pete davidson reveals eye-wateringly low salary he made on 'saturday night live'
“do you guys know what they pay us?” asked davidson, wh...
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pete davidson might have loved his time as one of the featured players on saturday night live, but he wasn’t exactly well compensated for his appearances. in viral video roundup for new york magazine, davidson and other snl stars and past alums were asked to share their “biggest indulgence” after being cast on the long-running late-night program.
“do you guys know what they pay us?” asked davidson, who spent eight seasons on snl from 2014 to 2022. “it’s like three grand an episode. i think i got dinner.”
the nbc sketch comedy show, which is currently in its 50th season, airs up to 22 episodes a year. so by davidson’s calculations, it means that an snl cast member earns $66,000-a-year and has to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
ted lasso star jason sudeikis, who started out as a writer in 2003 before becoming a cast member for nine seasons from 2005 to 2013, said he splurged on rent.
“i mean, you don’t make enough money to make big purchases, so i think new york rent was probably the biggest purchase i made after writing my first year on snl,” he said.
recent addition, bowen yang, who joined snl in 2019 and was cast to play vice president-elect jd vance earlier this season, said he bought a pair of gucci shoes.
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“the kind that everyone got, and the kind i wouldn’t feel super cool wearing out now,” he quipped.
julia louis dreyfus, who appeared for three seasons from 1982 to 1985, said she “bought a pair of shoes that were out of my budget … i’ve got to tell you, i think they were $75.”
cheri oteri, who memorably played spartan cheerleader arianna alongside will ferrell’s craig, said she got a couch, adding, “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!’”
like oteri, james austin johnson, who plays president-elect donald trump, said he used his first paycheque to buy “the most uncomfortable west elm couch of all time.”
“i swear to god, it’s made of bricks,” he joked.
former weekend update personality seth meyers also bought a “really big couch” and “a really big tv” to go along with it.
meanwhile, sarah silverman splashed out for a pricey “cashmere sweater.”
saturday night live airs saturdays at 11:30 p.m. et on nbc and global. this weekend’s host is gladiator ii star paul mescal with musical guest is shaboozey.
chris rock and martin short will close out the year as hosts on dec. 14 and 21.
