**Sarah Sherman Shares Insights on Costume Mishap at SNL During New York Comic Con**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Sarah-Sherman-1-101326-ee16607138bc4ccfbd3bb87e24d45020.jpg)
Sarah Sherman, a comedian and actress who has been a part of the renowned sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) since 2021, recounted a notable mishap involving a costume change that left her injured. The incident came to light during the NBC 100: Behind the Scenes of SNL Panel held at New York Comic Con on October 11.
Sherman detailed her experience of hastily exiting an “owl costume” for a sketch, which resulted in a few bumps and bruises. “We ripped it off too fast,” she remarked, reflecting on how the rush contributed to her not being prepared for the next segment. She elaborated on the unfortunate outcome, noting that she ended up with “my face just bleeding” due to the hurried outfit change. Sherman added, lightheartedly, that it was merely a “workplace hazard” of performing on SNL.
During the panel, Sherman had the opportunity to share more about her character, Flaco the Owl’s widow. The sketch aired during an episode hosted by Ramy Youssef on March 30, 2024. Flaco was a Eurasian eagle-owl that made headlines in New York City after escaping from the Central Park Zoo when its cage was vandalised. Following its escape, Flaco was seen near Fifth Avenue before eventually returning to Central Park. Tragically, the owl passed away on February 23, 2023, at the age of 13, with reports indicating it was found unresponsive in a courtyard of the Upper West Side.
The panel also featured fellow cast member Kenan Thompson, who chimed in with stories of his own memorable costume experiences on the show. He recounted his “ultimate favorite” outfit during his long career on SNL, nostalgic about portraying Panthro from the animated series “ThunderCats.” Thompson described how the makeup team had done an exceptional job making him resemble the character, especially during an episode hosted by Chadwick Boseman in 2018.
The exchange between Sherman and Thompson entertained the audience at New York Comic Con, showcasing the lighter side of life behind the scenes on a programme that has been a staple of American television for decades. Thompson’s recollections of his time on the show, especially the moments involving legendary figures like Boseman, resonated with those in attendance, illustrating how SNL intertwines comedy with impactful cultural references.
The panel also included Louie Zakarian, head of the makeup department, and makeup artist Jason Milani, both of whom contributed to the lively discussion about the unique challenges of costume and makeup in live television production. Their insights provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the collaboration required to bring beloved characters to life on stage.
In an age where workplace safety is increasingly discussed, Sherman’s anecdote highlighted the physical demands faced by performers in the live entertainment industry. Though delivered in jest, her experience serves as a reminder of the unforeseen challenges that often accompany comedic and theatrical performances.
As SNL continues to captivate audiences with its fast-paced sketches and timely humour, anecdotes like those from Sherman and Thompson shed light on the human side of the production. Viewers are left not only enjoying the show but also understanding the dedication and occasionally perilous effort it takes to create memorable television moments.
With a rich history that includes various iconic characters and performances, SNL remains an integral part of American culture. As Sherman, Thompson, and their colleagues continue to push the creative boundaries of comedy, fans can expect more stories—both humorous and harrowing—from behind the scenes.