Comedian Sarah Silverman recently shared her candid reflections on being let go after just one season on “Saturday Night Live” during her appearance on “The Howard Stern Show.” She recalled the shock and disbelief she felt when she was dismissed from the show in 1993, a loss that left her grappling with feelings of inadequacy.
Despite her brief tenure at the iconic show, Silverman expressed admiration for the “magical” atmosphere at SNL, describing it as a place filled with extraordinary energy that often induces anxiety among its cast members. She humorously noted fellow alum Andy Samberg’s digital short during the “SNL 50” anniversary, which captured the shared sense of anxiety that many feel while working on the show.
Reflecting on her exit, Silverman shared that she was completely caught off guard when she found out about her firing. Her agents delivered the news, leaving her in disbelief, as it had never crossed her mind that such an outcome was possible in her early career. When asked if Lorne Michaels, the show’s longtime producer, was behind the decision, Silverman conceded that she assumed as much, though she noted the abruptness of the news was difficult to process.
Silverman credited Conan O’Brien with playing a significant role in her career recovery, as he was beginning his own journey hosting “Late Night” during the same period. O’Brien consistently featured her on his show even after her departure from SNL, helping her find her footing in the comedy world.
Though her experience at SNL was mixed, Silverman acknowledged that it ultimately paved the way for her successful transition into stand-up comedy. Her journey highlights how initial setbacks can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities and help shape a successful career.
This reflective narrative offers hope to aspiring comedians, emphasizing that sometimes setbacks can lead to new beginnings, and with resilience and support, one can turn a challenging experience into a launching pad for future success.