Punkie Johnson’s journey: Reflecting on her ‘SNL’ experience
A comedian’s crossroads
In a candid conversation on the “Fly on the Wall” podcast, Punkie Johnson opened up about her decision to leave “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) ahead of its milestone 50th season. Speaking with fellow comedians and SNL veterans, David Spade and Dana Carvey, Johnson shared her internal struggles and the pivotal moments that led to her departure.
Doubts before season 49
Johnson revealed that her uncertainty about her role on the iconic sketch comedy show began to surface before the start of Season 49. “I talked to my team. I was like, ‘Look, I don’t really know if I belong at this job, so maybe I should step away,’” she confessed. Despite her reservations, Johnson decided to stay on for another season, albeit with a sense of hesitation. “But I told them super, super late, like right after I found out I got to go back. And it was like ‘Well Punkie, you need a plan. You can’t just quit your job.'”
A promising start
The initial weeks of Season 49 were promising for Johnson. “I think I got like three or four sketches on the first half [of the season],” she recalled. “And usually I only get maybe two or three on the entire season, so I’m like, ‘Oh man, I’m killing it. Like, this is my season.’” This early success seemed to affirm her decision to stay, giving her a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
The impact of a key departure
However, the departure of her writer, Ben Silva, brought back her doubts. “If I was telling him something, he knew how to put it in ‘SNL’ format for me. If I try to put it in ‘SNL’ format, that’s the hard part,” Johnson explained. Silva’s absence left a void that Johnson struggled to fill, reigniting her feelings of not fitting in.
A different kind of performer
Johnson’s background in stand-up comedy made her feel like an outsider in the SNL environment. “I didn’t really feel like I fit, like I didn’t feel like that was my zone. That show is for a different type of person,” she admitted. Her realization that many of her colleagues had formal training in sketch comedy further alienated her. “I came from standup so I just thought everybody else came from standup. I started having conversations with people and everybody was like, ‘Oh yeah, we went to school for this.’ I’m like, ‘Y’all went to school to be here?’”
A brief but impactful tenure
Johnson joined SNL in 2020 as a featured player in Season 46. Her tenure on the show, though brief, was marked by memorable performances and sketches. Beyond SNL, Johnson has an impressive resume that includes appearances on “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Adam Ruins Everything,” “Corporate,” and “Space Force.”
Personal reflections
For fans of comedy and television, Johnson’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges and pressures that come with being part of a long-standing institution like SNL. Her journey underscores the importance of finding one’s niche and the courage it takes to step away when something doesn’t feel right. Johnson’s candid reflections offer valuable insights for aspiring comedians and performers, highlighting the often unseen struggles behind the laughter.
Looking ahead
As Johnson moves forward in her career, her experiences on SNL will undoubtedly shape her future endeavors. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in the entertainment industry. For those interested in following her journey, keep an eye out for her upcoming projects and performances.
For more information on Punkie Johnson’s work, you can check out her performances on A Black Lady Sketch Show, Adam Ruins Everything, Corporate, and Space Force.
This article aims to provide a deeper understanding of Punkie Johnson’s journey and the complexities of being part of a legendary show like SNL. By sharing her personal reflections and experiences, we hope to offer a more nuanced perspective on the world of comedy and television.