For more than 50 years, few figures in comedy have carried as much influence as Lorne Michaels. As the creator and longtime producer of Saturday Night Live, Michaels has built a reputation not just as a television executive but as a mentor whose guidance has helped shape generations of comedians. But that guidance doesn't always come in straightforward terms.
In an interview with Variety, the class of Saturday Night Liv's season 51 newcomers reflected on advice Michaels gave them that didn't necessarily make sense at the time. However, things eventually clicked as they settled into life at Studio 8H.
Cast member Jeremy Culhane joked that Michaels often delivers notes that sound more like cryptic wisdom than conventional feedback. "When Lorne gives notes, he always says something that sounds like Gandalf but sassy," Culhane explained. "'There's a show in there; we just need to find it.' When you parse it out, it's very true. It just needs a little zhuzh."
That combination of mystery and insight has become part of Michaels' legend. Former cast members frequently tell stories about receiving notes that initially seemed vague or puzzling, only to realize later that Michaels was encouraging them to trust the process rather than overthink the work.
Will Forte once said something similar. He shared that it wasn't until his third year on the show that he finally settled down after Michaels told him to "get out of [your] writer brain."
For current featured player Tommy Brennan, one such moment came after his first major sketch success. Following the Nikki Glaser sketch "Karaoke Night," Michaels approached Brennan at the after-party with a simple question.
"Do you feel different now?" he asked. Brennan said he responded by telling Michaels that he felt more confident after the sketch's success. "Yeah, you can stop auditioning soon." Michaels replied.
At first, Brennan wasn't sure what Michaels meant. Looking back now, she sees it as a reminder that he had already earned his place on the show. "I didn't really know what he meant, but now it's like, 'You're on the show. You can stop trying to prove yourself.'"
It's a piece of advice that speaks to one of the biggest challenges facing new SNL cast members. The show's famously competitive environment can leave newcomers feeling as if every sketch and every appearance is another audition. Michaels' message was that confidence can be just as important.
Meanwhile, Kam Patterson shared a more humorous example of Michaels' style. The cast member recalled asking whether he could keep his trademark mustache for a sketch rather than shaving it off. "Well, Flip Wilson shaved his whole body," Michaels replied.
Veteran cast members have heard similar things from Michaels. Kenan Thompson once described the SNL boss as using "Jedi mind tricks. Thompson gave the example of Michaels pulling him aside before a sketch to say "you know, this is should be funny, right?"
For decades, Michaels has occupied a unique role at SNL. He's simultaneously the boss, a producer, talent scout, teacher, and occasionally therapist for young comedians suddenly thrust onto one of television's most high-pressure stages. Many alumni have described his feedback as unconventional, but also remarkably effective. The season 51 rookies can now join that group.
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