4 Major Comedians Who Auditioned for SNL and Were Rejected

BREAKING: New insights reveal that some of the biggest names in comedy faced rejection from Saturday Night Live (SNL), despite their immense talent. As the iconic show marks over 50 years on air, the stories of these failed auditions are making headlines, underscoring how even top-tier comics can miss the mark.

Kevin Hart auditioned for SNL in 2001, filled with excitement but quickly faced disappointment. Tasked with doing impressions, Hart chose to emulate former NBA player Avery Johnson along with actors Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington. However, his attempts fell flat, leaving him humiliated and ultimately rejected.

In another surprising near-miss, Bill Maher almost snagged the coveted “Weekend Update” spot in the late 1990s. Competing against Al Franken, Maher was thought to be a strong contender until Norm Macdonald auditioned at the last moment, securing the role instead. Maher’s fate was sealed when SNL creator Lorne Michaels, influenced by former writer Jim Downey, chose Macdonald over him.

Meanwhile, actor and comedian Kevin James revealed his disastrous audition experience. He described it as the “worst audition” he had ever attended, recalling how his stand-up routine received no laughs. Despite the setback, James credits this rejection as the catalyst for his successful career, eventually landing a role in The King of Queens.

Perhaps the most intriguing case is that of Jim Carrey, who auditioned for SNL multiple times but was turned away each time. The reasons remain unclear, but Michaels stated that Carrey did not audition directly for him. Notably, future SNL stars Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman witnessed one of Carrey’s auditions, where he famously performed a handstand on his pinky, an act they believed would surely earn him a spot on the show.

These revelations not only highlight the fierce competition for SNL roles but also remind audiences that even the most successful comedians faced rejection. As the show continues to shape the comedy landscape, the legacies of these talented individuals serve as a testament to resilience in the face of failure.

Fans and aspiring comedians alike are urged to share these stories of perseverance, illustrating that setbacks can lead to greater opportunities. With each audition, the legacy of SNL and its impact on comedy continues to evolve. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we explore the journeys of those who dared to audition for comedy’s most prestigious platform.