For half a century, “Saturday Night Live” has been an unparalleled launchpad for comedic genius, shaping the landscape of television and comedy itself. It’s the show that has given us legends, creating household names and cementing legacies that span generations. But what if we told you that even this comedic institution, with its knack for spotting talent, has had a few blind spots along the way?
It’s almost impossible to believe, but some of the biggest, most recognizable stars in Hollywood today once stood on that iconic audition stage, hoping for a spot on the cast, only to be turned down. Creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels himself has admitted that it’s not an exact science. “No one gets it all right,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2015, reflecting on the many aspirants who didn’t quite make the cut. Sometimes, the stardom was evident but the fit wasn’t right; other times, the sheer brilliance was simply not recognized in the moment.
So, as “Saturday Night Live” gears up to celebrate its monumental 50-year anniversary, we’re taking a deep dive into the fascinating, sometimes humorous, and often surprising stories of those who auditioned, dreamed, and were ultimately rejected by SNL, only to go on to become massive successes in their own right. Get ready to scroll down and meet the incredible names who made the list – their journeys are a testament to talent finding its way, even if it’s through a different door!
1. **Jim Carrey: The Teenage Phenomenon SNL Passed On**Imagine being an 18-year-old comedic prodigy, stepping onto an audition stage for the most prestigious sketch comedy show in America. That was Jim Carrey in 1980. Long before he was bending reality in “The Mask” or talking out of his backside in “Ace Ventura,” Carrey sought a spot on “Saturday Night Live.” Despite his undeniable talent, the show famously turned him down, a decision that has become a legendary “what if” in comedy history.
Lorne Michaels, recalling the incident, admitted a certain detachment from that specific moment: “I wasn’t at the Jim Carrey audition, but somebody who was there said, ‘I don’t think Lorne would like it,’ and they were probably wrong, but it doesn’t matter.” He then mused, “Or maybe they were right — who knows?” This brief exchange encapsulates the subjective nature of talent assessment and the delicate balance of finding the right fit for the show’s ensemble.
While SNL might have missed out, the world certainly didn’t. Carrey went on to break out on another groundbreaking sketch-comedy show, “In Living Color,” where his unbridled energy and physical comedy found the perfect platform. His career trajectory, from sketch comedy to box office superstardom, stands as a powerful reminder that rejection is often just a detour, not a dead end. SNL’s loss was ultimately the world’s gain, as Carrey carved out a unique and unforgettable path in entertainment.
2. **Jennifer Coolidge: The “White Lotus” Star Who Was “Spared a Bullet”**Before her resurgence as a beloved icon in “The White Lotus,” Jennifer Coolidge was navigating the competitive world of Hollywood auditions, including a memorable tryout for “Saturday Night Live.” In a 2004 interview with Los Angeles Magazine, Coolidge candidly revealed that she auditioned alongside future SNL mainstays like Will Ferrell, Cheri Oteri, and Chris Kattan. The outcome? She was the only one in that formidable group who got turned down.
Coolidge recounted the casting process: “They chose Will and Cheri and not Chris and I, and six months later they called up Chris.” This left her as the sole reject from that particular cohort. While such a rejection might sting many, Coolidge’s perspective on it is refreshingly unique and deeply personal. She didn’t view it as a failure, but rather a protection from a path that might not have suited her.
In a profound reflection, she declared, “I was spared a bullet. I think of all the demons, and playing politics. … I probably would have self-destructed on SNL.” This raw honesty offers a glimpse into the intense pressures and demanding environment of a show like SNL, suggesting that sometimes, the path not taken can be the one that leads to greater personal and professional well-being. Her eventual success is a testament to finding one’s own space to thrive.
3. **Zach Galifianakis: From Failed Audition to SNL Writer and Hollywood Success**Zach Galifianakis, known for his unique brand of absurdist humor and memorable roles in films like “The Hangover,” also has a fascinating SNL audition story. His 1999 tryout didn’t quite land him a spot in the coveted cast. While a snippet of his audition can still be seen by fans today, at the time, it wasn’t enough to convince the producers he was ready for a performing role.
