For 50 years, Saturday Night Live has turned performers into some of the biggest names in comedy and entertainment. But not everyone makes the cut, even if they go on to have a successful career in their own right.
Stephen Colbert, Kevin Hart, Jennifer Aniston, and Jim Carrey are just some of the names who auditioned for Saturday Night Live only to not be hired. Recently, a one-time X-Men star revealed he also tried out for the famed sketch show.
Actor James Marsden shared his story of trying out for Saturday Night Live only for it to fail spectacularly. It all started when he and a friend took part in a nationwide talent search for SNL.
"They did a nationwide talent search and a friend of mine in my drama class, or whatever, who I used to do these humorous sketches with, said, ‘Let’s go down and audition for it,'" Marsden said on Live with Kelly and Mark.
“I think they made us do … It wasn’t even something like, ‘Create an interesting character,’ or whatever. It was like, ‘Do whatever silly thing you want to do.’ I don’t know why we chose to do this, but we clucked like chickens and just walked around each other."
Marsden was the first to admit it wasn't the best choice when trying to land on Saturday Night Live. He shared that he enjoys doing impressions and characters. That sounds like it would have been a much better choice than acting like a chicken.
The actor's career began around the early '90s, meaning he likely faced some stiff competition to join Saturday Night Live.
Has James Marsden ever hosted Saturday Night Live?
James Marsden has put together an impressive movie and TV career since his failed Saturday Night Live audition. However, he has yet to get the call to host an episode.
“I did 30 Rock for a bit with Tina Fey, and I said, ‘You know, my dream was always to be on SNL,'” Marsden told Live with Kelly and Mark. “And she goes, ‘Oh, well, you’ll host at some point.’ And I go, ‘No, as a regular. I wanna be the guys!’ She was like, ‘Well, you probably can if you want to.’
Marsden did an excellent job during his run on 30 Rock. He then showed off his comedy and improv chops in Jury Duty. Marsden also went opposite SNL legend Will Ferrell in Anchorman 2.
It doesn't look like Marsden's career is slowing down any time soon. So there's still a chance that Lorne Michaels will call him to host ... as long as he doesn't revive the chicken bit.