Ben Stiller reveals why he quit ‘Saturday Night Live’ after four episodes: “I got nervous”
Ben Stiller has opened up about his short-lived stint on Saturday Night Live in 1989, which lasted only four episodes.
Since its incarnation 50 years ago, Saturday Night Live has acted as a launchpad for careers in the comedy industry. Over the decades, everyone from Chevy Chase to Kate McKinnon has passed through the 30 Rock studios to earn their stripes, and it remains a pivotal stepping stone for future comedic greats.
Stiller first earned the attention of Saturday Night Live in 1987 when he appeared in a pre-taped short film in an episode. Two years later, he joined as a writer but immediately regretted his decision due to the role focussing on live sketches.
In a new appearance on the New York Times’ podcast, Stiller admitted: “I knew that I couldn’t do well there because I wasn’t great at live performing. I got too nervous. I didn’t enjoy it and I wanted to be making short films.”
Additionally, Stiller’s head had been turned by a tantalising offer to make The Ben Stiller Show for MTV, which gave him the creative freedom that he craved.
He continued: “So in the moment, there were reasons, and I had this opportunity to do this MTV show. It had been my dream to be on Saturday Night Live, but looking back on it, I don’t remember exactly how I had the gumption, but for whatever reason, I followed that instinct.”
Despite leaving the show after only four episodes, Stiller later returned to Saturday Night Live in 1998 on hosting duties, which he reprised in 2011.
The latest season of Saturday Night Live is set to resume on January 18th, featuring stand-up comedian Dave Chapelle as host and Glorilla providing music. On January 25th, A Complete Unknown star Timothée Chalamet will host the programme, and also serve as the musical guest, performing songs from his recent Bob Dylan biopic as the legendary singer-songwriter.
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