Lorne Michaels, the legendary creator and producer of Saturday Night Live (SNL),
is known for his visionary leadership that has shaped the landscape of American comedy for over five decades. As SNL approaches its monumental 50th anniversary,
a new biography, Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morrison, sheds light on the complexities of Michaels’ personality
and his unorthodox methods of managing the talents that have passed through the iconic sketch comedy show.
While Michaels has largely remained an enigmatic figure,
this biography paints a picture of a relentless comedy genius who is not afraid to manipulate the emotional states of his cast members and writers to get the results he desires.
Despite avoiding direct participation in the recent four-part SNL documentary series, Michaels opened up to Morrison, revealing a more personal side of his leadership style, one that has left both admiration and resentment in its wake.
A Hard-Nosed Approach to Comedy
Michaels is renowned for his intense management style, which can be best described as “Darwinian.” According to Alec Baldwin, who has hosted SNL more than anyone else, Michaels often stands back and lets cast members “cannibalize each other.” His method involves pushing individuals to their limits and keeping them on edge in order to elicit their best performances. Baldwin’s description highlights Michaels’ belief that creating emotional tension within the group can foster creativity and drive.
This manipulation of his team’s emotions is not merely a tactic but a strategic part of Michaels’ philosophy. One of the most striking examples comes from comedian Bob Odenkirk, who recalls the time when he worked alongside Chris Farley. Odenkirk reveals how Michaels would praise Farley when he made mistakes but criticize him harshly when he succeeded. This approach, Odenkirk believes, was meant to keep Farley in a constant state of uncertainty, pushing him to work harder. “Chris was mind-f—ed,” Odenkirk says. “Lorne clearly felt that if you kept people off balance they’d try harder.”
Praise and Positivity in Short Supply
Throughout the years, Michaels has earned a reputation for being notoriously difficult when it comes to offering praise. Kevin Nealon, a former SNL cast member, recalls suggesting to Michaels that he offer some positive reinforcement to Jan Hooks, who was struggling with the recent loss of her mother. Michaels, however, rejected the idea, saying, “You’ll find that it’s never enough.” This stark approach to feedback underscores Michaels’ belief that too much affirmation could be detrimental to his performers.
While Michaels’ leadership may seem harsh, there are instances where his approach softens based on the individual. For example, former SNL cast member Molly Shannon fondly remembers how Michaels would reassure her with a simple glance before she stepped on stage. On the other hand, Bill Hader, who has openly discussed the anxiety he felt while working on SNL, recounts a moment when Michaels snapped at him, urging him to “calm the f— down” and “just have fun.” These contrasting interactions highlight Michaels’ ability to adapt his methods depending on the person, demonstrating a more nuanced side to his otherwise tough demeanor.
Evolution in His Approach
Over the years, Michaels’ leadership style has evolved. In the early days of SNL, he had a more laissez-faire attitude towards the personal lives of his cast members, particularly regarding their drug use. Michaels famously believed that as long as cast members showed up on time and did their jobs, it was none of his business what they did outside of work. However, following the tragic deaths of beloved cast members like Chris Farley and John Belushi, Michaels has come to recognize the flaws in this value system. He has become more aware of the dangers of substance abuse and has adjusted his approach accordingly.
A Shift in Power Dynamics
Recent changes in SNL’s inner workings also reflect how Michaels’ power has shifted in his later years. Dana Carvey and David Spade, both former cast members, were surprised to learn that current cast members like Sarah Sherman would text Michaels directly to discuss sketches. In an era when Michaels’ authority was unquestioned, the idea of a cast member reaching out to him personally seemed unthinkable. This shift marks a significant change in the dynamic between Michaels and his team, showcasing a more accessible and perhaps less intimidating version of the comedy mogul.
As Michaels approaches his 50th year of running Saturday Night Live, it’s clear that his leadership style has played an instrumental role in the success of the show. While his methods may be controversial, there is no denying the profound impact Michaels has had on the world of comedy. His ability to challenge, manipulate, and inspire his team has produced some of the most iconic moments in television history. Despite the criticisms, Michaels’ legacy as the architect of SNL remains untouchable, and his influence continues to be felt across the comedy world.
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