Kenan Thompson says you must pay your dues in Hollywood
- Kenan Thompson discussed the starting salaries of SNL cast members following Pete Davidson's comments about his earnings.
- Davidson revealed that cast members typically receive around $3,000 per episode, leading to discussions among former and current cast members about their early financial experiences.
- Thompson emphasized the importance of 'paying dues' in the entertainment industry rather than focusing solely on initial salaries.
In the United States, Kenan Thompson, a long-time cast member of NBC's sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL), recently addressed discussions surrounding the low starting salaries of the show's cast members. Following a revealing statement by former SNL cast member Pete Davidson, who highlighted that cast members often earn around $3,000 per episode, Thompson shared his thoughts with Variety magazine during an event at the American Museum of Natural History gala on December 6, 2024. Davidson’s comment caught media attention, prompting reactions from both current and former members of the show regarding their experiences with starting salaries. Thompson explained that it is common for new cast members to focus on securing their role rather than the paycheck, emphasizing the necessity of 'paying dues' before gaining financial rewards in the entertainment industry. With two decades of experience on SNL, Thompson acknowledged that many comedians begin their careers at modest pay, which often leads them to make their first significant purchases, like housing or essentials, out of necessity rather than luxury. Davidson humorously claimed his first SNL check went towards basic living expenses, highlighting that these initial salaries are typically inadequate for making larger purchases. Conversely, other former cast members, such as Jason Sudeikis and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, shared their own reflections on how they managed their finances in the early days of SNL. Sudeikis remarked that he primarily used his paycheck to cover housing costs, while Louis-Dreyfus noted splurging on budget-stretching purchases like a $75 pair of shoes. This trend among SNL cast members illustrates a broader issue within the entertainment industry related to salary structures, particularly for those at the beginning of their careers. In light of Davidson's remarks, Thompson and others essentially reinforced the notion that while the job might provide significant exposure and opportunity, it does not always come with a financial safety net. Clearly, the path to success within SNL involves a considerable amount of patience and resilience as new cast members navigate the challenges of relatively low starting salaries while striving to establish themselves in the industry.