David Spade Says He Would ‘Actively Admit I Was Jealous’ of “SNL” Costars Who Got More Air Time

David Spade has opened up about the feelings of envy that surfaced during his time on Saturday Night Live (SNL), particularly regarding the success of his fellow cast members. In a recent episode of his podcast “Fly On the Wall,” he shared candid insights on how witnessing the achievements of others, including Adam Sandler, motivated him to enhance his own skills as a comedian.

Reflecting on his experiences, Spade admitted to feeling jealous when some of his co-stars received more airtime than him. “When you go to SNL, and then you’re hearing all these whispers about someone getting more screen time, I would actively admit I was jealous,” he told co-host Dana Carvey. This revelation sheds light on the competitive nature of the long-running sketch show and the pressures its performers experience.

Spade recalled moments when he would openly express his envy to Sandler. “I’d tell Adam, ‘That was funny, I’m so jealous,’” he said. This acknowledgment of his peers’ success, according to Spade, served as a catalyst for his personal growth. It encouraged him to embrace the challenge of improving his own comedic performance rather than succumbing to bitterness.

The comedian underscored that the atmosphere at SNL had more significance for him than merely being a platform for individual achievements. “SNL was more about upping my own game,” he explained, emphasising the importance of self-improvement in a collaborative environment.

In addition to discussing his feelings of jealousy, Spade shared his surprise at how contemporary cast members engage with the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels. He recounted a story involving current cast member Sarah Sherman, who reportedly texted Michaels about a sketch that did not make it to air. “I’m like, ‘You text Lorne?’ That floors me,” Spade remarked, illustrating the generational shift in the dynamics between cast members and the show’s leadership.

Both Spade and Carvey, who co-hosts the podcast, were part of SNL during the early nineties. Spade was a member of the cast from 1990 until 1996, while Carvey contributed from 1986 to 1993. Their shared history on the show provides them with a unique perspective on the evolution of its environment.

Spade’s reflections also highlight the differing challenges faced by comedians today compared to earlier eras. With the introduction of social media, the landscape has changed significantly, and interactions among cast members and creators have become more informal and frequent.

As Spade continues to navigate his career in comedy, he remains grateful for the lessons learned from his time on SNL. His recent comments serve as a reminder of the complexities of working within such an iconic institution, where talent, envy, and personal growth intertwine to shape the experiences of everyone involved.

While the show has experienced many changes over the years, the core of comedy—driven by the desire to improve and connect with audiences—remains a constant. As Spade’s journey demonstrates, recognising the achievements of others can be as much about personal growth as it is about competition, ultimately fostering a spirit of camaraderie within the entertainment industry.