SNL Stars Reflect on 50 Years of Laughter and Legacy

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Six iconic comedians from “Saturday Night Live” gathered in a Manhattan studio earlier this month to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary. Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, Seth Meyers, Molly Shannon, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang sat down with PEOPLE to reflect on their journeys to Studio 8H, their most memorable moments, and the challenges of leaving the legendary sketch comedy show.

“Saturday Night Live” premiered on NBC in October 1975 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, launching the careers of countless comedians and actors. The show, known for its boundary-pushing humor and live format, has remained a staple of American television for five decades. As part of the anniversary celebrations, NBC is streaming documentaries and specials on Peacock, hosting a live music event at Radio City Music Hall on Feb. 14, and airing a three-hour anniversary special from Studio 8H on Feb. 16.

During the interview, the cast members shared their early inspirations and the impact of SNL on their careers. Bowen Yang recalled his first exposure to the show through Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell, while Leslie Jones cited Gilda Radner and Chevy Chase as her comedic heroes. Kate McKinnon credited Shannon’s characters with shaping her own comedic style, calling them “full wacky, amazing, joyful odd man out.”

The group also discussed the notoriously nerve-wracking audition process. Seth Meyers remembered Leslie Jones’ confident audition, where she boldly told the producers, “Y’all in the back, move to the front. I don’t perform like that.” Molly Shannon shared her persistence after initially being rejected, eventually convincing the show to see her live performance. Yang recalled auditioning in a silver metallic onesie and receiving encouragement from McKinnon, who told him, “You should be so proud of this audition, no matter what happens.”

When asked about memorable hosts, Kenan Thompson praised Melissa McCarthy for her preparedness and creativity, while Shannon highlighted Jim Carrey‘s ability to elevate every sketch. The cast also reflected on the joy of breaking character during live performances. Jones described it as “funny as hell,” while Yang explained that laughter often stems from unexpected moments. Meyers fondly recalled watching Shannon’s Sally O’Malley character during the Betty White episode, calling it one of his favorite moments.

As the conversation turned to the challenges of working on SNL, Yang admitted that it takes years to overcome the fear of being fired. Thompson added that the show’s ever-changing nature means there’s never a truly relaxed moment until after the broadcast ends. Despite the pressure, the cast agreed that their time on SNL was fueled by love for the craft and the unique camaraderie of the show.

“Saturday Night Live” continues to air Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC, bringing laughter and satire to millions of viewers each week.