40+ Secrets We Never Knew About Saturday Night Live

Late-night live sketch show Saturday Night Live has been on the air for over 45 years! Created by Lorne Michaels, the series includes sketches, celebrity hosts, and musical guests. Since SNL first started, it’s had a big group of cast members, some of whom go on to become massive stars. Join us as we take a look behind the scenes and find out secrets about the show, its stars, and what really goes on “Live from New York!”

SNL Gave Carson a Break

Award-winning TV host Johnny Carson was something of an American icon in the 1970s. The World War II vet had a conversational approach with guests, and millions tuned in to watch his show.

Between 1965 and 1975, NBC ran reruns of some of Carson’s greatest interviews on the weekend. The star asked to have the shows pulled and used during the week instead so he could take some time off. And thus, Dick Ebersol started developing something to air on Saturday nights.

Candice Bergen Was the First Female Host

When SNL aired for the first time, it was hosted by comedian George Carlin and named NBC’s Saturday Night. Actress Candice Bergen became the show’s first female host, and also the first host to return.

Other female hosts include actress Drew Barrymore who was also the youngest person to ever host, at just 6 years old. The star has hosted the comedy show six times, making her the female host with the most shows under her belt.

There Have Been Tragic Losses

Sadly, it’s often the case that comedians have a dark side underneath their comic persona. For this reason, and others, there have been many tragic losses amongst the SNL family. Both John Belushi and Chris Farley died of addiction, while Gilda Radner (pictured), Danitra Vance, and Tom Davis all passed away from cancer.

Cast member Charles Rocket died by suicide, and Michael O’Donoghue of a brain hemorrhage at 54. He was the show’s first head writer, and the first person to utter a line on the show.

Victoria Jackson Gave Out Bibles

Actress, comedian, and singer Victoria Jackson was part of the SNL cast between 1986-1992. Unusually for comedy, Jackson is a right-wing conservative Christian, and so she felt she had to reach out to her fellow stars. Jackson left Bible audio cassettes in her cast member’s mail slots.

She commented, “Maybe I’m overcompensating, because everybody here is dying and going to hell, and I’m supposed to tell them about Jesus.” The move did not go down well with the other cast members.