How comedy friends and a scathing sketch brought chris Parnell back to SNL
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Unexpected Pink Slip
For Chris Parnell, getting axed from Saturday Night Live wasn’t remotely funny.
During a candid chat on The Patrick LabyorSheaux podcast, the comedy veteran spilled the beans about his brief, puzzling dismissal.
The SNL and 30 Rock alum, now known for voice work on Rick and Morty and Archer, shared the shocking moment his manager called with bad news.
Contract Limbo
“I’ve never known why it happened exactly. It was a big shocker,” Parnell admitted with lingering confusion.
Cast members typically learned about contract renewals in June, but decisions often dragged on for weeks.
The waiting game left performers powerless, unable to demand answers without risking their spots.
Identity Crisis
Getting booted hit Parnell hard emotionally. “It was a pretty big hit, and you immediately realize how your own sense of worth is wrapped up in being a Saturday Night Live cast member,” he confessed.
Thankfully, colleagues Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan fought for him behind the scenes, showing true friendship when it counted most.
The Scathing Sketch
Writer T. Sean Shannon crafted a brutal commentary on Parnell’s firing disguised as comedy.
Set in Benihana, the sketch featured Parnell as a fired master chef with customers demanding explanations.
When read at the table, it reportedly bombed spectacularly – the room fell silent as everyone realized it directly called out the decision-makers.
Lorne’s Rare Admission
Eventually, SNL creator Lorne Michaels invited Parnell back with an unexpected mea culpa: “I made a mistake, what can I say?”
Such admissions from the legendary producer are practically unheard of in show business.
After a brief 12-episode absence, Parnell triumphantly returned on March 2, 2002.
Career Resilience
Despite the uncertainty, Parnell kept his New York storage unit while temporarily relocating to Los Angeles.
Something told him the door wasn’t completely shut. His instincts proved correct, and he remained with the cast until 2006, creating memorable moments in classics like “More Cowbell” and “Lazy Sunday.”