Kenan Thompson recently shared his thoughts on the financial realities of starting out in comedy, particularly in response to Pete Davidson’s revelation about his early days on Saturday Night Live.
In an interview, Davidson opened up about how his starting salary on the show was only $3,000 per episode,
a figure that surprised many considering the fame and success that the show eventually brought him. Thompson, who has been with SNL for over 20 years,
weighed in on the topic by emphasizing the importance of paying one’s dues in the industry. His comments reflected his own journey and the sacrifices that are often made early on in a career.
Thompson, known for his long tenure on SNL, acknowledged that starting salaries in comedy can be low, especially for newcomers.
However, he framed this reality as part of the process of gaining experience and credibility within the entertainment industry. “You gotta pay your dues,”
Thompson remarked, pointing out that, while it can be frustrating for new comedians to face financial challenges, the payoff comes in the form of greater opportunities down the line. His statement underscored the idea that the value of a job like SNL isn’t always immediately reflected in salary, but rather in the exposure, networking, and skills that one gains from being part of such an iconic show.
Davidson’s candid revelation about his early salary seemed to resonate with many who might assume that working on a high-profile show like SNL automatically leads to big paychecks. In reality, many performers, including Davidson, start out earning modestly before their value to the show and their popularity grow. Thompson’s comments highlighted the often-overlooked aspects of a career in comedy, emphasizing the slow but steady progression that many comedians face. He suggested that the path to success is rarely linear and that starting with a low salary is part of a much larger, long-term investment in one’s career.
Thompson also reflected on his own experiences when he first joined SNL, noting that while he didn’t receive a huge salary at the outset, the opportunities that came with being on the show helped him build his career. Over the years, Thompson has become a beloved figure on SNL, known for his work in sketches and as a producer. His longevity on the show is a testament to the hard work and perseverance that goes into sustaining a career in comedy. By sharing his own perspective, Thompson offered a more nuanced view of what it takes to succeed in the industry, reinforcing the idea that early struggles often lead to later triumphs.
In conclusion, Kenan Thompson’s remarks about the challenges of starting out in comedy serve as a reminder of the realities that performers face when entering the entertainment industry. His acknowledgment that new talent must “pay their dues” highlights the importance of persistence, patience, and a willingness to work hard for recognition. Pete Davidson’s revelation about his modest starting salary on SNL sheds light on the often-overlooked early years of a comedian’s career, and Thompson’s insights provide valuable perspective for anyone hoping to make it in the competitive world of comedy. In the end, the journey to success may involve sacrifices, but as both Thompson and Davidson’s careers demonstrate, those early struggles are often what lay the foundation for future achievements.
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