However, the story doesn’t end with a simple rejection. Recognizing his talent and comedic voice, SNL offered Galifianakis a different role that same year: a part-time writer. This shows that even when a performer doesn’t fit the immediate on-screen need, their creative potential can still be valued and utilized within the show’s ecosystem. It was a foot in the door, a chance to learn the ropes behind the scenes.
It would be another decade before Galifianakis truly broke out onscreen, achieving widespread fame with “The Hangover.” His journey highlights a common theme in show business: success often requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to take unconventional paths. His time as a writer undoubtedly honed his comedic sensibilities, preparing him for the stardom that eventually found him, proving that sometimes, you just need a different kind of spotlight.
4. **John Goodman: The 13-Time Host Who Bombed His Own Tryout**John Goodman is a legendary figure in comedy and acting, boasting an impressive 13 times as an “SNL” host, a testament to his versatility and comedic chops. Yet, even this Emmy winner has a humble (and hilarious) origin story involving a failed SNL audition from 1980. The irony is palpable: a future beloved host once couldn’t even get a cast spot.
Recalling his tryout on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” earlier this month, Goodman quipped, “I just knew they’d hire me, just ‘cause I’m a nice guy.” This charmingly naive expectation quickly collided with the harsh reality of the audition room. He continued, admitting, “That’s the worst thing I’ve ever done in front of people in my life. I wrote something about 15 minutes before I went over there, and oh God, it was awful.”
Goodman’s self-deprecating humor about his disastrous audition is endearing, but it also underscores the intense pressure and often unforgiving nature of a live tryout. Even the most seasoned performers can have an off day, or simply not be prepared enough for the unique demands of an SNL audition. Thankfully for us, his initial misstep didn’t deter him from a career that has brought him back to the SNL stage time and again, always to thunderous applause.
5. **Kevin Hart: The Impression That Didn’t Land**Kevin Hart, the comedic powerhouse and “Die Hart” actor, is another massive star who once auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” and didn’t make the cut. During a 2015 appearance on “Conan,” Hart humorously reflected on his failed tryout, stating with characteristic candor, “If you had seen this tape, you would understand why I didn’t get it.”
His specific choice for an impression proved to be a critical miscalculation for the SNL audience. Hart performed an impression of Avery Johnson, a San Antonio Spurs player. While Johnson was a notable figure in the basketball world, he apparently wasn’t a familiar face to Lorne Michaels, a detail Hart would later realize had hindered his audition.
Hart famously revisited this cultural disconnect during his 2013 “SNL” monologue, joking that he “found out that white people didn’t know who Avery Johnson was.” This anecdote perfectly illustrates how deeply specific cultural references, while hilarious to some, can completely miss the mark with a broader audience, especially one as diverse as SNL’s. Despite this initial hurdle, Hart’s undeniable talent found its massive audience, proving that sometimes, you just need to find the right stage for your unique voice.
6. **Mindy Kaling: A Career-Defining Choice Between SNL and “The Office”**Mindy Kaling, celebrated for her writing, acting, and producing prowess on shows like “The Office” and “The Mindy Project,” had a pivotal moment early in her career involving “Saturday Night Live.” She revealed in a 2019 interview with The Daily Beast that she auditioned for SNL midway through the second season of “The Office.” At the time, she had a specific agreement with “Office” producer Greg Daniels: if she was cast as an SNL cast member, he’d let her out of her contract.
The audition led to a fascinating fork in the road. Instead of an offer for a performing role, Kaling learned she was being considered for the SNL writing room. This presented a dilemma, as her agreement with Daniels was clear about a cast member role, not a writing position. “So I went back and talked to Greg about it and he said to me, ‘No, that’s not the deal we made. The deal we made is that if you get cast as a cast member, you can go,'” she recalled.
