Taran Killam's Directorial Debut: Killing Gunther

• 🎬 Taran Killam discusses his directorial debut, the action-comedy "Killing Gunther," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
• ✍️ He wrote the script with Arnold in mind, though initially found it inconceivable that Schwarzenegger would star in a low-budget mockumentary.
• 🌟 Arnold Schwarzenegger's performance is highlighted as a departure from his typical roles, bringing a new level of humor and earnestness.

The Path to Saturday Night Live

• 🎭 Killam shares his journey into comedy, starting in musical theater at UCLA before a fluke audition for MADtv at 19.
• 🎓 He later pursued further training at The Groundlings, which he considers a crucial "boot camp" for aspiring actors and sketch comedians.
• 🎤 The audition process for SNL is described as intense, involving multiple auditions and a meeting with Lorne Michaels.
• 💔 Despite not getting hired on his first two SNL auditions, he was told "it's no, but never" and kept the discipline to prepare for future opportunities.

SNL Experience and Departure

• 🗓️ Killam spent six years at SNL, from his first class at The Groundlings to performing in the Sunday Company.
• 🎬 He ultimately chose not to extend his contract for a seventh year, as he was committed to shooting a film and had been offered a pilot.
• 😔 He notes the lack of a personal call from Lorne Michaels upon his departure, a common experience for many cast members.

Current Events and Personal Reflections

• 🌪️ The conversation touches on Hurricane Irma and the devastating impact of natural disasters.
• 🏈 Discussions also include the NFL, with a focus on the Rams and Chargers, and the impact of head trauma in football.
• 🥊 Mickey Rourke's potential boxing match and the controversial Jenny Jones show incident are also mentioned.
• 🎤 Taran Killam also shares personal anecdotes, including a painful encounter with an electric fence and reflections on his physical well-being and pain tolerance.