Grace Reiter, a rising star in the comedy world and the latest addition to the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL), is embracing the spirit of Halloween this year through an intriguing collaboration with payment app Venmo. In a recent advertisement, Reiter takes on the whimsical role of a ghost medium, as she assists people in retrieving their debts from those who have seemingly vanished, or “ghosted” them.
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Reflecting on her costume, Reiter remarked, “You put a shawl on me and some layered jewellery and fake nails, yeah, witchy will naturally come out.” The comedic actress described the production’s aesthetic as embodying “seance-y, tarot, witchy vibes,” showcasing a playful side of her personality.
At just 25 years of age, Reiter has already carved out an impressive niche for herself in the entertainment industry. Despite only recently appearing on SNL, she expressed her disbelief at how far she has come. “It felt like a dream. … It feels very surreal,” she commented about her experience on stage. She is still navigating the learning curve of her role within the established ensemble, noting the supportive environment for newcomers: “In your first season, everyone knows you’re just trying to figure it out.”
Known for her inventive comedy style, Reiter attributes much of her growth to her online persona. A viral sensation through her YouTube parody, “The Hunger Games (but better),” released in 2025, she has successfully transitioned from digital creator to television star. “I always knew comedy could be a career for me,” she shares, emphasising the influence of platforms like YouTube, which helped her realise the potential of comedy as a viable profession.
Reiter’s comedic style is described as “very physical,” a quality she feels aligns perfectly with the sketch comedy format of SNL. Her previous experience in performing arts, including an Off-Broadway role in “Ginger Twinsies,” has undoubtedly prepared her for the fast-paced environment of live television. Reiter’s audience has followed her journey closely, and she expressed heartfelt appreciation for her supporters. “I get so many DMs from people saying, ‘I’ve followed you for six years, this is crazy to watch you on SNL,’” she said.
However, whilst Reiter is busy embracing her new role, she is not immune to the frustrations of modern communication etiquette. In her ad with Venmo, she touches upon the frustrations of not being paid back by friends and family. She joked, “I feel like the person who owes me the most money is my sister, but I’m the older sister so it’s kind of my job to just pay.”
When discussing ghosting in the context of financial matters, Reiter found humour in the common excuses her friends use. “The classic response is ‘I didn’t see it!’ even though it is the first thing you see when you open the app,” she quipped. She went on to assert that while romantic ghosting can be painful, financial ghosting is particularly troublesome, adding, “There are a million fish in the sea, but there are only a couple of dollars out there that we need to hold onto.”
As Reiter looks forward to what lies ahead, she playfully considers who from the SNL cast would make an ideal partner in the quest to track down those who owe her money. “Probably Veronika [Slowikowska], because she’s chronically online,” she said, indicating that her colleague’s investigative skills would make her the perfect choice for the job.
Venmo is currently encouraging users to share their ghosting experiences on its Instagram page as part of its Halloween campaign. Those who participate may even have their outstanding payments settled by the app, giving them an opportunity to “put their financial ghosts to rest.” Full details regarding participation and eligibility are expected to be available soon through the official campaign communications.
As Halloween approaches, Grace Reiter’s blend of humour and relatable experiences exemplifies how the world of comedy can intersect with the everyday challenges of modern life. The collaboration with Venmo not only highlights her exciting new journey but also resonates with many who have felt the sting of being ghosted, whether in love or finances.