This distinction ultimately led Kaling to stay with “The Office,” a decision she now views as immensely significant. “And it was really a life-changing thing. I think the course of my career would have gone really differently had I left The Office and done that instead.” Her story highlights how one seemingly small contractual detail or a slight twist in a career path can completely reshape a person’s entire professional trajectory, leading to unexpected, yet equally successful, outcomes.
7. **Lisa Kudrow: The “Friends” Star’s Groundlings Days and Missed SNL Opportunity**Before she became the beloved, quirky Phoebe Buffay on “Friends,” Lisa Kudrow was a prominent figure in the Los Angeles improv troupe The Groundlings, a fertile training ground for many future SNL stars. It was during this time that Lorne Michaels himself visited The Groundlings to scout talent, observing Kudrow, Julia Sweeney, and Kathy Griffin perform. The competition was stiff, and the stakes were incredibly high.
Ultimately, it was Julia Sweeney who landed the coveted SNL job, joining the cast in 1990. Kudrow, reflecting on this period, offered insight into why her particular style might not have resonated with SNL’s immediate needs: “The thing about the characters that I did at The Groundlings is, they weren’t the big crowd-pleasers,” she explained to the Television Academy in 2014.
This self-awareness points to the delicate balance between unique comedic voice and broad appeal required for a show like SNL. While Kudrow’s characters might not have been “big crowd-pleasers” in that specific context, her distinct comedic timing and character work eventually found their perfect home and massive audience on “Friends.” Her journey is a reminder that there are many avenues to stardom, and sometimes, the right role and show are just waiting for you, even if it’s not the one you originally auditioned for.
8. **Kel Mitchell: The “What the Heck Is Going On?” Audition**Remember Kel Mitchell, the beloved star from “Kenan & Kel”? Well, even this comedic gem once stood on the “Saturday Night Live” audition stage, back in 2003, hoping to land a spot. It’s almost mind-boggling to think that someone so clearly hilarious could be turned down by the very show that launched so many of his peers, but that’s exactly what happened during his tryout.
During his audition, Mitchell brought out some truly unique impressions that definitely left an impression, albeit a mixed one! He famously did a DMX in “Toy Story” and even a tree-allergic Michael Jackson. Can you even imagine? He recalled the room’s reaction to Yahoo! in 2018, noting, “There was some laughter, there was some ‘What the heck is going on?’” It sounds like a moment that was both brilliantly absurd and perhaps a little too out-of-the-box for the SNL panel at the time.
While the producers might have been scratching their heads, Mitchell himself took the rejection in stride. He mused, “I think they were looking for a certain thing. … I have no remorse about it.” This perspective is truly inspiring, showing that not every opportunity is the right fit, and sometimes, a “no” just means your unique talent is meant for a different stage. And boy, did Kel Mitchell find his stages!
9. **Amber Ruffin: The Confident Comedian Who Learned a Humbling Lesson**When you’ve been professionally writing sketch and performing for a decade, it’s natural to feel confident about your chances, especially when auditioning for “Saturday Night Live.” That’s exactly how Amber Ruffin, now the host of “The Amber Ruffin Show,” felt in 2013. She was one of nearly a dozen talented Black women, including Nicole Byer and Tiffany Haddish, who auditioned at a special Los Angeles showcase that year, aiming for an SNL spot.
Ruffin’s confidence was through the roof. “I thought, ‘For sure, I got this job. I’ve been professionally writing sketch and performing for 10 years. I have it,’” she confidently recalled on Hot 97 last year. It’s a relatable feeling for anyone who’s ever felt perfectly prepared for a big moment, only to have it not quite pan out as expected.
But as fate would have it, things didn’t go as planned for Ruffin that day. With her signature humor, she quipped about her younger, cockier self: “Boy oh boy, you cocky little turd, that is exactly what you get!” It’s a hilarious, self-aware jab that perfectly encapsulates the unpredictable nature of show business and the importance of staying grounded, no matter how talented you are.
