Paula Pell: From SNL Writer to Beloved TV Actress

Paula Pell: From SNL Writer to Beloved TV Actress

Paula Pell, a former writer on Saturday Night Live for almost 20 years, shared her experience of not being one of the show's official on-screen players. She suspected that her size might have been a factor in not being cast, as there was a lack of plus-size representation on TV at the time. Despite not auditioning for SNL, Pell met with Lorne Michaels and ended up on the writing staff without a formal job offer.

Pell admitted that she was not a writer before joining SNL and had only done live performances at theme parks and theaters. She never expressed her desire to act on the show, but she eventually gained the courage to pursue acting later in her career. During her time on SNL, Pell created popular characters and sketches like Debbie Downer and The Spartan Cheerleaders, occasionally making cameo appearances in sketches.

After leaving SNL, Pell went on to act in various TV shows like 30 Rock, A.P. Bio, and Girls5Eva. She currently stars in Peacock's The 'Burbs series alongside Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall. Pell expressed her happiness at being able to perform later in life and finally letting her acting aspirations come to fruition.