Pete Davidson, Jason Sudeikis and other former ‘SNL’ cast members reveal how little they got paid
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Pete Davidson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Jason Sudeikis. Getty Images
In a recent video shared by New York Magazine, several former and current cast members of Saturday Night Live (SNL) opened up about their financial experiences while working on the show, revealing just how little they were paid during their time on the iconic sketch comedy series.
Pete Davidson, who was a cast member from 2014 to 2022, set the tone for the conversation. Reflecting on his early days on the show, Davidson revealed the modest paychecks SNL cast members received. “Do you guys know what they pay us?” he asked. “It’s like three grand an episode. I think I got dinner.” His comment highlights the surprising reality that, despite being on one of the most popular television shows, many of the stars didn’t earn much, especially in the early years of their careers.
The conversation quickly turned to the small indulgences cast members made after receiving their first paychecks. Cheri Oteri, a former cast member, shared how she splurged on a couch, one she loved so much that she had it reupholstered several times. “I remember a designer coming over in tears, and he goes, ‘OK, those arms are too high. We have to get … We’re going to get rid of that couch,’” Oteri recalled. “I said, ‘Oh no. No, you’re not. Not today, Satan. No, the couch is staying. You’re going.’” Oteri’s dedication to keeping her couch serves as a humorous reminder that, even though the salaries were low, cast members still found ways to treat themselves.
Both current SNL star Bowen Yang and former cast member Julia Louis-Dreyfus also shared their small splurges from the show’s early days. Yang, known for his witty performances on the show, revealed that he spent on a pair of Gucci shoes, which were likely a bit more extravagant than what many cast members could afford. Louis-Dreyfus, however, shared a much more modest purchase. “I bought a pair of shoes that were out of my budget,” she said. “I’m going to tell you, they were $75.” Her comment showcases how even small expenses were carefully considered when money was tight.
Jason Sudeikis, another former cast member, spoke about his time on SNL from 2003 to 2013. Sudeikis worked as both a writer and a performer on the show and confirmed Davidson’s statement about the low pay. “I mean, you don’t make enough money to make big purchases,” Sudeikis said. He also shared that his biggest expenditure after his first year on the show was likely his rent in New York, reflecting the high cost of living in the city.
Despite the low pay, SNL helped launch the careers of many now-famous stars, with some of them going on to enjoy successful careers in Hollywood and beyond. While their early days at the show weren’t financially glamorous, the exposure and experience on SNL have undoubtedly paid off in the long run for these actors and comedians.
This behind-the-scenes look at the financial reality of SNL offers a stark contrast to the glitzy image many fans have of the show. While it’s known for its high-profile guest stars, political satire, and cultural influence, it’s also a place where comedians start out with humble paychecks. Their stories remind us that even the most famous and successful people in entertainment often have to work their way up, sometimes on limited resources.
As SNL celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, these revelations about pay and early struggles offer a new perspective on the show’s legacy. Fans will get a chance to see how far the show has come when the special airs on NBC on February 16. For many former cast members, the memories of low salaries and small splurges are part of what makes Saturday Night Live such a significant part of their careers.
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