Saturday Night Live,” commonly known as SNL, has been a launching pad for some of the most iconic comedians and entertainers in the world of showbiz. However, not everyone who auditioned for the legendary sketch comedy show made it to the coveted cast. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at 20 famous celebrities who, at one point in their careers, faced the disappointment of being rejected by SNL. Despite their initial setbacks, these individuals have gone on to achieve remarkable success, leaving their own indelible marks on the world of comedy and entertainment.
The List of 20 Famous Celebrities That Were Rejected by SNL
20. Kel Mitchell
Kel Mitchell, best known for his work on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy show “All That” and the sitcom “Kenan & Kel,” did audition for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 2003 alongside former castmate Kenan Thompson. His audition for SNL took place during a period when the show was actively looking for new cast members. Ultimately, despite his audition, Kel Mitchell was not selected to join the cast of SNL.
19. Aubrey Plaza
Aubrey Plaza, known for her roles in “Parks and Recreation” and various comedy films, would audition for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 2008. While Aubrey Plaza’s audition for SNL was rejected, she went on to have a successful career in comedy and acting. Plaza’s deadpan humor and unique comedic style have garnered her a dedicated fan base and made her a recognizable figure in the world of comedy and entertainment.
18. Jennifer Coolidge
Jennifer Coolidge, a talented actress and comedian known for her roles in films like “Legally Blonde” and “American Pie,” auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1995. Unfortunately, Jennifer Coolidge’s audition for SNL did not result in her being cast on the show. However, she still went on to have a successful career in comedy and acting, becoming known for her distinctive comedic style and memorable characters. Her work in various comedy films and television shows has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
17. Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani, a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his work on shows like “Silicon Valley” and the film “The Big Sick,” auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 2012. While Kumail Nanjiani’s audition for SNL did not result in him being cast on the show, he continued to build a successful career, later hosting the show in 2017. His stand-up comedy and work in various film and television projects have earned him a strong following and recognition as a talented and humorous performer in the entertainment industry.
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16. T.J. Miller
T.J. Miller, a comedian and actor known for his roles in “Silicon Valley” and “Deadpool,” auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” in 2008, but his audition for SNL did not lead to a spot in the cast. However, he continued to have a successful career in comedy, stand-up, and acting, with notable roles in both film and television. Miller’s unique and often eccentric comedic style has garnered him a dedicated fan base and recognition in the world of comedy and entertainment.
15. Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling, a talented writer, actress, and comedian known for her roles in “The Office” and “The Mindy Project,” did audition for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) early in her career. While her audition for SNL did not result in her being cast on the show, but she was offered a writing job, which she turned down. However, she went on to have a successful career in comedy and acting, particularly gaining recognition for her writing and acting on “The Office.” Kaling has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her unique comedic voice and contributions to both television and film.
14. Sandra Bernhard
Sandra Bernhard, a stand-up comedian, actress, and singer, auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). In Sandra Bernhard’s case, her audition for SNL was a bit informal, walking into a show producer’s office to perform shtick. Unfortunately it did not lead to a spot in the cast. Nevertheless, she went on to have a successful career in comedy, acting, and music. Known for her unique style and provocative humor, Bernhard has become a well-recognized figure in the entertainment industry.
13. Geena Davis
Geena Davis, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in films like “Thelma & Louise” and “Beetlejuice,” auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1984. Unfortunately, her audition for SNL did not result in her being cast on the show, losing the part to Pamela Stephenson. She would still go on to have a highly successful career in the film industry, winning an Academy Award for her role in “The Accidental Tourist” and receiving acclaim for her work in various movies and television projects.
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12. Kathy Griffin
Kathy Griffin, a well-known stand-up comedian and actress, auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1990, but lost the part to Julia Sweeney. Nevertheless, she went on to have a successful career as a stand-up comedian and television personality. Griffin is known for her sharp and often controversial humor and has built a dedicated fan base over the years. Her contributions to the world of comedy are widely recognized.
11. Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow, best known for her role as Phoebe Buffay on the popular TV series “Friends,” auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1990. In Lisa Kudrow’s case, her audition for SNL did not result in her being cast on the show, but would end up hosting it in 1996. She would go on to have a highly successful career, most notably for her role on “Friends,” one of the most iconic and beloved sitcoms in television history. Her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay earned her critical acclaim and made her a well-recognized figure in the entertainment industry.
