For decades, the lore surrounding Saturday Night Live boss Lorne Michaels used to be defined by intimidation. But Chloe Fineman recently learned just how relaxed Michaels has become when she made her official exit call, even if it came at a bad time for the SNL creator.
Speaking to Variety at the premiere of her next project, Apple TV’s The Dink, Fineman revealed she called Michaels to break the news on July 15. "I'll call you back, I'm at the game," Michaels answered according to Fineman. She went on to explain the Saturday Night Live icon was at the England vs. Argentina World Cup game in Atlanta.
Fineman joked that Michaels must have been rooting for England because he's "energentically very British," according to the actress. "He was doing, like, the coolest thing in the world with the coolest people, but we had a lovely talk," she addded.
The departing SNL cast member went on to describe their follow-up conversation as a "really lovely chat." The next day, Fineman confirmed her exit after seven seasons on the sketch show.
Chloe Fineman says Lorne Michaels was at the World Cup when she called to tell him she was leaving #SNL:
— Variety (@Variety) July 21, 2026
“He was like, ‘I’ll call you back. I’m at the soccer game.’ And I was like, ‘The soccer game? I assume you’re rooting for England because you’re energetically very British.’” pic.twitter.com/yXMV0zUP7r
Based on her retelling of the story, Fineman didn't have any nerves about breaking the news to Michaels. And it certainly sounds like the Saturday Night Live producer was receptive to her decision.
Some former cast members have shared stories with much different interactions. Nora Dunn called Michaels a "petty man." Chris Parnell once ignored a note from Michaels that likely led to the actor getting fired.
And in 2025, David Spade expressed shock to hear current cast member Sarah Sherman share she once texted Michaels to ask why her sketch was cut. For Spade, it was surprising to hear that Michaels had a friendly rapport with his performers.
There's no doubt that things have changed behind the scenes at Saturday Night Live. Michaels once discouraged or outright prevented cast members from doing other projects during the season. But in recent years, stars like Pete Davidson and Bowen Yang were given permission to do work while SNL was in-season.
Michaels may still be one of the most powerful people in comedy, but he seems to be loosening his grip. Chloe Fineman's story proves that the Saturday Night Live boss is still influential without being intimidating.
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