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Rachel Dratch on the Greatest Compliment She Gets to This Day About Debbie Downer

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As a child, I began watching Saturday Night Live during its inaugural season and was captivated by it right away. The initial cast of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players left an indelible mark on me, much like a baby bird imprinting on its parent. Although some of the sketches were too complex for my understanding at the time, I felt as if I was peeking into an exclusive club every week, unaware that one day I might become a member myself.

On my first evening, I attended a special 25th-anniversary performance, where I was ushered into a compact dressing room and encountered Dan Aykroyd, Lily Tomlin, and Elvis Costello for the first time – a moment that felt surreal. This was just one of several instances when I found myself questioning reality. I had the opportunity to meet my comedy heroes, watch live concerts from close range, and have Don Pardo announce my name every Saturday night – a long-cherished dream realized! Additionally, there was an undercurrent of excitement that came with being part of a live show, rushing to change between acts, and witnessing sets being shifted at breakneck speed.

Despite the thrill of the project, the toughest aspect turned out to be brainstorming sketches and creating characters. It wasn’t easy to foresee which character would become popular. The Boston teens, developed with Tina Fey, were inspired by my high school days in Massachusetts. The Love-ahs, co-created with Will Ferrell, had a vague resemblance to a college professor, and we crafted them while trying to outdo each other in terms of humor. Abe Scheinwald, one of my favorite but lesser-known characters, was a Hollywood producer type who should have retired and was often seen munching on coleslaw.

The character I receive the most feedback on is still Debbie Downer today. It seems everyone recognizes someone similar in their lives. I believe a bit of Debbie Downer resides within me as well, though I’ve developed a better ability to filter my responses! Paula Pell and I created the first Debbie Downer back in 2004 at Disney World. As we penned it, we would joke by playing the sad trombone sound. We thought so much of this joke that we decided to incorporate the actual trombone sound into the sketch. The sketch was well-received during the table read, but sometimes even a good feeling about something doesn’t guarantee it will make it on air. Unexpected incidents can occur during dress rehearsals and things might not work out as planned, or they could be cut due to time constraints. However, that specific sketch featuring Jimmy Fallon, Fred Armisen, Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz, and Lindsay Lohan did make it on air and became an unexpected sensation. It quickly gained momentum because we couldn’t help but laugh—which is something we strive to avoid. But the struggle I displayed every time the camera zoomed in, trying not to burst out laughing, really resonated with people. Many tell me they watch that scene when they’re feeling down as a way to lift their spirits, and honestly, there’s no higher praise than that.

For me, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been an integral part of my life since I was a child. I recall countless sketches from the early seasons that still resonate with me today, making the opportunity to be a part of it all the more incredible. This role feels like the culmination of dreams for any comedian, but beyond the personal satisfaction, it’s heartening to know that everyone involved with SNL – then and now – is committed to keeping viewers entertained during these challenging times. – As shared with Erin McMullen.

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2025-02-12 16:07

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