10. Andy Kaufman
Andy Kaufman was a unique and eccentric comedian known for his avant-garde and often unconventional approach to comedy. Kaufman would audition for the original “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) cast, but ultimately, he would have an unconventional appearance on the show instead. He performed a bizarre and memorable sketch where he appeared to lip-sync to the “Mighty Mouse” theme song during the show’s first season in 1975. Kaufman’s unique approach to comedy, which often blurred the lines between performance art and humor, left a lasting impact on the entertainment world.
9. Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele, best known for his work as a comedian, actor, and filmmaker, auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) auditioned to play the role of Barack Obama. While Jordan Peele’s audition for SNL did not lead to a spot in the cast (he would lose the spot to Fred Armisen), he went on to have a highly successful career in comedy and entertainment. He is known for his work as one half of the comedy duo Key & Peele, as well as for his successful foray into writing and directing horror films, including “Get Out” and “Us.”
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8. Paul Reubens
Paul Reubens, known for his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1980. In Paul Reubens’s case, he would lose out the part to Gilbert Gottfried. Nevertheless, he went on to achieve fame and recognition for his character Pee-wee Herman and his work on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” Reubens is celebrated for his unique and whimsical comedic style, which has left a lasting impact on popular culture.
7. Donald Glover
Donald Glover, a multi-talented artist known for his work as a comedian, actor, writer, and musician, auditioned for and was rejected by “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) twice. Nevertheless, he went on to have a highly successful career in various creative fields and would host the show in 2018. He became known for his work as a writer on “30 Rock,” his acting roles in “Community” and “Atlanta,” and his musical career as Childish Gambino. Needless to say, Donald has left his mark on a number of industries.
6. Zach Galifianakis
Zach Galifianakis, a comedian and actor known for his distinctive and often absurd comedic style, auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1999. For Zach Galifianakis, his audition did not lead to a spot on the cast. Nevertheless, he went on to have a highly successful career in comedy and acting and would host the show three times. He became known for his stand-up comedy, roles in films like “The Hangover” series, and his talk show “Between Two Ferns.”
5. John Goodman
John Goodman, a renowned actor known for his roles in film and television, including “Roseanne” and “The Big Lebowski,” auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1980, but he was not cast. Goodman would go on to be very successful in acting, hosting the show thirteen times over the course of his career. His work has earned critical acclaim, and he is widely recognized for his versatility as an actor.
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4. Louis C.K.
Louis C.K., a stand-up comedian, actor, and filmmaker, auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1993. Louis C.K.’s audition for SNL did not result in him being cast on the show. However, he would end up hosting the show four times as he went on to have a highly successful career as a stand-up comedian and actor. He also created and starred in his own television series, “Louie.” His contributions to comedy and entertainment have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
3. Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart, a stand-up comedian and actor known for his high-energy comedy and film roles, did audition for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) earlier in his career. In Kevin Hart’s case, his audition for SNL did not lead to a spot in the cast. Kevin would still have a highly successful career in stand-up comedy and acting. He would become one of the most well-known comedians and actors in the industry, hosting the show several times as a result. His contributions to comedy and entertainment have earned him widespread recognition and popularity, despite not becoming an SNL cast member.
2. Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert, a comedian, actor, and television host, auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1992. Unfortunately, his audition for SNL did not result in him being cast on the show. Nevertheless, he went on to have a highly successful career in comedy and television. He became known for his work on “The Daily Show” and later “The Colbert Report,” where he portrayed a satirical conservative pundit character.
1. Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey, a highly successful and iconic comedian and actor, auditioned for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1980. His SNL audition has become somewhat legendary in the world of comedy. Despite his impressive audition, Jim Carrey was not initially cast on SNL. However, he later joined the show as its host. Carrey’s memorable characters and over-the-top humor have made him a beloved figure in the world of comedy and entertainment.
Conclusion
In the unpredictable world of show business, rejection is often just a stepping stone on the path to success. As we’ve seen from these 20 famous celebrities who were once turned down by SNL, not making it onto the iconic show didn’t hinder their careers. In fact, it may have served as a catalyst, pushing them to explore new opportunities and showcase their talents in different ways. Each of these individuals has proven that resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for their craft can lead to remarkable achievements. While SNL may not have been their platform for fame, they’ve undoubtedly left their unique and lasting legacies in the world of comedy and entertainment. So, the next time you face a setback, remember that even the biggest stars often started their journeys with a “No” before they heard that resounding “Yes.”
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