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Cheri Oteri Reveals the Rollercoaster Reality of Life on SNL

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Starting my SNL adventure was similar to the first day at school – a blend of jittery anticipation and boundless optimism. Although some of us had worked together before, like at Groundings and Second City, the majority were new faces, creating an atmosphere of fellowship without any pre-existing pecking order. It seemed we were all set to dive right in.

At first, I considered the ability to write my own content as more of a luxury, but soon realized it would become essential. Unlike being assigned specific cast members, if no one wrote for you, it was up to you to ensure your presence on the show. This situation fostered both pressure and competition that were characteristic of the show. I often describe it as, “A show where you’ve already landed a spot, but still need to audition every week.

In my initial Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch titled “Leg Up,” I teamed up with Molly Shannon to portray Hollywood dance legends Ann Miller and Debbie Reynolds. We were reviving our careers on a cable-TV show. Lorne Michaels inquired about the target audience, stating, “Cheri, who are these women that people don’t recognize?” I responded with a hopeful, “I believe it might still be amusing?” Fortunately, it turned out well and possibly even broadened our audience range. Darrell Hammond later commented, “Cheri, the residents in Hell’s Kitchen really enjoy you two!

In a more relaxed and conversational style, I enjoyed playing characters who were optimistic underdogs, oblivious to their own troubles, such as the Spartan Cheerleaders or Colette, the Prescription Drug Lady. It can be challenging to empathize with someone who doesn’t empathize with themselves. Additionally, I learned about the influence and pitfalls of catchphrases. One summer, my friend Kenny and I would tell people to “calm down now” in a Southern accent, finding it hilarious like two typical 13-year-olds. This inspired me to create the character Nadine, but I didn’t realize that I would be told to “calm down now” for years to come. Even at the doctor’s office, when I’m anxious about my exam, they might tell me to “chill out” with a smile. Thankful that everything is alright, I usually play along: “So, everything’s good down there?

My early years were marked by spending a significant amount of time alone in my room, allowing my imagination to flourish as a means of coping with the turmoil and loneliness at home. With my mother raising three children on her own, there was often tension, so I made it a point to bring laughter into our lives. I became well-versed in comedy albums by the likes of George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, and Cheech & Chong, memorizing their routines before even starting elementary school. During recess at school, a nun once asked if anyone had a joke to share. Confidently raising my hand, I shared a joke that ended with “I’m not schizophrenic, neither am I!” The response was a reprimand from the nun, marking one of my earliest lessons in understanding social cues and reading a room correctly.

Among the most unforgettable colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of working with was Jim Carrey, who put on an incredibly strong performance that ranks among the best I’ve ever witnessed. Interestingly, he seemed particularly keen on the cheerleading segment. Towards the end of summer, Will Ferrell and I were invited to a dinner party at his house, hosted by him. Following the meal, I stumbled upon a collection of glass-framed costumes from “The Mask”, “Ace Ventura”, and “Batman Forever” in another room. Right next to them was the Cheerleader uniform – it took my breath away.

1999 saw a standout musical guest appearance by Snoop Dogg, who was yet to establish his close friendship with Martha Stewart. Back then, he was known for his edgy hardcore rap persona, making him an intriguing interview subject for Barbara Walters. Upon finishing his sound check, Snoop invited her to his dressing room – a dim and smoky space that was challenging to navigate. Amused by the situation, Snoop quipped about the room’s conditions, but it was the woman cornrowing his hair that he pointed out, which added an amusing touch to the encounter.

Throughout the week leading up to the show, Snoop inquired if more of his relatives could join us on set, and I obliged. By showtime, there were four cousins standing behind us as his bodyguards, adding a bit of excitement due to the unpredictability of live television. The sketch was scheduled last during the 8 p.m. dress rehearsal, raising doubts about its airing. However, Snoop delivered an exceptional performance that secured our spot on the live show. Overwhelmed by the success, Snoop and I shared a heartfelt hug, celebrating our triumphant moments together. Those victories brought us an unparalleled sense of joy.

During my stint on Saturday Night Live, I encountered an endless wellspring of creativity, moments that sent adrenaline surging, and periods of intense despair. My advice for newcomers is to not let anything be taken personally – even when it truly is. Saturday Night Live was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I am incredibly proud to have been associated with, contributing to its enduring legacy as told to Megan McCluskey.

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2025-02-12 16:08

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