Damon Wayans on Being Fired from SNL and the Show Being 'Too White'

SNL Audition and Early Experiences

• 💡 Damon Wayans recalls watching Richard Pryor on SNL and appreciating the "flavor" he brought, noting that before Pryor, the show was predominantly "white."
• 🧠 Eddie Murphy advised Wayans to write his own sketches to avoid being typecast into roles he'd dislike.
• 🎯 Wayans' audition tape showcased seven characters he later performed on "In Living Color," but these were consistently rejected by SNL.

Creative Differences and Rejection

• 🚫 Sketches Wayans wrote were often shot down with a dismissive "I just don't get it."
• ⚠️ He was told the show was trying to "protect" him from the "aura" of Eddie Murphy, despite his characters being distinct.
• 🎭 One particularly demeaning sketch involved standing in a loincloth with a spear and no lines, which Wayans refused, stating his mother would see it.

Refusal and Departure

• 🗣️ Wayans directly refused the demeaning sketch, stating, "I can't do this," and was told he needed to "service the piece."
• 💥 He eventually changed characters during a live show, declaring, "Yeah, give me the ball or let me go."
• 🚪 Wayans was fired live by Lorne Michaels before the end of his half-season, not even making it to the "good nights."

SNL's Creative Process

• ✍️ The SNL process involves pitching ideas on Monday, writing, a table read on Wednesday with about 45 sketches, and then rehearsing from Friday into Saturday.
• 🎯 Wayans focused on character-driven comedy rather than social or political commentary, which he felt dated quickly.
• 🚫 He felt SNL was trying to use him like a prop, similar to how Garrett Morris was used, which was not why he pursued stand-up.

Reflection and Vindication

• 🕶️ Wayans wore dark glasses indoors, stating, "It's too white in here. It hurts my eyes," as a reaction to his frustration.
• ✨ He views his subsequent success on "In Living Color" as his vindication after the SNL experience.
• 🚀 Wayans believes that if SNL wasn't going to let him do his own material, it made no sense to stay.