Her journey is a testament to perseverance and self-belief. Despite that initial SNL rejection, Ruffin went on to carve out an incredibly successful career, eventually landing her own late-night show. It just goes to show that talent always finds its way, even if the path isn’t a direct one through Studio 8H.
10. **Donald Glover: The SNL Rejection That Was a “Blessing” in Disguise**Imagine being turned down by “Saturday Night Live” not once, but twice, in the early 2010s. For most aspiring comedians, that would be a crushing blow. But for Donald Glover, a multi-hyphenate superstar who would go on to host SNL in 2018, these rejections were actually a crucial turning point. He looks back at those moments with an incredible sense of clarity and gratitude.
Glover opened up to GQ in 2023, offering a deeply personal reflection on his SNL journey. He starkly stated, “Me being on SNL would’ve killed me.” This isn’t just hyperbole; it speaks volumes about the intense environment and demands of the show, suggesting it might not have been the right fit for his unique creative spirit and career aspirations at that time.
He continued, driving home the point: “If I got on SNL, my career wouldn’t have happened.” This profound statement highlights how these rejections, rather than being setbacks, truly redirected his path, allowing him to explore different artistic avenues and develop the diverse career he has today. His presence as a co-star with Chevy Chase in “Community” further hints at his multifaceted talent even early on.
The full-circle moment of him hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 2018, and playfully reminding viewers of his past rejections during his monologue, only cemented his legendary status. It was a triumphant return, proving that sometimes the best thing that can happen to you is being told “no,” especially when it leads to an even more incredible “yes” on your own terms.
11. **John Mulaney: From Aspiring Cast Member to Beloved Writer**John Mulaney, whose sharp wit and distinctive comedic voice have made him a household name, also has a fascinating “Saturday Night Live” origin story that began with an audition for a cast member spot in 2008. While his on-screen presence is undeniable, his initial bid for a performer role didn’t quite hit the mark.
However, the SNL team clearly recognized his incredible talent and comedic potential. Just a few days after his audition, he received a life-changing call from Seth Meyers. As Mulaney recounted, Meyers offered him a writing job on the show. It was a pivotal moment, offering a foot in the door to the legendary institution, just in a different capacity than he initially sought.
Meyers made sure to clarify, “I want it to be clear, this is not the cast.” And Mulaney’s humble, self-aware response was classic: “I want to be clear, I would never think I would be in the cast.” This exchange perfectly captures his grounded approach, even as he was stepping into one of comedy’s most coveted writing rooms. It shows a profound understanding of his own strengths and where he could best contribute.
His tenure as a writer for SNL became legendary, crafting some of the show’s most memorable sketches. Mulaney’s journey is a fantastic example of how finding the right role within a creative environment, even if it’s not the one you originally aimed for, can lead to immense success and a brilliant career. It just goes to show, sometimes the best path isn’t on stage, but behind the scenes.
12. **Tiffany Haddish: The Audition That Spawned a Prophetic Promise**When Tiffany Haddish auditions, she doesn’t just audition; she owns the room! Her “Saturday Night Live” tryout was no exception, a performance that left a lasting impression on everyone, including fellow comedian Ali Wong. Wong vividly recalled the buzz around Haddish’s audition at the 2019 premiere of “Tuca & Bertie,” saying, “Everyone around town said she killed it.”
Haddish herself knew she had nailed it, which made the subsequent rejection all the more impactful. As Wong remembered, “She knew she killed it. And she was like, ‘If they don’t give it to me, it’s f**ked up.’” But Haddish, with her characteristic fire and unwavering confidence, took it a step further, jumping in to add her own memorable declaration: “No, I said, ‘If they don’t give it to me, f**k them.’ Yep. I said, ‘Next time I’ll be hosting and that’s that.’”
