‘SNL’ boss Lorne Michaels once said Tina Fey ‘could easily’ succeed him. Here’s what she has to say about that | CNN


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Tina Fey's Response to SNL Succession

Tina Fey, a prominent figure in Saturday Night Live's history, responded to Lorne Michaels' suggestion that she could replace him as the show's head. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Fey expressed gratitude for Michaels' kind words but emphasized his irreplaceable nature and unique skills.

Lorne Michaels' Legacy

Michaels, the creator and long-time overseer of SNL, has steered the show since 1975, taking only a brief hiatus. His unique contributions to the show are noted, with Fey highlighting his understanding of show business and his keen eye for talent.

Fey's SNL Involvement and Collaboration with Michaels

Fey's extensive involvement with SNL spans several roles, including writer, Weekend Update anchor, and cast member. She and Michaels have also collaborated on projects like 30 Rock and Mean Girls, further demonstrating their close professional relationship.

Michaels' Retirement Plans

Despite speculation, Michaels has clarified that he has no immediate plans to retire, further underscoring Fey's point that his role is unique and difficult to fill.

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CNN  — 

Tina Fey has been floated as a possibility to one day take the reins from “Saturday Night Live” creator and longtime overseer Lorne Michaels – but she’s apparently not so sure.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on Wednesday, Fey shared her thoughts on her former boss’s seeming endorsement of her, when he said in January 2024 that she “could easily” replace him on the long-running NBC comedy sketch show.

“It was nice of him to say that, and I love him very much,” Fey told the publication. “He’s irreplaceable.”

Michaels, 80, has been in the driver’s seat of “SNL” since its inception in 1975, taking only one break as producer between 1980 and 1985.

Naturally, speculation has long abounded as to who might replace him at “SNL” when the time comes.

“His set of gifts and skills are entirely unique,” Fey added. “His eye for talent! He’s one of the last three people in show business who actually understand everything. I’ll leave it at that.”

Fey has been involved with “SNL” as either a writer, “Weekend Update” anchor and/or cast member since as early as 1997, and has gone on to create and star in another NBC hit about the building in which “SNL” takes place, “30 Rock” – on which Michaels served as an executive producer.

Michaels and Fey have also spent time collaborating as co-executive producers on iconic movies including 2004’s original “Mean Girls” and last year’s musical reboot of that movie.

Michaels, who has since made clear that he has no intention to retire anytime soon, added of Fey in 2024, “she’s a very important person in my life,” also saying she is “brilliant and great at everything.”

“SNL” is currently in its landmark 50th season, and airs on NBC on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT.

CNN’s Alli Rosenbloom contributed to this report.

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