SNL Cast Spotlight: A Look Back at Kevin Nealon’s Iconic Run
When Kevin Nealon left Saturday Night Live in 1995 after nine seasons, he did so as the show’s longest-serving cast member at the time—and for good reason. Though he’s best remembered for bringing unforgettable characters like Mr. Subliminal and Franz (of the weightlifting duo Hans and Franz) to life, Nealon was also one of SNL’s most versatile players, known for his dry wit and ability to elevate any sketch. Following Dennis Miller’s departure in 1991, Nealon brought that same sensibility to the “Weekend Update” desk, anchoring the show’s signature segment for three seasons.
Nealon continues to connect with audiences through his stand-up, including his recent YouTube special, Kevin Nealon: Loose in the Crotch, and his popular series, Hiking with Kevin. We recently caught up with Nealon for LateNighter’s SNL Cast Member Questionnaire, ahead of the show’s 1,000th episode—and he kept his answers delightfully free of subliminal messages.
Early SNL Memories
Earliest memory of becoming aware of SNL: Probably when it first started, in 1975. I was 22 and remember trying to stay up to watch it. I’d start watching, then wake up during the goodbyes! That actually happened while *I* was on the show, too. I’d fall asleep during the show and then find myself on stage waving goodbye.
Favorite SNL Personalities & Sketches
All-time favorite SNL cast member: Wow, that’s tough. Jan Hooks was a very underrated sketch player. We started at the same time, and were even dating. We’d been friends for six years before that, and it was one of those friendships that blossomed into romance. Dating while on SNL was challenging due to the show’s stress, but I always admired her talent. I’d watch her and think, “Wow, she is amazing.”
All-time favorite sketch: It’s like asking what your favorite song is – it changes! But one that always makes me laugh is “El Cantaro.” It was set in an Italian restaurant, and I was on a date with Kirstie Alley while the waiters showered her with attention – kissing, hugging, and generally making me uncomfortable. Alley casually said, “No, no honey, it’s what they do. They’re Italian!” It escalated from there, with waiters licking her cheek and Dana Carvey…well, let’s just say things got interesting. Then, as we left, Sandler emerged in a Speedo, and everyone was licking the window. It still cracks me up.
Musical Highlights
All-time favorite musical performance: I grew up a huge James Taylor fan, so when he performed… incredible! Also, Paul McCartney, Roy Orbison, Mick Jagger, and Eric Clapton. Many of them would do extra songs for the audience afterwards, like Paul Simon. It was a real treat.
The Audition Process & First Impressions
What was it like auditioning for the show? It was the strangest audition. I was a stand-up comic, with no sketch or improv experience. Dana Carvey, a friend, got on SNL and told them about me. They asked for an audition tape, so I sent my stand-up routine, not expecting much. Two weeks later, Dana called: they liked it and wanted me to fly in! I barely remember the audition – some stand-up and a couple of characters. Then, a week later, I was sitting across from Lorne Michaels, and he offered me a job.
How did you find out you were hired? Lorne met with me, discussing the show’s philosophy and how I’d fit in. He excused himself, and my manager suggested we “think about it over the weekend” to leverage negotiations. I agreed, and when Lorne returned, I said I needed time to consider. He said, “Alright, think about it over the weekend, and we’ll see you in New York on Monday.” I later realized my manager and Lorne had likely planned this all along!
What do you remember about your first sketch appearance? I was incredibly nervous. It was “Mr. Subliminal,” a character from my stand-up. It was a complicated sketch with two conversations happening simultaneously, featuring Victoria Jackson and Jon Lovitz. I played an advertising executive inserting subliminal messages. Right before going on, Lorne put his hand on my shoulder and asked, “Are you sure this is what you want?” That loosened me up because I knew he was being supportive.
Triumphs & Humility
Most triumphant SNL moment: I was a huge Steve Martin fan, and he was visiting Lorne. I wrote a sketch called “Death Be Not Deadly,” a play on film noir. Robert Mitchum, the host, played the private eye, delivering the narration from behind a plant and even in the bathroom! After it finished, Steve Martin came running down and praised the writing. That was incredibly exciting.
Most humbling SNL moment: It’s always humbling when a sketch gets cut after dress rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes
SNL staffer you couldn’t live without: Jim Downey, the head writer. He was with the show since the beginning. A Harvard graduate, he truly understood SNL. He was so calm amidst the chaos.
Something people don’t know about Lorne Michaels: I think a lot of people may not know how generous and thoughtful he is.
Final Thoughts
My wife and I are executive producers on a documentary, Come See Me in the Good Light, which has been nominated for an Academy Award. I’ve also been sketching caricatures and recently opened an online store, KevinNealonArt.com.
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