Movies

SNL Mix-Up: Sarah Sherman’s Checks Went To Gilda Radner!

BBG News

As a movie critic looking back at my own career in the industry, I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy whenever I think about the residuals that some actors receive, like those from the cast of “Friends” or even the small change from having just one line in a blockbuster like “Titanic.” But regardless of the amount, you’d want that money to find its way into your own pocket, not someone else’s.

Unfortunately for Sarah Sherman, her residual checks from “Saturday Night Live” were mistakenly being sent to the estate of Gilda Radner. Yet, both Sarah and Lorne Michaels handled this mix-up with grace and in true character. It just goes to show that even in Hollywood, where the stakes are often high, a little misunderstanding can be resolved with sweetness and professionalism.

Currently, Sarah Sherman has been a part of Saturday Night Live since 2021, and although it’s not officially announced, it wouldn’t surprise me if she appeared in Season 51 slated for fall 2025. Given that she’s completed four seasons so far and might add a fifth, she receives residual payments for her performances. However, there was a period when these payments weren’t reaching her; she discussed this issue on Vulture’s Good One podcast.

I received a large envelope in the post containing a personal letter. The letter read: “Hello, I’m Gilda Radner’s brother. An unusual situation has arisen where I’ve been receiving your residual checks for several months now.” He also added: “By the way, you’re doing a fantastic job on the show.”

I got a big envelope in the mail containing a letter that said: “Hi, I’m Gilda Radner’s brother. Some strange thing has happened where I’ve been getting your residual payments for the past few months.” He also wrote: “Oh, by the way, you’re doing an excellent job on the show.

It’s understandable that Tom Hollander receiving Tom Holland’s Marvel earnings as a bonus, given their similar names. But it’s hard to comprehend how Gilda Radner’s estate could receive Sarah Sherman’s residual payments, since their names differ significantly.

Although their comedic styles might be quite similar, their names bear little resemblance (oddly enough, they are neighbors in the alphabet with R and S), but there’s a considerable gap in their tenures: Radner departed from the show in 1980, which was a full 41 years before Sherman made his debut in 2021.

Yet, it seemed as though we were experiencing a near-sacred instant. Sherman appeared to share the sentiment, and she grew quite emotional, expressing her feelings thusly:

Or more casually:

Yet, this felt like something almost heavenly. Sherman seemed to agree, getting quite teary-eyed as she talked about it.

I broke out in uncontrollable tears, it was clear. I exclaimed, ‘It’s God talking to me now!’ What made this moment even more striking was the arrival of my SAG residual checks, a nod to my union, at the estate of Gilda Radner.

It was quite an “unbelievable fluke,” as the comedian herself put it later, and her reaction was entirely justified. But what made the situation even more intriguing was Lorne Michaels’ unexpected reaction.

In my perspective, the entire narrative unfolds as a result of a question regarding my text conversations with Lorne Michaels. I mentioned that he is concise in his messages, while I tend to be more verbose. True to form, when it came to addressing my concerns about Radner, his response was typical of him, as the comedian elucidated, showcasing his characteristic brevity and wit.

I was crying. I texted Lorne saying something like, ‘Oh my goodness, it turns out that my checks have been sent to Gilda Radner’s estate! Isn’t this an amazing coincidence? This feels like a miracle, or it seems like a spirit is trying to communicate.’ However, this message might be concerning for someone who reads it, as it could suggest signs of mental instability. Lorne responded, ‘That’s nice.’

Lorne Michaels, known for his succinct, sometimes mysterious, and direct communication style, didn’t surprise anyone when he sent Sherman just a couple of words. In fact, it perfectly aligns with his professional brand. I also appreciate that simplicity! Although he didn’t say much, his message was clear, and it’s endearing to see him characterize the entire situation as “sweet.

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Currently, speculations about Michael’s retirement are in the air as Saturday Night Live (SNL) gears up for its 51st season. It’s delightful to come across tales that underscore his bonds with cast members from the very first day and the celebrities gracing Studio 8H today.

Although I’m yet to grasp the reason behind Sherman’s payments to Radner, there’s no denying that this is an extraordinary turn of events. With her encountering the family of an SNL legend and Michael’s characteristic reaction, it makes for an inspiring tale, one that has piqued my curiosity as I anticipate Season 51 this autumn, either on NBC or with a Peacock subscription.

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2025-06-27 18:16

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