out on the fun at 11:35 PM ET, airing on NBC. Or if you’re more of a daytime gamer, you can subscribe to Peacock and enjoy new and classic episodes whenever it suits your schedule.
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2024-10-24 03:07