As Saturday Night Live (SNL) marks its 50th anniversary, it’s a time to look back, celebrate the show’s history (hard as some of it may be), and shine a light on the good both past and present.
One of those periods is season 11 (1985-1986), the one commonly referred to as one of SNL’s wildest. Anthony Michael Hall, who was a member of the cast at the unprecedented age of 17, offers a unique perspective on that season and the way the show has evolved over the decades.
Joining SNL: A Young Star’s Start into Live Comedy
By 1985, Anthony Michael Hall was already an established Hollywood player with roles in “The Breakfast Club” and ”Weird Science.” It was an unusual and risky move for someone so young to make the switch to SNL.
Looking back on this period, Hall said: “I was, and I mean no offense when I write this, sacredness.” The chance to work on a show he had loved since childhood was both thrilling and intimidating. He remembered the surreal sight of being a teenager still living at home, walking out onto the iconic stage of Studio 8H.
Season 11: A Bold Experiment Among Challenges
Season 11 saw the return of SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who had a five-year break. Michaels had an ambitious vision, and he brought together a casting of young talents, including Robert Downey Jr. Joan Cusack, and Randy Quaid.
While this group had some potential, it faced hard obstacles. The season received harsh critical notices and struggled in the ratings. Hall was candid in his reflection on the experience, noting some of the season’s challenges.
But ultimately grateful for the opportunity. While he didn’t arrive with breakthrough characters, he said, joining SNL’s legacy was an opportunity too precious to resist.
The After Decade: Lessons Learned and Career Growth
Despite the challenges of Season 11, Hall’s time on SNL was an important learning opportunity. The demands of live television and the highly charged atmosphere of SNL sharpened his talents and toughness.
Looking back on the season, Hall said that he felt proud to have been part of SNL history, even as the season floundered. While the season was shaky and the experience invaluable, he also expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
Reunion and Reflection: SNL’s 50th Anniversary
Hall, alongside fellow Season 11 Jon Lovitz, has shown up for the SNL 50 The Anniversary Special as SNL passed the half-century mark. It was a bittersweet reunion, a moment that struck chords of nostalgia and contemplation.
Lovitz, crediting SNL with having a large effect on his career, called the weekend emotional and one of the best of his life. Hall mirrored the sentiment, calling it the right place, right time, exciting, and surreal. Both actors said they wished their former co-star Robert Downey Jr. could have been there to celebrate.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Perspective: Growth Through Adversity
Robert Downey Jr. who was also in the SNL cast during its 11th (and his) season, has since recalled his time as a member of the cast as a formative experience.
During the docuseries “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,” Downey Jr. said his stint on SNL made him realize what he’s capable of and what he’s not when he performs. Despite the challenges of the season, he considered the experience a fundamental part of his artistic work.
Lorne Michaels’ Vision: Risk and Innovation
The 11th season, of course, was Lorne Michaels’ return to SNL, and it opened with what was a daring experiment in bringing in younger, newer talent to revive the show.
This decision, ambitious in its scope, was criticized for the cast’s lack of cohesion and the uneven reception of the season as a whole. Michaels’ ability to take risks though has been an indelible part of SNL’s lasting legacy. His drive to innovate despite hardships has enshrined the show as a cultural institution.
The Evolution of SNL: From Turbulence to Triumph
Season 11 challenges activate SNL’s evolution. After the season, Michaels restructured the cast, adding veteran stand-up comedians like Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman.
This treatise revived the show, and a renaissance of popularity and critical claim ensued. That willingness to adapt and innovate has been a foundation of SNL’s ability to stay relevant for five decades.
Conclusion
When Anthony Michael Hall an SNL cast member from the infamous Season 11 came back for a thoughtful 50th-anniversary celebration, all the struggle made the celebration beautiful. The history of SNL is one of experimentation, adversity, and reinvention.
Despite everything, the show’s dedication to top creative boundaries and incubating new talent has cemented its position as a bedrock of American entertainment.
As Hall and his castmates look back at their time, they celebrate the endurance and ingenuity that make “Saturday Night Live” still “Saturday Night Live.”
