James Marsden Reveals ‘Bad Choice’ During Failed SNL Audition

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James Marsden Reveals ‘Bad Choice’ During Failed SNL Audition

Before landing roles in Westworld and Sonic the Hedgehog, James Marsden once tried out to be a cast member on SNL. However, Marsden didn’t get the job after his failed audition.

How did James Marsden fail his SNL audition?

While appearing on Live with Kelly and Mark, Marsden recalled the time he and a friend auditioned to be on Saturday Night Live. However, Marsden made a “bad choice” when asked to do something silly, which ultimately cost him the gig.

“They did a nationwide talent search, and a friend of mine in my drama class, or whatever, who I used to do these humorous sketches with, said, ‘Let’s go down and audition for it,'” Marsden said. “I think they made us do, it wasn’t even something like ‘create an interesting character,’ or whatever.’ It was like, ‘Do whatever silly thing you want to do.’ I don’t know why we chose to do this, but we clucked like chickens and just walked around each other.”

Years later, Marsden worked with SNL alum Tina Fey on 30 Rock. The Notebook actor told Fey about his desire to one day work on SNL.

“I did 30 Rock for a bit with Tina Fey,” Marsden said. “And I said, ‘You know, my dream was always to be on SNL.’ And she goes, ‘Oh, well, you’ll host at some point.’ And I go, ‘No, as a regular. I wanna be the guys!’ She was like, ‘Well, you probably can if you want to.’ But yeah, I just love doing impressions and different characters.”

Though he never reached SNL, Marsden has managed to land several comedic roles on television, including Jury Duty. For portraying a parody of himself, Marsden received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Marsden will soon appear in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which opens in theaters on December 20, 2024.