“Sleep Deprived and Ready: SNL Legends Dish Out Newbie Advice”
Alright folks, get ready for some real talk straight from the comedy trenches! As Saturday Night Live gears up for its 50th season, the show’s notable cast members, including Kenan Thompson, Heidi Gardner, and Michael Longfellow, dropped some sage advice for rookie comedians at the SNL50 anniversary celebration. Spoiler alert: it’s a whirlwind of sleepless nights, nerves, and… gummy candy?!
Strap in for Thompson’s reality check, where he lays it out: “Just be prepared, yo, because it’s a long day and night.” No kidding, Kenan! With Saturdays morphing into almost around-the-clock affairs, juggling shows, sketches, and a caffeine-induced hyperactive state is pretty much par for the course. Michael Longfellow backs him up saying, “You can stay up for two days in a row,” but added that it’s not exactly fun. So how do the SNL legends manage this chaos? Well, Gardner warns newcomers against diving headfirst into a gummy candy addiction, a not-so-hidden secret that’s fueled many late-night laughs backstage. “Celsius and gummy candy—that is what’s running rampant through the halls of SNL.” Talk about a sugar high!
Julia Stiles, who has hosted and returned for a cameo, chimes in that those pre-show jitters, while often seen as a burden, are actually a blessing. “Nerves keep you present,” she asserts, which is true; many performers cite nerves as a common ingredient for staying engaged, especially when the hours stretch late into the night.
Taran Killam reminds us that new cast members shouldn’t take it too personally. “Nothing is precious” is his battle cry—because let’s face it, if you think every sketch is the next big viral moment, you’re in for a rough ride! Meanwhile, James Austin Johnson playfully advised one new star to embrace the spirit of Marcello Hernández, hinting at the importance of individuality—and perhaps the humor in spontaneity.
So, as SNL continues its legendary run this March with fresh sketches, star hosts, and endless laughter, new cast members need to remember: It may be sleep-deprived chaos, but it’s oh-so-worth it for a chance to shine on that illustrious 8H stage. Catch the current season airing Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Variety, CNN Entertainment
