In the world of comedy, is it possible to be too funny? How about too fat? According to reports, Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels just might answer “yes” to both of those questions. SNL cast members Michaela Watkins and Casey Wilson, who had only been with the show for one and two seasons, respectively, were told last week that they would not be returning to the show, and “too funny” and “too fat” are reportedly the reasons why.
Watkins herself says that upon her firing, Michaels told her that “he felt deep down that I should have my own show.” What?! If Watkins truly has the comedy chops to pull in viewers to a NEW show without the SNL billing or supporting cast members, why is that talent not enough to keep her job on Saturday nights?
On the other hand, reports are saying that Casey Wilson lost her job due to her failure to lose weight. Allegedly SNL executives told Wilson that she needed to lose thirty pounds, and when she failed to do so, they let her go. However, unless there truly is a double standard on the SNL set, I find it hard to believe that weight truly was the issue. SNL alums such as Chris Farley and John Belushi had their own issues with weight, but kept their jobs.
Personally, I found Watkins pretty funny in most of her bits, and quite honestly, have trouble remembering Wilson. The funniest sketch I ever saw Wilson in was a Funny or Die piece in which she makes light of the less than warm reception she has received from viewers.
Whether the reported reasons for the firings are true or not, it boils down to this:
Had both women been consistently bringing in viewers by contributing successful sketches or unforgettable characters, both of them would still be “live from New York” no matter how funny, or “fat” they are.
Comments
Missy
September 15th, 2009 - 12:31:04 PM
Chris Farley and John Belushi were also both men. And sure, if either Watkins or Wilson were incredibly successful they would have stayed on the show (presumably). But, that's not the problem. The problem, allegedly, is that they were booted not due to their lack of talent, but their lack of skin tone. Which is ugly and disgusting. It's also a pattern you see again and again. As women age or gain weight, they lose roles (or their roles become diminished). Some fucked up shit if you ask me. And if it comes out this really was the reason, well, that'll be the end of my SNL viewings (not that I watch it much these days anyway).