Fresh Air
'SNL' Turns 50: Aykroyd, Franken, Zweibel & Lovitz
Feb 14, 2025
In this lively discussion, Dan Aykroyd shares the origins of the Blues Brothers with John Belushi. Al Franken dives into Stuart Smalley's creation, reflecting on the therapeutic power of humor in self-help culture. Alan Zweibel reminisces about working with Gilda Radner and her iconic characters. Jon Lovitz reveals the story behind his character Master Thespian, celebrating SNL's enduring legacy. The show highlights its cultural impact over 50 years, filled with personal anecdotes and a review of the romantic comedy 'The Annihilation of Fish'.
46:54
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Quick takeaways
- Dan Aykroyd's collaboration with John Belushi gave birth to the iconic Blues Brothers, showcasing a unique blend of music and comedy.
- Al Franken's experiences with censorship demonstrate the ongoing challenges writers face in balancing humor with societal sensitivities in comedy.
Deep dives
Celebrating the Legacy of SNL
The 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL) highlights the show's pivotal role in shaping comedy and television. Special events include a live music concert on Peacock featuring iconic artists and the airing of the show's very first episode, hosted by George Carlin. Lorne Michaels, the show's creator, has been at the helm since its inception, overseeing numerous cast changes and evolving comedic styles. This milestone underlines SNL's enduring influence on American pop culture and comedy.
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