Pete Davidson Reveals His 'SNL' Salary for the First Time
Pete Davidson Reveals His 'SNL' Salary for the First Time.
Davidson's assertion matched what a bunch of other comedians said while on the show.
"Saturday Night Live" is famous for its funny sketches, political humor, and celebrity appearances. With its popularity and impressive roster of stars, many fans think the cast is raking in big bucks. But former SNL cast member Pete Davidson recently shattered that illusion by sharing his salary from the show, leaving everyone shocked.
The actor and comedian was a part of the NBC sketch comedy show for more than 8 years, from 2014 to 2022. Davidson became well-known on SNL thanks to a bunch of unforgettable “Weekend Update” segments, characters, and sketches that fans still adore.
He just opened up to New York Magazine in a quick interview, chatting about how much he made per episode on SNL and revealing his “biggest splurge” after cashing his first paycheck.
Davidson mentioned that, although many anticipated a figure close to six digits, it was different. “Do you guys know what they pay us? It’s like three grand an episode, so I think I got dinner!” Davidson wasn't the only celebrity to tackle that question. Since it kicked off in 1975, Saturday Night Live has launched the careers of tons of comedians, writers, and actors like Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, Rachel Dratch, Jason Sudeikis, Jimmy Fallon, Bill Murray, Cheri Oteri, James Austin Johnson, and a whole bunch more.
Some of these stars also chimed in on the same question in an Instagram clip. When asked about his biggest indulgence, Jason Sudeikis, who was on SNL for nine years and wrote for two, mentioned that people just didn’t earn enough to really splurge on anything.
“I mean you don’t really make enough money to make big purchases,” he said that he probably made the biggest purchase of his life with his first SNL paycheck as a writer, and that was for "New York rent."
Actor and comedian Rachel Dratch is among the SNL stars who spent their first paycheck on something sensible, like rent. Similarly, Cheri Oteri revealed that she also bought a couch with hers. “I have gotten it reupholstered three or four times. I remember a designer coming over in tears and he goes, ‘Oh, those arms are too high. We’re going to get rid of that couch.’ I said, ‘Oh no. No, you’re not. Not today, Satan! The couch is staying, you’re going,'" she said recalling how special it was to her.
Some cast members decided to treat themselves to some fancy stuff. Julia Louis-Dreyfus mentioned that she splurged on a pair of shoes that were a bit pricey for her. “I’ve got to say, I think they were $75," she laughed while sharing the story.
Bowen Yang was likely the only one in the interview who really met fans' expectations. He mentioned that he popped over to a Saks store nearby and picked up a pair of Gucci shoes. He described them as "the type that everyone has and the kind I wouldn't feel too cool wearing out these days."
As SNL gets closer to its 50th anniversary, it's clear that the show has evolved over the years. Still, NBC is gearing up to celebrate this big milestone with a major event, reportedly planning a three-hour live primetime special.
Pete Davidson’s revelation about his salary on Saturday Night Live sheds light on the reality behind the show's glamorous image. Despite the modest pay, it’s clear that SNL has been a crucial stepping stone for many comedians, offering a platform for growth and career-building.
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Davidson’s honesty about his experience adds a human touch to the show’s legacy, showing that even iconic stars started small. With the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration, it’s exciting to reflect on how SNL has shaped comedy, launched careers, and continues to be a pivotal force in the entertainment industry.
