Sarah Silverman, who spent only one season with Saturday Night Live in 1993, recently shared her candid reflections on the experience during an appearance on the Howard Stern Show. Despite her short tenure, she described her time on SNL as both “magical” and “amazing,” yet coupled with considerable “anxiety” due to the show’s intense environment.
Silverman recalled the overwhelming energy of SNL that could leave cast members feeling “like a piece of shit and terrified.” This feeling, she explained, made it challenging to maintain a sense of calm and balance during her time there. Reflecting on her dismissal from the show, she noted the shock and denial she felt, stating, “I was so new to the industry… I couldn’t believe it” when she learned she was fired.
However, Silverman credits her experience on SNL with helping her land future roles, particularly her appearances on Late Night With Conan O’Brien. She highlighted that O’Brien frequently featured her during his first year of hosting, which became a pivotal moment in her career following her departure from SNL.
As Silverman continues to thrive in her comedy career, her story serves as a reminder of how initial setbacks can lead to new opportunities. Her resilience and ability to adapt have not only contributed to her growth as a performer, but also illustrate the potential for growth that can emerge from difficult experiences in show business.