‘SNL’ Stars Reveal What They Did With Their First Paychecks
In a recent video, former and current cast members of "Saturday Night Live" shared their memories of receiving their first paycheck from the legendary comedy show, and how they chose to spend it.
Comedian Pete Davidson revealed that he wasn’t quite rolling in dough after scoring his first paycheck:
"Do you guys know what they pay us?” Davidson quipped. "It’s like three grand an episode. I think I got dinner.”
Other alumni shared similar experiences. Jason Sudeikis admitted that his "SNL" paychecks back in 2003, when he worked as a writer first, weren’t huge:
“I mean, you don’t make enough money to make big purchases,” Sudeikis said, “so I think New York rent was probably the biggest purchase I made after writing my first year on ‘SNL.’”
Sudeikis later became a cast member, spending nine seasons on “SNL," from 2005 to 2013.
Many other stars from the landmark series were featured in the video, including James Austin Johnson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sarah Silverman, Sarah Sherman, Cheri Oteri, Bowen Yang, Rachel Dratch, and Seth Meyers
Sleeping Soundly
Some opted for smaller indulgences. Louis-Dreyfus was upfront about her splurge:
“I bought a pair of shoes that were out of my budget,” * she revealed. "I’m going to tell you, they were $75.”
High-Fashion Favorites
Others went with pricier picks. Yang, too, caved to the lure of luxury:
“Going to Saks across the street, buying a pair of Gucci shoes. The kind that everyone got, and the kind I wouldn’t feel super cool wearing out now," Yang admitted during the video.
Home Sweet Home
Not everyone went for fashion. For as many as they could, furniture moved to the forefront. Johnson, Meyers, and Oteri all echoed this sentiment.
Oteri’s story was pure "SNL" humor:
"A couch. I have gotten it reupholstered three or four times,” Oteri said. “I remember a designer coming over in tears, and he goes, ‘OK, those arms are too high. We have to get … We’re going to get rid of that couch.’ I said, ‘Oh no. No, you’re not. Not today, Satan. No, the couch is staying. You’re going.’”
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The video was released to mark “Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary, which the show will celebrate this month. A live primetime special is planned for Feb. 16 on NBC
How do “SNL” salaries compare to other demanding jobs in the entertainment industry?
## “SNL” Stars: Not Rolling in Dough After First Paycheck
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. We’re talking about the surprising truth behind “Saturday Night Live” salaries. A recent video circling online showcases some famous alumni, including Pete Davidson and Jason Sudeikis, sharing their memories of their first paychecks from the iconic comedy show. Joining us today to discuss this is comedy writer and pop culture expert, Sarah Jones. Thanks for being here, Sarah.
**Sarah Jones:** Thanks for having me! It’s always fun to talk about “SNL” and its legacy.
**Interviewer:** So, Sarah, we learned that Pete Davidson joked about getting paid a mere $3,000 per episode. Was this a surprise to you?
**Sarah Jones:** [[1](https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/celebrities/pete-davidson-reveals-how-much-he-made-on-saturday-night-live-and-what-he-bought-with-his-first-paycheck/ar-AA1vhNTR)]I’ll admit, it was a little surprising. We often picture “SNL” stars as swimming in cash, especially someone as popular as Pete Davidson. But considering the demanding schedule and the highly competitive nature of the business, it makes sense.
**Interviewer:** Jason Sudeikis echoed a similar sentiment, suggesting that the early ”SNL” paycheck wasn’t exactly enough for big purchases.
**Sarah Jones:** Right, and he started as a writer, so his pay would likely have been even lower than a performer’s. This speaks to the dedication of these performers. They’re passionate about the craft, even when starting out and facing financial constraints. New York City is notoriously expensive, so even a $3,000 paycheck might barely cover rent.
**Interviewer:** This sheds light on a side of the entertainment industry that’s often overlooked. Thanks for bringing that perspective, Sarah.
**Sarah Jones:** My pleasure! It’s important to remember that even for seemingly glamorous jobs, the journey to success can be challenging.
