Sophie CrowellIn a thrilling confession, Martin Short opened up about his time on “Saturday Night Live” during the challenging 1984-85 season. During a lively discussion with Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show,” Short expressed how he grappled with fear every time he took the stage. The atmosphere at “SNL” felt particularly tense as stars like Eddie Murphy were departing, leading to rumors of the show’s potential cancellation.
As part of a notable cast that featured talents like Billy Crystal and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Short recalled how he viewed each episode as a prestigious event rather than a regular gig. He humorously noted that during his contract negotiation with executive producer Dick Ebersol, he cleverly pointed out that he hadn’t yet collected a paycheck. This decision came after he endured a pesky living situation in a cockroach-infested apartment in New York while his family remained in Toronto.
Ebersol, understanding the pressure Short felt, assured him that if he could just make it through until Christmas, he would learn the ropes of the show. Gratefully, Short did stay on, ultimately completing the season until its conclusion in April 1985. This weekend, he returns to “SNL,” although his friend and fellow actor Steve Martin won’t be joining him, as he is busy preparing for the holiday season.
The Untold Struggles of Martin Short: Behind the Scenes at SNL
The Journey Through a Challenging Season
Martin Short, the beloved comedian and actor, recently revealed some eye-opening insights into his experience on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) during the tumultuous 1984-85 season. During an entertaining conversation with Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show,” Short described the intense pressure he felt each time he stepped onto the stage. With iconic performers like Eddie Murphy exiting, there was a palpable sense of uncertainty surrounding the show’s future, which contributed to Short’s anxiety.
A Team of Icons
Short was part of a dream team that included notable talents such as Billy Crystal and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Instead of viewing each week as just another job, Short treated every episode as a prestigious event. This mindset was a testament to the passion and dedication he brought to comedy, as he captured the essence of live performance during a challenging time in the show’s history.
Humorous Negotiations
In a light-hearted exchange, Short recounted his clever negotiation tactics with executive producer Dick Ebersol. He humorously pointed out that he hadn’t received a paycheck yet, a statement that highlighted the hardships he faced, including living in a cockroach-infested apartment in New York while his family resided in Toronto.
The Mentorship of Ebersol
Understanding Short’s precarious situation, Ebersol provided words of wisdom and encouragement. He reassured Short that if he could weather the storm and make it through to Christmas, he would learn to navigate the complex world of SNL. Short’s decision to stick it out proved fruitful, as he successfully completed the season, culminating in April 1985.
Looking Ahead: Short’s Return to SNL
As Short prepares to return to SNL this weekend, it’s noteworthy that his friend Steve Martin will not be accompanying him. Martin is currently engaged with holiday preparations, but the comedic chemistry between the two is always highly anticipated by fans. Short’s return not only brings back nostalgia for long-time viewers but is also a reminder of the resilience and dedication that comedians like him exhibit even in challenging circumstances.
Key Takeaways and Fun Facts
1. Season Breakdown: The 1984-85 season was crucial for SNL, featuring several cast changes and a struggle for viewership stability.
2. Memorable Cast: Besides Short, the lineup included talents who would go on to have significant careers in comedy and entertainment.
3. Negotiation Tactics: Short’s experience highlights the importance of humor and cleverness in negotiations, especially in high-stakes entertainment environments.
4. Live Performance Anxiety: His candidness about stage fright speaks to the universal challenges performers face, no matter their level of success.
Whether you are a fan of Martin Short or just adore the rich history of “Saturday Night Live,” it’s clear that the show has a unique way of melding personal struggles with comedic brilliance. For more updates on comedians and entertainment news, visit NBC.
