In a recent trending video from New York Magazine, Pete Davidson, well-known as an eight-season veteran on Saturday Night Live (SNL), spilled the beans about the modest income he earned during his early days on the comedic show. This fun-filled video clip erupted across various social media platforms, featuring current and past SNL stars sharing their simple yet amusing “splurges” after cashing their first paychecks.
How Much Does SNL Pay?
Amid bursts of laughter, Davidson revealed that the cast members earned a rather modest amount. “Ever wondered what SNL pays?” he mused, “It’s about three grand an episode. Believe me, it basically covered dinner.” His humble confession suggested a rather mundane reality of getting by in the early days in standout sketch comedy.
Jason Sudeikis Nods in Agreement
Adding to Davidson’s revelation, Jason Sudeikis, who enjoyed an extended tenure on SNL from 2005 to 2013, verified his fellow cast member’s sentiments. “Just so you’re aware, the paycheck doesn’t exactly cover big purchases,” he explained. “Renting a place in New York probably stands as my biggest expenditure from my first SNL year.”
What Did SNL Stars Splurge On?
This entertaining video didn’t stop at the surprising salary revelation. It also presented a lineup of other SNL favorites, including Sarah Silverman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Seth Meyers, and Bowen Yang among others. Each shared their personal experiences of their humble spending sprees from their early SNL paychecks.
Louis-Dreyfus, for instance, admitted to her initial “splurge” on a pair of shoes costing $75. These were well beyond her budget, confessing with a chuckle. Similarly, Bowen Yang decided to indulge in some fancy footwear from Saks Fifth Avenue, a luxury he now finds not as cool as it felt back then.
Meanwhile, Cheri Oteri, Seth Meyers, and James Austin Johnson represent those who invested their first SNL salaries in furniture. Cheri Oteri even had a hilarious story about resisting a designer’s suggestion to get rid of an old couch that she’d just purchased: “No way! My couch stays right where it is.”
SNL: A Platform for Stardom Despite Modest Beginnings
SNL has consistently unveiled America’s best comedic talent, despite initial humble paychecks. These shared tales spotlight the show’s modest start-up salaries. Nonetheless, the experience gained from this prominent platform has sparked many successful careers in comedy.
SNL’s Golden Jubilee: 50 Years of Comedy Genius
In celebration of half a century of timeless humor, SNL will host a live primetime special on February 16. Tune in to NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET or catch the streaming on Peacock to witness this iconic event. Magnificent laughter marathons, guaranteed!
Davidson’s revelation about the early earnings from SNL demonstrates that big names in comedy had humble beginnings. Despite the modest earnings, SNL has undeniably shaped countless careers, turning small-scale funnies, into comedy giants. After all, as the adage goes: ‘Success is no accident.’ And these SNL alumni certainly agree. Check the full story Project Casting.