Tina Fey, a prominent figure in American comedy, recently reflected on her impactful yet often contentious time on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), where she spent nearly a decade as both a writer and an actress. During a conversation at a HISTORYTalks event in Philadelphia, Fey recounted her experiences on the show and its profound connection to politics, all while acknowledging some of her comic misjudgements.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/tina-fey-042026-3-cef7588ee9cc454ba0b2df9f6bae719f.jpg)
Fey’s career on SNL began in 1997, initially as a writer before she transitioned to a cast member in 2000. One of her most notable contributions to the show includes her Emmy-winning portrayal of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Despite her success, Fey candidly admitted that she occasionally found herself on the “wrong side” of certain jokes, describing some of her past decisions as “pretty dumb.”
The comedian discussed the intricate relationship between SNL and the political landscape, noting how the show’s satire often felt like a direct response to current events. “The longer I was there, I realised that the show’s relationship to current events became a thinner and thinner veil,” noted Fey, who is now 55. She expressed both excitement and trepidation about the notion that her words could reach the ears of influential figures. “It’s a thrilling and almost scary thing — this idea that something you say will be heard by the person in charge,” she remarked.
Fey’s reflections were influenced not just by her professional life, but by her role as a parent. During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show last year, she admitted to feeling regret over various sketches that aired. “So many of the sketches I wrote that I wish had not made it into the show,” she lamented. She explained that her children sometimes stumble upon old SNL sketches on Peacock, prompting Fey to cringe at her past work. “My kids are like, ‘What is this?’ and I fully wrote it, and I’m like, ‘I don’t know. That’s so stupid, right?'” she shared.
Despite acknowledging her past mistakes, Fey has remained a solid contender to succeed Lorne Michaels, SNL’s longstanding creator, when he eventually steps down. Michaels himself has publicly acknowledged Fey’s remarkable talent, stating that she could easily take over his role. “Of course I’ve thought about it,” he remarked in a recent interview. “It could easily be Tina Fey… she’s brilliant and great at everything.”
Fey’s relationship with SNL has been deeply intertwined with her own identity as a comedian, and she reflected on her formative memories of the show. She recalled being captivated by Chevy Chase’s portrayal of President Gerald Ford during her childhood, even if she did not fully grasp the nuances of the comedy at the time. These early experiences highlight the show’s integral role in shaping American comedic culture and its dialogue with politics.
Looking ahead, Fey appears to be at a crossroads, balancing her personal reflections with professional ambitions. While she expressed some dissatisfaction with her previous work, the weight of her experience and talent suggests that she might be well-equipped for the challenges of leading SNL should the opportunity arise. With laughter being both a powerful tool and a potential source of regret, Fey’s journey underscores the complexities of wielding humour in an ever-evolving political landscape.
As Fey continues to navigate her career, she embodies both the exhilaration and anxieties that come with being a prominent voice in entertainment. Her reflections serve to remind us that while comedy can entertain and provoke thought, it also holds the power to influence public discourse in significant ways.
In the end, Fey’s journey through SNL is a testament to the enduring impact of comedy on politics, as well as a reflection of how personal and professional growth often come with their share of challenges.