Position Held: Writer
Duration on SNL: 1984-1985
The hilarious tale of how Larry David ultimately decided to leave his position as a writer for Saturday Night Live is sure to entertain audiences. His experience showcases not only the challenges of comedy writing but also the emotional rollercoaster that can come with creative rejection. Larry recounted on a 2015 episode of The Howard Stern Show, “My sketches would do very well at the readthrough, and then they would invariably get cut week after week after week.” This pattern was incredibly disheartening for him, especially when he learned that one of his sketches was cut just five minutes before the show was about to go live.
In a moment of frustration, Larry confronted executive producer Dick Ebersol with an exclamation that underscored his discontent: “This f–king show stinks. It stinks! It?s s–t! I?m done! I?m gone! F–k this! I?m out!? It was a pivotal moment that highlighted his passion for comedy and his unwillingness to accept mediocrity in the industry he loved.
As he trudged home through the cold, reality struck him: the gravity of his decision and the financial impact it would have on his life. This introspection led him to rethink his impulsive choice, prompting him to return to SNL the following week as if nothing had ever happened. He humorously reflected, “There?s a writers? meeting every Monday morning, and I walk into the meeting.” The atmosphere was palpable, knowing that his outburst had stirred quite the buzz among his colleagues.
When it was his turn to share his ideas, he casually mentioned, “Well, I?m thinking of doing this circus sketch.” Despite the previous week’s drama, Larry managed to keep his job, though he only remained for about a year. During this brief tenure, he met Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who would later star in his iconic sitcom Seinfeld. This connection would prove to be significant in his career.
Over the years, Larry David has returned to SNL on two occasions as a host and made numerous memorable guest appearances, including a portrayal of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. His journey through comedy is a testament to resilience and the enduring nature of creative expression in the entertainment world.
