John Mulaney's SNL Audition: The Nov. 2 Host's Story

The influence of comedian, author and actor John Mulaney on Saturday Night Live is undeniable. As a writer on the series from 2008 to 2013, Mulaney is known for creating characters such as Bill Hader's Stefon and The Vogelcheck's Kissing Family. He then returned as host SNL five times, had several cameos and was even portrayed by actors Sarah Sherman and Melissa Villaseñor. But Mulaney originally auditioned as a candidate SNL Actor himself – a story he told in a video for the show.

As Mulaney explains in the 2020 interview, at the time of his audition, he was working as a stand-up comedian in the city during his appearance on the TV show Best week ever as a commentator. It was the summer of 2008 when a talent agency called him and asked if he wanted to do a studio test in two days.

“I said, 'Yeah, okay,'” he said.

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John Mulaney auditioned for SNL in August 2008 alongside Nick Kroll and Donald Glover

“I remember thinking, 'I'm not going to make it, but I'm going to go and do my favorite song, like four minutes of stand-up,” Mulaney said, sharing that the audition took place on the sixth of 30 Rock Floor “in what was (Conan O'Brien's) studio.”

“I went into the waiting room of everyone waiting to audition. There was Nick Kroll, TJ Miller, Ellie Kemper, Donald Glover and Bobby Moynihan,” Mulaney continued, as the video showed a montage of tonight's stars' intros at the top of their audition.

“Guess who got it,” Mulaney joked, referring to Moynihan, who was a cast member from 2008 to 2017.

“Everyone said, 'They're not laughing,'” Mulaney said. “So I went out and played for about four minutes and I heard laughter.” The video revealed a clip from Mulaney's own SNL audition, retelling a now well-known joke from the comedian law and order.

Seth Meyers called to offer John Mulaney SNL Work

Then it was time to wait until The Call. “I drove to Chicago this weekend, was at a restaurant and called a 212 number,” Mulaney continued, saying he shushed his mother and answered the phone.

On the other end was then-writer and performer Seth Meyers. “He said, 'We'd like to offer you a job writing for the show.' I said, “Yes.” He says, “I want to make it clear that this is not the cast.” And I thought, “I I want to make it clear. I would never I think I would be in the cast.'”

Now that he's known for his starring roles in sketches like “Diner Lobster,” “Subway Churro,” “Airport Sushi” and “Cha Cha Slide,” it's hard to imagine he ever doubted himself.

When was John Mulaney's first appearance? SNL Look?

April 24, 2010.

Although Mulaney remained largely behind the scenes as a writer and producer, he made a memorable desk debut in 2010 with “Weekend Update.” In it, he pushed for Girl Scout cookies year-round and waxed poetic about Thin Mints.

Weekend Update: John Mulaney on Girl Scout Cookies

Watch John Mulaney return as host Saturday Night Live on November 2, 2024 with musical guest Chappell Roan on NBC and Peacock, streaming the next day on Peacock.