Talk about a power move! This isn’t just a comedian getting rejected; it’s a star in the making predicting her triumphant return. It’s a testament to her undeniable self-belief and resilience, proving that a single “no” can never truly diminish true talent or ambition. Her story also subtly speaks to the broader context of the 2013 Los Angeles showcase, where many talented Black women, including Haddish, auditioned.
True to her word, Tiffany Haddish did indeed return to host “Saturday Night Live,” delivering a critically acclaimed monologue and sketches. Her journey from rejection to prophecy fulfilled is nothing short of inspiring, solidifying her status as a comedic force who always finds her way to the spotlight, on her own powerful terms.
13. **Tim Bagley: The Groundlings Star Denied an Audition Due to Identity**Not every star on this list simply failed an audition; some, like Tim Bagley, allegedly never even got the chance. The veteran comedic actor, known for his guest appearances on shows like “Will & Grace” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” claims his dream of joining “Saturday Night Live” was “crushed early on” because he was openly gay during his time at The Groundlings in 1989.
Bagley didn’t mince words during a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s “The Julia Cunningham Show.” He alleged that “people knew that they would not hire openly gay people,” directly pointing to SNL boss Lorne Michaels and late manager Bernie Brillstein. He continued, claiming they “had kind of a thing where they did not hire gay people, so I never got to audition.” This sheds light on a stark reality for LGBTQ+ performers in that era.
He poignantly recalled, “All my friends did, and I was always kind of a standout at the Groundlings, but I was out.” Bagley emphasized the difficulty of that time: “That [was] the problem with being out back then was there were no guardrails. I mean, if somebody didn’t want to have you on their show, they just [didn’t have to].” His story powerfully illustrates the systemic barriers faced by openly queer talent in the entertainment industry decades ago.
While Bagley’s experience highlights a difficult past, he also acknowledged SNL’s significant strides in LGBTQ+ representation over the years. He noted the prominence of cast members like Kate McKinnon and Bowen Yang, though he clarified that Terry Sweeney, hired in 1985, was actually the show’s first openly gay cast member. It’s a testament to a gradual, but important, shift in the landscape of comedy.
14. **James Adomian: The Fear of “America’s Dads” and Missed Opportunities**Adding another layer to the discussion of historical hiring practices at “Saturday Night Live” is comedian James Adomian, who also believes his sexuality played a role in his repeated rejections. Adomian, like Tim Bagley, spoke out about the challenges faced by openly gay performers during his multiple auditions for the show in the early 2000s.
Adomian shared his perspective with The Daily Beast in 2018, stating quite frankly, “It certainly didn’t help that I was openly gay.” This sentiment echoes Bagley’s allegations and points to a broader pattern within the show’s casting history, suggesting that talent alone wasn’t always the sole determinant for a coveted spot on the cast during certain periods.
He further elaborated with a famously blunt and humorous observation: “I think that Lorne Michaels is afraid of America’s dads.” This comment, while delivered with comedic flair, offers a pointed critique of what Adomian perceived as a cautious, perhaps even conservative, approach to casting. It implies a concern about mainstream audience reception that might have inadvertently stifled diversity.
Together, the accounts of Adomian and Bagley underscore a significant chapter in SNL’s past, revealing the silent barriers that talented individuals faced due to their identity. While the show has undoubtedly evolved, these stories serve as powerful reminders of the personal costs of historical biases and the ongoing journey towards truly inclusive representation in comedy.
And there you have it – a fascinating, sometimes wild, and always inspiring look at the incredible stars who, for one reason or another, didn’t quite make the “Saturday Night Live” cut. From legendary comedic actors bombing their auditions to groundbreaking talents making career-defining choices, and even facing systemic barriers, each story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of show business. It proves that rejection from one iconic stage can often be the catalyst for finding an even bigger, brighter spotlight all your own. As “Saturday Night Live” celebrates its remarkable 50-year legacy, these tales remind us that while the show is a launchpad, true comedic brilliance and star power will always find a way to shine, no matter the initial detour.
