Amy Poehler recently shared a humorous anecdote from her time on Saturday Night Live (SNL), revealing that a guest host once fell asleep during a sketch rehearsal. The revelation came during her conversation with fellow SNL alum Kate McKinnon on her podcast, Good Hang, where the two comedians reminisced about the often chaotic and sleep-deprived environment of the iconic sketch show.
Behind-the-Scenes Laughs and Memorable Moments
While discussing the ups and downs of the relentless creative pace at SNL, Poehler and McKinnon exchanged laughs over their experiences with sketches that did not go as planned. “Did you ever go on the server and rewatch sketches that bombed?” Poehler asked McKinnon. “We used to sit there together,” she continued, recalling how they would watch their failed dress rehearsals to process the moments and remind themselves that “everybody bombs.”
McKinnon chimed in with her own recollection of a particularly memorable incident. She recalled a rehearsal where a cast member simply stopped participating in the sketch and sat down on stage, leading to a humorous moment that both comedians found entertaining in retrospect. “There was one rehearsal where a person — I won’t say who — simply stopped doing the sketch and sat down on the stage. That was a fun watch,” said McKinnon.
Poehler’s own story about the host falling asleep struck a chord with McKinnon, who noted that the late hours of SNL rehearsals often contributed to such occurrences. The two agreed that the demanding schedule could lead to moments of pure exhaustion, making it understandable that someone could doze off during a rehearsal.
A Nostalgic Return to SNL
Earlier this month, Amy Poehler marked a significant milestone by returning to SNL as a host for the first time in over a decade, coinciding with the show’s 50th anniversary. Poehler expressed her nostalgia for her days as a cast member when she stepped back into Studio 8H, the iconic setting where she honed her comedic craft.
Although Poehler and McKinnon were never on the show at the same time—Poehler concluded her tenure in 2008, while McKinnon joined in 2012—they have collaborated on various projects since then, including the SNL 50th anniversary celebration. Their shared experiences and laughter reflect the enduring bond formed through their time at SNL, a testament to the unique and often unpredictable nature of the show.
This lighthearted exchange sheds light on the camaraderie and challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry, reminding audiences that even in the high-pressure environment of live television, moments of humor can emerge.
