Ben Marshall, the rising star from ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL), recently opened up about his first year as a featured player on the iconic sketch show, as well as his role in Netflix’s hit comedy, ’72 Hours’, in a candid interview with PEOPLE. Reflecting on his journey, Marshall recalled his early aspirations, noting that while his younger self might have been disappointed he didn’t pursue a career in basketball, he would undoubtedly be thrilled with his accomplishments in comedy.
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At 31 years old, Marshall’s path to stardom began in earnest when he and his friends, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy, created their comedy group, Please Don’t Destroy. The trio first gained fame through amusing sketch videos on social media, with their work resonating widely during the pandemic. This year marked a significant transition as Marshall shifted from writer to featured player on SNL during its 51st season.
Marshall’s latest project, ’72 Hours’, has received substantial acclaim, quickly ascending to the top of Netflix’s most-watched list, boasting over 25 million views. The film revolves around a group of Gen Z friends embarking on a bachelor party adventure that takes an unexpected turn with the intrusion of Kevin Hart’s character. The ensemble cast also includes Mason Gooding and fellow SNL cast members Marcello Hernández and Kam Patterson, making it a noteworthy collaboration for Marshall.
Growing up in Savannah, Georgia, Marshall’s ambition to work in comedy was ignited at a young age, particularly during childhood nights spent renting comedies with his family. His parents’ divorce formed part of his comedic influence, leading him to cherish shared experiences filled with laughter. “My dad was always showing me Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler films,” he reflected, acknowledging how these early memories have paved the way for his career.
On SNL, Marshall has experience thriving in the spotlight, with moments of his sketch performances, particularly his impression of musician Jack Harlow, going viral. The opportunity to work alongside established talents like Hart has been invaluable, according to Marshall. He describes Hart as “a force,” noting his relentless energy and commitment to helping others shine during their time on set. Marshall appreciated working closely with Márcello Hernández, creating new material and bonding over the shared experience of their nascent careers.
Despite his burgeoning fame, Marshall continues to maintain close ties with his Please Don’t Destroy partners. As they embark on a tour that runs through September, their commitment to collaborating remains firm, contrasting their separate paths on SNL. Marshall expressed a heartfelt commitment to their group, stating that they’re actively writing new content, reaffirming their dedication to the comedy they share.
As for his experience on SNL, Marshall described the shift from pre-taped segments to live performances as an exciting challenge. “It was really fun to learn the skill of doing something live,” he shared, revealing his enthusiasm for the immediacy and unpredictability of live television. With SNL’s next season on the horizon, he is gearing up to return to the show with eagerness.
Currently, Marshall is enjoying a brief hiatus before SNL resumes, using this time to recharge. He quipped about trying to reconnect with life outside of work, indulging in basketball, reading, and switching gears by watching true-crime documentaries to help him unwind. “I’ve become pretty lifeless on my Sundays off,” he joked, reflecting on how he utilizes his downtime.
Looking ahead, Marshall is not overly concerned with the trappings of fame, conveying that he remains focused on honing his craft as a writer and actor. As he lands more roles and encounters new experiences, he emphasized his desire to explore various genres, stating, “It’d be fun just to try everything.” With aspirations for the next decade, he light-heartedly mused about a future as an NBA rookie at 41—a testament to his playful spirit and ambition.
Marshall’s ascent in the entertainment industry demonstrates a combination of talent, hard work, and a dedication to nurturing creative partnerships. As his career continues to flourish, audiences will undoubtedly be eager to follow his journey. For now, fans can catch the comedic brilliance of Ben Marshall in ’72 Hours’, streaming on Netflix.