Chris Parnell Recalls ‘Shock’ of Getting Fired Twice from “SNL”

Chris Parnell, the esteemed comedian best known for his contributions to “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), recently reflected on his two separations from the iconic sketch show during an appearance on the “Mohr Stories” podcast, hosted by fellow SNL alumnus Jay Mohr. At 59 years of age, Parnell recalled the emotional impact of these firings, particularly the first, which occurred in 2001.

Mohr opened the conversation by expressing his admiration for Parnell, labelling him as one of his all-time favourite cast members. In response, Parnell humbly acknowledged Mohr’s compliment. The discussion turned to the subject of Parnell’s dual departures from SNL, with Mohr suggesting that the experience of being dismissed from the show could be described as a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mohr reminisced about the various talented personalities that SNL produced and highlighted how pivotal Parnell was to the ensemble.

For Parnell, the initial firing in 2001 came as a profound shock. He remembered the surprise among his colleagues and the outcry from both the cast and the writers, which gave him a sense of validation. He explained, “It was a big shock, and there was enough of an outcry from the cast and the writers that I felt like, ‘Okay, I’m not the only one who thinks this is crazy.’”

Parnell first joined SNL as a featured player in 1998 and was later promoted to a repertory player. However, a series of budget cuts in the summer of 2001 led to his dismissal alongside another cast member, Jerry Minor. Reflecting on the duration of uncertainty surrounding his job, Parnell described a frustrating back-and-forth process where he was often left waiting for news. “I just kept hearing that Lorne [Michaels] might be bringing me back,” he recounted, before ultimately deciding to relocate back to Los Angeles.

Mohr shared his own experience, noting similar uncertainties while he was on the show. He recalled producers taking weeks to make decisions regarding cast members, leading to speculation about their commitment. These moments of waiting were fraught with uncertainty, as both men reflected on the emotional toll that such experiences can have on performers.

Once the show resumed following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Parnell was eager to return. He expressed sadness at missing the opportunity to perform for host Reese Witherspoon, a moment he had looked forward to. However, by mid-season, Parnell had received the call to rejoin the cast, which he did in March 2002, and he remained with SNL until 2006.

Parnell’s second departure from SNL came with a different emotional weight. He revealed that by the time of his exit, alongside fellow cast members Horatio Sanz and Finesse Mitchell, he felt somewhat prepared for the decision, stating, “I was OK, and I knew that might be coming.”

Following his time on SNL, Parnell was quick to land a recurring role as Dr. Leo Spaceman on Tina Fey’s acclaimed sitcom, “30 Rock,” which debuted in 2006. This series was notable for its close ties to SNL, featuring a cast of former SNL stars, including Rachel Dratch and Tracy Morgan. Parnell thrived in the comedy world post-SNL, notably utilising his distinctive voice for voice acting roles.

In June, Parnell showcased his talents in “Stop! That! Train!” and is set to appear alongside other SNL alumni Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon in a new project titled “The Hawk,” where Ferrell stars as a once-great golfer aiming to reclaim his former glory.

Through both his triumphs and challenges, Chris Parnell has remained a resilient figure in the comedy industry, continually finding ways to engage with audiences and showcase his unique flair. His reflections serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of show business and the persistence required to navigate its ups and downs.