In a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, comedian Jim Gaffigan revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes story about his experience on Saturday Night Live (SNL). According to Gaffigan, his team went to extreme lengths to get him cast as Tim Walz on the sketch comedy show.
Gaffigan, who had never auditioned for SNL before, saw this opportunity as a chance to check off a bucket list item. He acknowledged that SNL is the ultimate graduate school of comedy and a unique television show that has had a significant impact on the comedy business. With its iconic status, SNL is not something one can campaign for; you either get the call or you don’t.
When Tim Walz was chosen as a running mate and Steve Martin declined the role, many names were thrown into the mix. Gaffigan was aware of the limitations and cultural significance of SNL, so he refrained from campaigning for the role. Instead, he waited for updates from his manager, who eventually informed him that they had been telling SNL that Gaffigan had been sending them videos impersonating Tim Walz. However, this was a lie, as Gaffigan hadn’t sent any videos. Nevertheless, SNL expressed interest in seeing those videos.
In an unexpected twist, Gaffigan’s management team decided to create the videos and send them to SNL. Gaffigan found himself in his hotel room, hastily recording different impressions and sending them off. To his surprise, it worked, but not in the way he anticipated. SNL hired Gaffigan’s brother, Mitch, to portray Tim Walz instead.
Despite not getting the role, Gaffigan saw this experience as both absurd and stressful. Not only did he have the opportunity to be on SNL for five weeks, but he was also surrounded by all-stars like Maya Rudolph, Dana Carvey, and Andy Samberg. Gaffigan admitted to feeling nervous about his two lines, emphasizing that saying a single line can be more nerve-wracking than doing a 40-minute stand-up routine.
Gaffigan expressed his fascination with the entire process of SNL, from the buildup to the show, the meetings between dress and air, and the post-show parties. He compared it to being inside Willy Wonka’s factory, noting the extraordinary and somewhat chaotic nature of it all.
Conan O’Brien and Gaffigan also discussed the complexities of sketch selection and the ever-changing order of sketches during the live show. Gaffigan revealed that sketches could be cut even during the middle of the show, leaving writers and performers unsure of which sketches would make it to air.
Ultimately, Gaffigan appreciated the resilience required in the creative process of SNL and praised the show for its impact on the entertainment industry. O’Brien, impressed by Gaffigan’s experience and talent, expressed his belief that Gaffigan would make an excellent host for SNL, suggesting that he should be given the opportunity in the future.
In conclusion, Gaffigan’s anecdote about his SNL experience gives us a glimpse into the excitement, challenges, and unpredictability of working on one of the most iconic sketch comedy shows in television history. His genuine admiration for SNL and his willingness to go along with the unpredictable and sometimes absurd process highlight the unique nature of this cultural phenomenon.
