Molly Shannon recently opened up about her long-standing friendship with fellow comedian Will Ferrell during an appearance on *Jimmy Kimmel Live*. The pair first met over three decades ago, well before they made their mark on *Saturday Night Live* (SNL), which they both joined in 1995.
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Shannon, now 61, shared a charming anecdote about their initial encounter while she was employed at a café. A fellow comedian from The Groundlings—a prestigious improv and sketch comedy group in Los Angeles—encouraged Shannon to meet Ferrell. “Molly, I really want you to meet this really funny guy from The Groundlings named Will Ferrell,” the comedian said. Intrigued, Shannon recalled how Ferrell was introduced to her in the restaurant where she worked.
The moment Shannon served Ferrell a scone and a latte made a lasting impression. “We clicked right away,” she reminisced. This initial interaction marked the beginning of a friendship that has endured for 30 years. Both actors eventually found their way to SNL in the same year, which further solidified their connection.
During their time on SNL, Shannon showcased her comedic talent through memorable characters, including Miss Colleen, who co-hosted the beloved “Dog Show” alongside Ferrell. The duo further collaborated on projects such as the 1998 film *A Night at the Roxbury*, based on an iconic SNL sketch, and 1999’s *Superstar*, which featured Shannon in a leading role and Ferrell in a supporting capacity.
In a candid moment, Shannon recounted a curious conversation she had with Ferrell while working on SNL. While she was excited about their new jobs, Ferrell expressed a rather pessimistic view about the show’s future. He forewarned, “I don’t know. Who knows how long this is going to last? I just think actors are eventually going to be replaced by robots.” Shannon found the sentiment rather grim, recalling how she dismissed his claims, only for them to laugh about it years later.
Interestingly, Ferrell had already considered a backup plan for his career. “He said, ‘But you know, it would be fine because I could have a job working as a dog groomer or as a UPS driver or as a coach and still be happy,'” Shannon recounted enthusiastically. Their conversation about the future of acting now appears prescient, with Shannon acknowledging Ferrell’s take on technology and entertainment.
Following their successful run on SNL, where Shannon left in 2001 and Ferrell departed a year later, the duo’s friendship remained strong. Shannon was featured among former SNL stars in an interview with *PEOPLE* in honour of the show’s 50th anniversary, emphasising that the experience was a truly unique chapter in their lives. “We all did this because it’s the greatest job in television,” she said. “Underneath it all is love.”
The impact of SNL on aspiring comedians and actors is evident, with Shannon’s work having inspired others, including Kate McKinnon. McKinnon reminisced about watching SNL as a child and credited Shannon’s characters with igniting her passion for comedy. “Watching Molly’s characters taught me what I wanted to do, which was to be this full wacky, amazing, joyful odd man out,” McKinnon noted, to which Shannon responded with heartfelt appreciation.
Reflecting on her own journey to SNL, Shannon remembered the effort she put into creating a five-minute VHS tape to audition for the show. “I spent all my waitressing money making a five-minute VHS tape. I hired an editor and a guy to shoot it in my little dumpy apartment,” she recalled. Despite initially being overlooked, Shannon’s perseverance paid off when SNL eventually requested another audition five years later, leading her to showcase her talents in front of a live audience.
Both Shannon and Ferrell’s careers continue to flourish long after their SNL days, with their bond remaining a testament to their shared experiences and mutual support in the fast-paced world of comedy. As they celebrate their friendship and contributions to the entertainment industry, their stories serve as an inspiring reminder of the importance of collaboration, resilience, and good humour in both life and work.