Tina Fey, the celebrated comedian and writer, has reflected on her transformative years at ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL), a period during which she played a pivotal role in shaping the show. Her tenure from 1997 to 2006 saw her rise to prominence, eventually becoming the first female head writer in the programme’s history. During a recent talk at HISTORYTalks in Philadelphia, Fey shared her nostalgic memories of working alongside iconic cast members such as Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Rachel Dratch.
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In a discussion moderated by Damian Holbrook, a senior writer for TV Guide, Fey reminisced about the impressive talent she collaborated with at SNL. Holbrook pointed out the calibre of cast members from her time, which included names like Will Forte, Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, and Kenan Thompson, who continues to be a part of the show. The conversation turned to Fey’s background, specifically her awareness at the time of the extraordinary talent around her.
Fey expressed her admiration for her colleagues, saying, “Even though we’re all the same age, I worshipped people like Amy and Maya.” She acknowledged that even back then, she recognised their potential to become “some of the greatest” in comedy. Looking back, Fey noted the growing fondness for their era on the show, mentioning a surge of nostalgic TikTok videos celebrating SNL in the 1990s. She agreed with Holbrook’s assessment that it was a distinct “golden era” of the programme.
Beginning her writing career with SNL in 1997, Fey initially focused on behind-the-scenes work. It wasn’t until 1998 that she made her first on-screen appearance as an extra in a sketch. Her breakout moment arrived in 1999 when she was appointed head writer, leading to a new format for the iconic “Weekend Update” segment, which she co-hosted with Jimmy Fallon from 2000 until his departure in 2004. Poehler subsequently took over this role, further solidifying the strong bond between the two women.
Fey revolving storylines and characters became memorable contributors to SNL’s legacy. Two years after her departure, she made a notable return to portray Sarah Palin during the 2008 election campaign, a performance that left a lasting impact on viewers and critics alike. Fey’s professional relationships extended beyond SNL, as she cast her fellow alumni, Meadows and Poehler, in the beloved film “Mean Girls” and collaborated again with others like Maya Rudolph and Seth Meyers in her own acclaimed series, “30 Rock”, which aired from 2006 to 2013.
Despite her admiration for her own cast, Fey acknowledged the influence of earlier SNL line-ups on her career choice. On being asked about when she felt the pull towards comedy, she cited her childhood inspiration from the likes of Jan Hooks and Dana Carvey, explaining how their appearances on the show shaped her aspirations. “Your cast is whoever was on the show when you were about 13 or 14,” she remarked, reminiscing about the ‘dream’ it sparked in her young imagination.
Further showcasing her enduring passion for the show, Fey mentioned her ongoing connection with Poehler. In a recent interview, she revealed that the pair often watch SNL together while on tour, demonstrating their continued loyalty to the programme. “If it’s a Saturday, we go to our room, and we watch SNL from the hotel room,” Fey explained. If separated, they resort to live texting, discussing the sketches as they unfold, akin to sports commentators.
The nostalgia surrounding Fey’s experiences at SNL and the camaraderie she shared with her fellow cast members continue to resonate with fans and newcomers alike. As Fey remarked, the aspect that remains constant is their shared support for the show’s current cast. “The head writer in me is always like, ‘Huh. Interesting. Maybe the game could’ve been clearer,’” she jested, all while cheering on her successors.
With the passage of time, Fey’s contributions to SNL remain influential, not only in shaping the show’s comedic landscape but also in inspiring a new generation of writers and performers. As she reflects on her time there, it becomes clear that Fey’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of SNL, ensuring it remains a vital part of American entertainment culture.