Ben Stiller recalls quitting SNL after four episodes: "I didn't enjoy it"

Ben Stiller opens up about leaving SNL after four episodes due to nerves and being urged to stop doing comedies.

Ben Stiller, renowned for his comedic roles, has candidly discussed early career challenges that shaped his path in the entertainment industry. In his recent appearance on The New York Times' podcast, The Interview, he reflected on his rise to fame as a comedy movie star during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Despite his success, Stiller admitted he doesn’t fully understand why he became so popular in the genre.

Recalling the era, Stiller shared, “I remember opening up the L.A. Times and there was this writer who wrote a letter: ‘Dear God, stop putting Ben Stiller in comedies.’” He added, “I was just like, I don’t know, I’m here, I love doing what I do. But it’s only in retrospect that I can go, ‘Wow, there was a thing happening that I was fortunate to be a part of.’”

Stiller's film career took off after his successful television work on The Ben Stiller Show, which came about after he left Saturday Night Live (SNL) following just four episodes. Stiller joined SNL in 1989 as a writer and performer but soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for him. 

Reflecting on his exit from SNL, Stiller shared, “I knew that I couldn’t do well there because I wasn’t great at live performing. I got too nervous. I didn’t enjoy it and I wanted to be making short films.” He added that he felt a strong desire to pursue other opportunities, explaining, “So in the moment, there were reasons, and I had this opportunity to do this MTV show [‘The Ben Stiller Show’].”

Photo: NBC

While Stiller had long dreamed of being on SNL, he admitted, “I don’t remember exactly how I had the gumption, but for whatever reason, I followed that instinct.” Ultimately, Stiller’s decision to move forward with The Ben Stiller Show led to the launch of his successful career in both television and film.

Despite these early setbacks, Stiller's career flourished, leading to iconic roles in films such as Meet the Parents, Zoolander, and Night at the Museum. 

Photo: Apple TV+

Stiller has been actively promoting Severance Season 2, set to premiere on January 17 on Apple TV+.