David Spade, the former *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) cast member known for his sharp wit and memorable characters,
recently expressed his astonishment at how the show’s current cast members interact with Lorne Michaels, the legendary creator and executive producer of the iconic sketch comedy program.
Spade, who was a part of *SNL* during the 1990s, revealed in a candid interview that he couldn’t believe the level of casual familiarity
that today’s cast members seem to have with Michaels—specifically, the fact that they text him regularly.
Spade’s comments highlight the changing dynamics of *SNL* and the evolving relationship between the cast and the show’s formidable figurehead.
Lorne Michaels is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of television.
Over the course of nearly five decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping *SNL* and launching the careers of countless comedians and performers. Known for his exacting standards and sometimes intimidating presence, Michaels is a figure who commands respect. For generations of *SNL* cast members, interacting with him was often an intimidating experience, with many recounting how the pressure to meet his expectations contributed to the high-stakes atmosphere of the show.
Spade’s remarks reflect a shift in the culture of *SNL* over the years, particularly when it comes to how the cast members relate to Michaels. In his time on the show, Spade recalled a more formal dynamic where cast members were expected to follow a certain level of decorum when dealing with Michaels. “Back when I was on *SNL*, Lorne was someone you were always kind of in awe of,” Spade explained. “You didn’t just casually text him or joke around with him. There was a certain level of respect, and you didn’t cross those boundaries.”
The idea of texting Michaels regularly would have seemed almost unfathomable to Spade and his colleagues during their time on the show. It was an era where Michaels maintained a certain distance from the cast, and communication with him was typically more formal. In fact, many cast members during Spade’s tenure have spoken about the nerve-wracking experience of pitching sketches to Michaels or being summoned to his office for discussions about their performances. The notion of texting him directly was a far cry from the atmosphere of professionalism and pressure that prevailed at the time.
However, Spade noted that today’s *SNL* cast members seem to have a much more relaxed and personal relationship with Michaels. According to him, the younger comedians now casually text with the legendary producer, something that Spade finds hard to wrap his head around. “I can’t believe these guys text with Lorne Michaels. I would never have thought that would happen,” Spade said, expressing his amazement at how the current generation of comedians interacts with the *SNL* boss.
This shift in dynamics may be reflective of broader changes in the entertainment industry, where the lines between performer and producer have become less rigid. In today’s media landscape, many comedians and performers are encouraged to be more open and communicative with those in power. The rise of social media and digital communication has also created an environment where direct and informal communication is more common. The current *SNL* cast, many of whom are younger and have grown up in a world where texting is a daily norm, may find it more natural to communicate with Michaels in this way.
Despite his initial surprise, Spade did acknowledge that this change could be a positive one for the show’s current cast. Having a more approachable relationship with Michaels might help foster creativity and open lines of communication, which are essential for a show like *SNL*. After all, *SNL* is known for its collaborative nature, and having a more personal connection with the show’s creator could make it easier for cast members to pitch ideas, receive feedback, and feel more integrated into the creative process.
The change in the relationship between Michaels and the cast also highlights how *SNL* has evolved over the years. The show, which has been on the air for nearly 50 years, has undergone numerous transformations, from the comedic voices it showcases to the way it operates behind the scenes. The dynamics between the cast and Michaels are just one example of how the show has shifted over time, adapting to new generations of comedians and the changing cultural landscape.
For Spade, however, the idea of texting with Lorne Michaels still feels surreal. “It’s just wild to me,” he admitted. “I can’t imagine doing that back in the day. But I guess that’s how things have changed.”
While the cast’s relaxed relationship with Michaels might be a new phenomenon, it’s clear that *SNL* continues to thrive under his leadership. The show’s ability to adapt and remain relevant over the years speaks to Michaels’ lasting influence on the comedy world. As the current cast navigates the pressures of working on one of television’s most iconic shows, the evolving dynamics between them and Michaels are likely to continue shaping the future of *SNL*. Whether texting or in formal meetings, it’s evident that the bond between the show’s cast and its creator remains as important as ever.
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