Conan O’Brien revisits his intense ‘SNL’ years with Tom Hanks

On a recent episode of the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” Conan O’Brien hosted the renowned actor Tom Hanks for a heartfelt conversation. During the episode, O’Brien delved into one of the more contemplative topics concerning his career: his intense and challenging years as a writer on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL).

Reflecting on intense beginnings

In the span from 1988 to 1991, Conan O’Brien’s tenure at “SNL” was marked by a fervent drive and an unyielding intensity. These qualities propelled O’Brien forward but also exacted a toll. “People always say no regrets,” O’Brien noted reflectively. “I regret being so intense about that job. I was way too intense, and I think I robbed myself of some fun that I could have had.” This admission illuminates the high stakes and demanding environment within the “SNL” writing room.

Lessons learned from ‘SNL’

Despite achieving significant success during his “SNL” years, O’Brien’s intensity led to burnout, affecting his well-being and creativity. He admitted, “I burnt out. And [Lorne Michaels] could not have been nicer. But I was burnt out and I was like, ‘I’ve got to go.’” This decisive moment saw O’Brien transitioning to a new role on “The Simpsons,” a significant career move that allowed him to harness a different set of creative skills.

Transitioning to ‘The Simpsons’

From “SNL” to “The Simpsons,” O’Brien’s career trajectory illustrates the vitality of adaptability in the entertainment industry. The shift provided him a fresh platform and a rejuvenated sense of purpose; nevertheless, his time with the iconic animated show was relatively short-lived. Not long after, Lorne Michaels approached O’Brien with another opportunity that would cement his status as a mainstay in late-night television.

The call to ‘Late Night’

The early 90s heralded a new chapter for O’Brien. In 1993, following David Letterman’s departure, Michaels extended an offer for O’Brien to host “Late Night.” Skeptics aside, O’Brien’s unique blend of humor and distinctive style allowed him to steward the late-night show successfully from 1993 to 2009.

Insight into the late-night experience

O’Brien’s reflections on his “Late Night” era underscore the invaluable lessons learned from his earlier experiences. “The thing that Lorne does that’s brilliant that doesn’t exist anywhere else, is the level of trust and responsibility he gives to young writers,” O’Brien shared. “You get to ‘SNL,’ you write a sketch, and suddenly, legendary figures like Steve Martin are enacting your vision. It’s both exhilarating and terrifying.”

Building a legacy

Throughout his tenure on “Late Night,” O’Brien’s journey from an overly intense writer at “SNL” to a celebrated host exemplifies resilience and growth. By transforming challenging experiences into stepping stones for success, O’Brien’s career narrative offers profound insights into the entertainment industry’s inner workings.

A candid conversation with Hanks

Sharing these impactful anecdotes with Tom Hanks, O’Brien underscored the importance of balancing intensity with enjoyment. Their conversation revealed how self-imposed pressures can obscure the joy of the creative process if not managed well. O’Brien’s candidness provides a valuable lesson to aspiring writers and performers about the significance of embracing both hard work and the lighter moments that come with it.

For those passionate about the world of late-night television and comedy, O’Brien’s reflections are not just a stroll down memory lane but a testament to the complexities and rewards of creative careers.

Discover more about Conan O’Brien’s insights and stories by listening to “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” where he continues to bring humor and depth to fascinating conversations. For further updates and to dive deeper into the entertainment world, continue following our content and share your thoughts on social media!