WASHINGTON — It’s hard to imagine a time without “Saturday Night Live.”
But prior to Oct. 11, 1975, few people had heard of Lorne Michaels and his cast of comics.
What better way to mark the show’s anniversary than by watching a rare interview between host Tom Snyder and the “Not Ready for Prime-Time Players” on NBC’s “Tomorrow” show?
“Beginning on Oct. the 11th, Saturday night will open up a whole new live venture from New York City from Studio 8H here at Rockefeller Center,” Snyder said. “We just happen to have the producer of the program. Mr. Lorne Michaels, the producer of ‘Saturday Night,’ and members of his company.”
It’s absolutely fascinating watching the introduction of Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Gilda Radner, John Belushi and Laraine Newman as if they are virtual unknowns.
“Are you named after the town in Maryland?” Snyder asks Chevy Chase at the top.
Even Michaels appears unable to remember Newman’s name.
It’s a rare peak behind the curtain — or Curtin — at some of comedy’s biggest future stars.
Watch the video below:
