Good Hang with Amy Poehler Maya Rudolph (Live)
10 snips
Dec 11, 2025 Maya Rudolph, a talented actor and comedian famed for her SNL roots, chats with Ron Funches, a stand-up comic and friend. They share hilarious insights on the origins of her memorable SNL character Pamela, and Maya's journey from Crossroads School to comedy stardom. She reveals the excitement and challenges of live TV, and recounts memorable moments, such as meeting Barack Obama during a sketch. The duo also explores the connections between music and comedy, and how motherhood has influenced her creative choices. A delightful mix of laughter and heartfelt reflections!
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Microphone Check Became A Signature Moment
- Maya sang a partial national anthem as a mic check and described performing it like a character, Pamela.
- She recalled how timing and facial expressions made the bit land and became a recurring moment on SNL.
Fun Drives Better Performance
- Maya says being with friends fuels her improv and sketch work because shared enjoyment amplifies performance.
- Amy adds that Maya's relaxed timing and rhythm reduce stage nerves and increase audience trust.
Mentors Matter In High-Stakes Entry
- Maya credits Steve Higgins and others for giving her a chance after Groundlings tapes reached Lorne Michaels.
- She notes early SNL onboarding was sparse, so mentorship from producers mattered greatly.