Abby Elliott, the Golden Globe-nominated star of The Bear, recently opened up about her tumultuous journey on Saturday Night Live (SNL), a period marked by both dreams fulfilled and fears realized. As the daughter and granddaughter of comedy legends Chris Elliott and Bob Elliott, Abby’s inclusion in the SNL cast was a significant milestone, yet her eventual departure from the show was a defining moment in her career.
“Every week was a new week, and your happiness would depend on whether you got something on air or not,” Elliott shared with The Independent. “And if three weeks went by without a sketch, you’d think, ‘Uh-oh, am I going to be fired?’… There was always that looming threat of getting fired. That was the worst that could happen. And then, I kind of did.”
The Rise and Fall at SNL
Born in New York City in 1987, Abby Elliott’s journey into comedy was perhaps inevitable, given her family’s storied history in the field. She left college in 2006 to pursue her passion for performance, initially gravitating towards drama. However, her natural comedic talent quickly emerged, leading her from improv groups like The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade to the iconic Studio 8H of SNL.
Elliott was known for her exceptional impersonations, a role similar to that of current cast member Chloe Fineman. Her portrayals of celebrities such as Rachel Maddow and Angelina Jolie became fan favorites. Despite her success, the pressure of consistently delivering new material was immense. Elliott even approached SNL’s creator, Lorne Michaels, to discuss her future on the show.
“I went back to him with my tail between my legs, asking to stay,” she explained. “But after that season, Lorne said, ‘No, I’m going to cut you loose.’
“As much as I enjoyed being on that show, sketch comedy wasn’t going to be it for me. It’s not why I started, and it’s not how I wanted to end. Also, I had learnt the lessons I was going to learn…and so I left and, you know, the water was warm,” she said.
Transitioning to Scripted Television
After leaving SNL in 2012, alongside fellow cast members Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg, Elliott found herself at a crossroads. The transition marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter, as she ventured into scripted television. Her roles in sitcoms like Indebted and the critically acclaimed series The Bear have allowed her to explore different facets of her comedic and dramatic abilities.
In The Bear, Elliott plays Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto, a character that has resonated with audiences and critics alike. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination last year, placing her alongside industry heavyweights such as Meryl Streep and Christina Ricci.
Reflections and Future Prospects
The experience of being let go from SNL, while initially devastating, ultimately served as a catalyst for Elliott’s growth as an artist. Her journey underscores the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the resilience required to navigate its challenges.
Looking ahead, Elliott remains optimistic about her career trajectory. Her ability to adapt and thrive in various roles suggests a promising future in television and beyond. As she continues to build on her family’s comedic legacy, audiences can expect to see more of her versatile performances.
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