NEW YORK – A cosmic mix-up linked Sarah Sherman to the late Gilda Radner, cementing her place on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in a truly unexpected way.
Immediate Impact
During a recent appearance on Vulture’s Good One podcast, SNL cast member Sarah Sherman shared a remarkable story of how a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) error connected her to Gilda Radner, one of SNL’s most beloved original cast members. The incident involved Sherman’s residual checks being mistakenly sent to Radner’s estate.
“I got a giant envelope in the mail,” Sherman recalled, “with a handwritten letter that was like, ‘Hey, I’m Gilda Radner’s brother. Weird thing happened where I’ve been receiving all of your residuals checks for the past few months.'” The experience left Sherman overwhelmed and emotional.
Key Details Emerge
Sarah Sherman, known for her surreal comedic style and memorable characters on SNL, felt the incident was a sign from beyond. “I started, like, hysterically sobbing, obviously,” she told podcast host Jesse David Fox. “Because I’m like, ‘Okay, God’s speaking to me right now.’ The fact that my SAG residuals checks had been sent to Gilda Radner’s estate?”
Sherman immediately informed SNL creator Lorne Michaels about the incident. She texted Michaels, expressing her belief that the mix-up was a miraculous sign. Michaels, known for his concise communication, simply replied, “That’s sweet.”
Industry Response
Since joining SNL in its 47th season, Sherman has gained recognition for her offbeat humor and performances. However, she faced criticism in April when The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood criticized a parody sketch featuring Sherman as Wood’s character, Chelsea. Wood described the parody as “mean” and “unfunny” on social media.
“There must be a cleverer, more nuanced and less cheap way to poke fun,” Wood commented. Despite the criticism, Sherman sent flowers to Wood as an apology, emphasizing there was no bad blood between them.
Background Context
Gilda Radner was an iconic figure in comedy, known for her work on SNL from its inception in 1975 until 1980. She was the first person hired for the show’s original cast, the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.” Radner’s memorable characters included Emily Litella, Roseanne Roseannadanna, and Baba Wawa, a parody of Barbara Walters.
After leaving SNL, Radner starred in several films with her husband, Gene Wilder. Tragically, she was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in 1986 and passed away in 1989, having documented her battle in her memoir, “It’s Always Something.”
What Comes Next
The mix-up between Sherman and Radner’s estate serves as a poignant reminder of Radner’s enduring influence on SNL and comedy at large. Sherman’s career continues to flourish on the show, where she remains a standout performer despite occasional controversies.
As Sherman navigates her journey on SNL, the unexpected connection to Radner may well serve as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the legacy she is now a part of.
Watch Sarah Sherman’s appearance on the Good One podcast for more insights into her unique experiences on SNL.