Former cast member and friend of Eddie Murphy, Joe Piscopo talks about replacing the original cast, performing at corporate and charity gigs, getting fired from a club, and his personal stories with John Belushi and Chris Farley on SNL.
Joe Piscopo reflects on the challenges of replacing the original cast of Saturday Night Live and the pressure to fill the void left by comedic legends.
The intense and live nature of SNL created a high-pressure environment, but the chemistry and camaraderie among cast members made it a joyous experience.
Interactions with iconic figures like Frank Sinatra and John Belushi highlight the importance of respect and reverence in the comedy industry.
Deep dives
Eddie Murphy's comedic genius and chemistry with Joe Piscopo
Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo had an incredible comedic partnership on Saturday Night Live. Eddie's effortless and instinctive talent, paired with Joe's contributions in writing and performing sketches like Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood and The Whiners, created unforgettable moments on live television. Despite the pressure and intense atmosphere of Rockefeller Center, the two were able to bring their unique brand of comedy to SNL.
The challenges and struggles of replacing the original SNL cast
Joe Piscopo reflects on the difficulty of stepping into the shoes of the original Saturday Night Live cast. The pressure to fill the void left by comedic legends like Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner was immense, and Joe initially did not want to be part of the new cast. However, he formed a close bond with Eddie Murphy and together they navigated the challenges of live television and the expectations that came with being part of such an iconic show.
The intense and live nature of Saturday Night Live
Joe Piscopo discusses the intense and live nature of Saturday Night Live. With live sketches and no safety net, the pressure was constantly high. Joe recalls his dedication to perfection and the rituals of reviewing script cue cards and running rehearsals multiple times to ensure a flawless performance. He also highlights the importance of chemistry and the joy he experienced working alongside Eddie Murphy and the rest of the SNL cast during these live broadcasts.
Pitching ideas and surviving on SNL
The podcast episode delves into the high-pressure environment of Saturday Night Live (SNL) and the challenges faced by the cast members. The speaker recalls a time when executive Dick Ebersol brought in legendary writer Michael O'Donoghue to help revive the show. O'Donoghue's theatricality and unconventional methods were both intimidating and inspirational to the cast. Despite initial doubts about his abilities, the speaker managed to find his place on the show and develop a successful partnership with Eddie Murphy. The episode explores the process of rewriting sketches and the importance of teamwork and camaraderie among the cast members.
Working with legends and paying tribute
The podcast episode also highlights interactions with iconic figures like Frank Sinatra and John Belushi. The speaker recounts sharing a special moment with Belushi, singing a duet of Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York' at a bar in Greenwich Village. The episode sheds light on the speaker's respect and admiration for Sinatra, emphasizing the importance of treating such idols with reverence. Additionally, the episode touches on the religious devotion of cast member Chris Farley and the respectful humor that characterized the show's satirical portrayal of Frank Sinatra. Overall, the episode provides an inside look at the behind-the-scenes dynamics and memorable experiences of being part of the SNL cast.
