Schitt’s Creek and Saturday Night Live’s shared history
By Matt Moore
Former Saturday Night Live cast member Abby Elliott was originally cast as Alexis in Schitt’s Creek
Chris Elliott’s daughter Abby Elliott is a comedy talent in her own right. She developed her skills with The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
Elliott joined Saturday Night Live during season 34. She was added halfway through the year as a replacement for Amy Poehler while out on maternity leave. By season 36, she was promoted to repertory player. Elliott was let go from SNL ahead of season 38.
Post-SNL, Elliott has appeared in a number of sitcoms including main roles in Odd Mom Out and Indebted. She was also the first choice for the role of Alexis Rose on Schitt’s Creek.
Eugene Levy offered Chris Elliott the role of Roland Schitt without needing an audition. Given the family nature of Schitt’s Creek, it’s no surprise that Abby Elliott was original tapped to play Levy’s TV daughter.
Abby Elliott went as far as to play Alexis in the Schitt’s Creek pilot that was sent around to networks to gauge interest in the sitcom. But by the time the show was picked up, Elliott had committed to another project and couldn’t take on the role. Enter Annie Murphy who was offered the part after a successful audition. Murphy went on to win an Emmy for her portrayal of Alexis, forever changing her career.
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Which Schitt’s Creek/Saturday Night Live connection did you find most interesting? Is there one we missed? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.