SNL Icon Chris Parnell Unpacks the Gut-Wrenching Uncertainty of Being Fired (Twice!) from Comedy’s Mount Everest

Imagine reaching the pinnacle of sketch comedy, only to face the terrifying prospect of losing it all – not once, but twice. That’s the rollercoaster ride Chris Parnell, an SNL veteran, candidly shared in a recent interview, revealing the emotional toll of not knowing if you’d be invited back to the iconic show.

For eight years, from 1998 to 2006, Parnell was the ultimate utility player on Saturday Night Live, a true Swiss Army Knife of impressions. He flawlessly embodied everyone from Tom Brokaw to a host of political and news figures, making him an indispensable on-screen presence.

Key Figure	Role/Contribution
Chris Parnell	SNL Cast Member (1998-2006); Voice Actor (Rick and Morty); Actor (The Dink)
Lorne Michaels	Creator and Executive Producer of Saturday Night Live
Rachel Dratch	Fellow SNL Cast Member alongside Parnell
Tim Meadows	SNL Alumnus who provided crucial information to Parnell

The First Firing: A Gut Punch from Lorne’s Office

Despite his undeniable talent, Parnell was eventually fired. Not once, but twice. He describes the first instance as the most humbling experience of his entire tenure, a moment that blindsided him.

“I mean, it would have to be when I was fired [the first time]. This thing happened every summer, at least during my time on the show, where Lorne [Michaels]’s office would always ask for an extension, in terms of letting you know if you were going to [return] the following season. They’re supposed to let you know by July 1st and that never happened, so you would hear through your agent that they need more time. I was in communication with Rachel Dratch at the time and we were all in the same boat, and we kind of thought, ‘Okay, we’re all going to come back.’ Then it turned out that I didn’t.”

The method of delivery for such devastating news was equally shocking. Parnell found out through a phone call from his manager, pulling off the road in Beverly to process the blow.

He recalls the moment with vivid clarity, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the decision. It was a true shock to the system, leaving him reeling.

The Purgatory of Uncertainty and an Unexpected Return

During this period of professional limbo, a glimmer of hope emerged from fellow SNL alumnus Tim Meadows. Meadows suggested that the door might not be entirely shut on Parnell‘s return.

This tentative hope was later confirmed by his manager after a conversation with Lorne Michaels, hinting at a possibility of re-employment. The emotional rollercoaster was just beginning.

“I lived in this limbo with this hope that I would be called back, but at a certain point I was just tired of it. I had my stuff in storage in New York and I’d just moved it all back to L.A. Then, a month or two later, I found out they were hiring me back, much to my delight, obviously. I went and lived in a hotel for the rest of that season. It was quite a roller coaster.”

His delight was palpable when he learned of his re-hiring, leading to a temporary relocation and a whirlwind of emotions. This period cemented the unpredictable nature of working on such a high-profile show.

Life After SNL: A Thriving Career Beyond the Studio 8H Lights

After his unexpected return, Parnell remained a cast member for another five years, finally departing in 2006. The emotional toll of being fired twice from what many consider a dream job is almost unimaginable.

However, for Chris Parnell, Saturday Night Live was far from the end of his illustrious career. He has since become a beloved voice actor, notably as a star of Rick and Morty, and has graced both dark comedies and silly films.

His impressive body of work continues to grow, proving that talent and resilience can overcome even the most challenging professional setbacks. Fans eagerly anticipate his next project.

What to Watch Next: Chris Parnell’s Latest Project!

Mark your calendars! Chris Parnell‘s newest project, The Dink, is set to hit streaming services on July 24, 2026. All you’ll need to enjoy this highly anticipated release is an Apple TV subscription.

Get ready to see another side of the versatile actor, adding yet another intriguing title to his already diverse filmography. It’s a must-watch for any comedy fan!