Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Will Forte

10 snips
Jun 17, 2025
Join Will Forte, the talented actor, comedian, and writer known for his work on Saturday Night Live and The Last Man on Earth, as he chats with Amy Poehler. They dive into his infamous SNL audition and the comedy landscape's evolution. Will shares hilarious anecdotes about childhood and his journey from 'Billy' to 'Will,' reflecting on identity and the significance of names. The conversation is peppered with nostalgic nods to classic shows and personal stories that showcase the joy of creativity and collaboration in comedy.
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ANECDOTE

Will Forte's Legendary SNL Audition

  • Will Forte's SNL audition included original characters like Tim Calhoun and a gold man character from the Groundlings.
  • His audition was famously funny and well-received, despite nervousness and uncertainty about success.
INSIGHT

Owning Your Work Builds Confidence

  • Lauren Michaels advised Will Forte to take ownership of sketches rather than being timid with others' writing.
  • This shift helped Will relax and gain confidence in his SNL role after several challenging seasons.
INSIGHT

Key Comedy Influences Cited

  • Steve Martin was a primary comedy influence for Will Forte, shaping his unique comedic voice.
  • Other influences include Peter Sellers, Monty Python, SCTV, David Letterman, and classic shows like Cheers.
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