Amy Poehler recently recounted a humorous incident from her time on Saturday Night Live (SNL), revealing that a guest host fell asleep during a sketch rehearsal. This anecdote emerged during a conversation with fellow SNL alum Kate McKinnon on her podcast, Good Hang. The two comedians laughed as they reminisced about the chaotic and often sleep-deprived environment of the iconic show.
Behind the Scenes of SNL
Poehler, who was a cast member on SNL until 2008, shared her thoughts on the demanding creative process of the show. During their discussion, she asked McKinnon, “Did you ever go on the server and rewatch sketches that bombed?” The pair recalled moments of failure, highlighting how essential it is to remember that not every performance is a success. “We used to sit there together … just to process it and remind ourselves that everybody bombs,” the 54-year-old comedian noted.
McKinnon, who joined the show in 2012, added her own favorite behind-the-scenes memory. She recalled an instance when a cast member simply halted mid-sketch and sat down on stage in a moment of defeat. “That was a fun watch,” she commented, encapsulating the camaraderie that exists among SNL performers, even in less-than-stellar moments.
A Nostalgic Return
Earlier this month, Poehler celebrated a significant milestone by returning as a host for SNL’s 50th anniversary, marking her first time in the role in over a decade. This appearance brought back fond memories of her early days in Studio 8H, where she experienced the exhilarating highs and lows of live television.
Although Poehler and McKinnon never overlapped in their SNL tenures, their collaborations extend beyond the show. The two have worked together on various projects, including during the SNL 50th anniversary celebrations. Their shared experiences highlight the unique bond formed among performers in the high-pressure atmosphere of live sketch comedy.
As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the unpredictable nature of SNL fosters both laughter and lasting friendships. Poehler’s story of the sleeping host serves as a reminder of the show’s demanding environment and the light-hearted moments that arise amidst the chaos.
