Kenan Thompson Discusses Financial Realities on SNL

In a candid conversation with Variety, Kenan Thompson shared his insights on the financial realities faced by new cast members on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). During a gala at the American Museum of Natural History, Thompson underscored the necessity for newcomers to "pay [their] dues" when it comes to starting salaries on the iconic NBC sketch comedy show.

“It’s pretty notorious that it’s more so about having the job than getting paid for the job,” Thompson remarked, emphasizing that the experience gained from being part of SNL often outweighs the paycheck. Although he refrained from disclosing specific figures, his comments resonate with the experiences of numerous cast members before him.

Pete Davidson's Pay Disclosures

The discussion was sparked by comments from former SNL star Pete Davidson, who recently revealed in a video interview with New York Magazine that the starting salary for fresh faces on the show hovers around $3,000 per episode. “Do you guys know what they pay us? It’s like three grand an episode. I think I got dinner,” Davidson quipped, highlighting the modest earnings during his eight-season run from 2014 to 2022.

Jason Sudeikis' Perspective

Jason Sudeikis echoed Davidson's experience, revealing that the pay scale makes it difficult to afford significant purchases while working on the show. This reality check illustrates the often-overlooked economics of early careers in comedy and entertainment.

Gala Highlights and Attendance

Thompson was attending the gala alongside several notable current SNL cast members, including Bowen Yang, Colin Jost, Chloe Fineman, Sarah Sherman, Heidi Gardner, and Marcello Hernandez. Major celebrities such as Paul Mescal, who is set to host SNL soon, and legends like Lorne Michaels and Scarlett Johansson were also present.

The highlight of the gala included a seated dinner in the museum's enchanting "Whale Room," under the gaze of a massive blue whale model. The evening was hosted by Colin Jost, with opening remarks from Senator Chuck Schumer, who passionately advocated for making museums in New York City accessible to everyone.

A Successful Fundraising Auction

During the evening, attendees participated in a lively auction that raised over $2.5 million for educational programs and scientific research, with items including personal astronomy lessons and coveted tickets to an SNL show and after-party, which fetched $100,000.

Musical Entertainment by Arcade Fire

Musical entertainment was provided by the acclaimed band Arcade Fire, who energized the crowd with their hits, prompting joyous dancing among celebrities and cast members alike.

A Reminder of Dedication in Entertainment

As fans wait to see how upcoming episodes of SNL will unfold, the financial realities and experiences shared by cast members serve as a reminder of the dedication and passion required to thrive in the entertainment industry.