My SNL Story: Denny Dillon

To help kick off our look back at Season 6 of Saturday Night Live, we talk to one of the cast members from that season—Denny Dillon. In addition to being the very first "new" cast member to say "Live from New York," Denny is also one of the few performers to work with all three Executive Producers of the show—Lorne Michaels, Jean Doumanian, and Dick Ebersol.

But Denny's connection to SNL goes back well before that infamous 1980-81 season. She talks about meeting Gilda Radner before the show even premiered and shares her experiences as a special guest on the third ever episode back in 1975. In addition, we discuss her contribution to Anne Beatts' book "Titters" as well as returning to Studio 8H to be on a children's show prior to starring on SNL.

Denny recounts the extensive audition process she went through at Saturday Night Live, being selected as the last female cast member (beating out a future Oscar winner), and discusses the highs (and lows) of that difficult season. She recounts the uphill battle everyone faced with both the fans and the press while experiencing the thrill of live television and forming bonds that would last for decades.

Denny recounts many highlights from the season including some favorite hosts, musical guests, and sketches. She discusses her tight relationships with fellow cast members, working alongside hosts such as Elliott Gould, Ellen Burstyn, and acting in her favorite sketch of the season with Bill Murray. She also gives a behind-the-scenes look at what things were like when Jean Doumanian left the show and Dick Ebersol (and Michael O'Donoghue) took over.

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