He also spoke about how the success got to some past “SNL” stars’ heads.
“No one can handle the fame,” he said. “Generally, we’re more tolerant of it, but you know people are going to turn into a–holes. Because it’s just part of that process, because no one grew up that way.”
Chris Rock said “I’ve never been broke” since meeting Lorne Michaels. Dana Edelson/NBC “I’m going to do it as long as I feel I can do it,” Lorne Michaels said about running “SNL.” Penske Media via Getty Images
Lorne Michaels isn’t retiring yet. Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images “I only see the mistakes,” Lorne Michaels said. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Although the show has been a success for 49 seasons, when he watches, “I only see the mistakes.”
“The idea that Friday night we still don’t have an opening is no longer terrifying,” he said. “It’s not common, but it’s not unusual.”
Michaels, who has been with “SNL” since he created it in 1975, said he prefers to avoid the spotlight.
“I’ve spent my life next to things in order to be more in the shadows,” he went on. “You’re supposed to be making other people look good.”
Paul McCartney, who is friends with Michaels, told the outlet, “He’s a benevolent dictator. He’s got a lot of craziness he has to pull together and select from, and he’s got to instill in everyone the feeling that this is going to work.”
“He’s a benevolent dictator,” Paul McCartney said. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images “I rely on other people and always have,” said Lorne Michaels. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Lorne Michaels and Bea Arthur in 1979. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Some of the NBC show’s famous stars have gone on to have big careers, such as Chris Rock, Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler , Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell and Jimmy Fallon.
About spotting talent for multiple generations, he said, “Mostly, you’re looking for whatever that spark is that says it’s original. It’s just an instinct that the way their mind works, something more interesting is going to happen.”
But, once they get into the show, things can change, he noted.
“If you were the funniest kid in the class, or your school, and then you’re working professionally and everyone else in the room is that,” he explained. “It can be upsetting or can be really stimulating.”
As for his advice for the current cast, “Build a bridge to the next thing, and when it’s solid enough, walk across. But don’t leave on the first thing, because you don’t know what’s really out there.”
“I met Lorne in ’91 or ’90,” Chris Rock told the outlet.
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