As a gamer with a deep appreciation for the world of television, I must say that Saturday Night Live has always been a captivating spectacle, a breeding ground for comedic talents and Hollywood stars. The show has undeniably launched countless careers, but it’s important to remember that not every cast member shares the same fate as the Bill Murrays, Eddie Murphys, or Will Ferrells of the world.
Without a doubt, there might not be any TV series as influential on comedy movie careers as Saturday Night Live. This cherished late-night program has undeniably propelled numerous individuals into Hollywood fame or at least a prolonged phase of significant supporting roles. Perhaps it’s the variety skit style that offers ample room for cast members to demonstrate versatility. Maybe it’s the show’s enduring success that persuades casting directors to take a chance on these rising stars. Whatever the reason, it has proven effective for half a century… for some of the cast members.
That’s the thing. Everyone talks about Saturday Night Live churning out the Bill Murrays, Eddie Murphys and Will Ferrell’s, but the show has had more than a hundred and fifty cast members over the years and while most have done other things, the majority have not gotten starring roles in movies or their own TV shows. That can be a tough pill to swallow for those who don’t find Hollywood superstardom. Just ask Seth Meyers.
The late-night television host, who ultimately secured a successful talk show following years of searching, recently visited NPR’s Wild Card for an interview. During the conversation, he candidly discussed his acting career and the disappointments he experienced. While many of his peers found success in roles beyond Saturday Night Live, he consistently lost out on parts, even after numerous auditions. Eventually, he acknowledged that acting wasn’t really his forte. Here’s a snippet from his heartfelt statement…
It’s clear that while working on SNL, I admired many of my peers who were also on the show and had successful acting careers beyond it. I found myself wanting the same thing – to be in movies. Over time, I realized that perhaps this wasn’t my calling, as I excel at different things but acting isn’t one of them. Looking back, I feel I spent a significant amount of time and put myself through unnecessary struggles that could have been avoided if I had only recognized earlier that my ambition for acting might not align with my inherent talent.
As a gamer, I found myself pondering over my strengths and the potential directions they could take me. It’s natural for anyone in any profession to glance at their peers or those who have walked the same path before, envisioning a clear route to success. However, at Saturday Night Live, it’s incredibly challenging not to succumb to this temptation because the walls are adorned with photos of legends in show business who once stood on the very stage I was on.
Allow me to briefly recap some legendary comedic figures who achieved massive fame in Hollywood: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, David Spade, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Jimmy Fallon, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, and Jason Sudeikis. It’s astounding to consider their success, but Meyers advises against fixating on them and assuming that same path is your destiny.
As you stroll along the corridor, you notice photos of past SNL cast members, and you might assume since you both work at the same place, your careers will be similar. However, it’s essential not to confuse being employed by the same company as having identical career paths, like Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell. The SNL family welcomes numerous individuals with diverse abilities, and patience allowed me to discover my niche during my time there.
Discovering where you belong is crucial. Each actor should do this within the show itself, and Meyers managed to find his niche as Weekend Update host and Head Writer. Sometimes it’s about providing a stable presence that can elicit a chuckle or two in supporting roles during others’ sketches. Other times it’s through small segments on Weekend Update, or by starring in the bizarre concept sketches that air late at night. You simply need to persist until you find your spot.
Regardless of what happens after you leave the show, it’s important to remember that there isn’t one set formula for success. Adam Sandler is a notable example of an ex-SNL actor who pursued a career as a movie star, but many other SNL alumni have blazed their own unique paths. For instance, Lorne Michaels himself opted for hosting his own late-night show, much like Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien did. Some former cast members have found fame through stand-up comedy, such as Chris Rock, John Mulaney, and Norm Macdonald. Others have written books or created their own TV shows, or become sought-after voice actors. Essentially, there are numerous paths to stardom following SNL, so it’s crucial to find what works best for you.
You can tune into “Late Night With Seth Meyers” on NBC. Spanning over a dozen seasons, the show has churned out over 1500 episodes. Lately, the host extended his contract to continue hosting until 2028 in the same time slot, a feat he’s jokingly commented on throughout the years. It’s quite an accomplishment considering that he initially found it challenging to secure even minor roles when he was on Saturday Night Live.
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2024-10-27 16:37