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Key Points

Molly Shannon, a former SNL cast member, believes Lorne Michaels is irreplaceable as the show's showrunner. She praised his unique vision and called him a "one-of-a-kind genius." Shannon also expressed support for Kenan Thompson as a potential successor. The actress reflected on her SNL days and recent acting projects.

Key Points: Molly Shannon Says Lorne Michaels Is Irreplaceable on SNL

  • Molly Shannon praises Lorne Michaels as SNL's visionary leader
  • She endorses Kenan Thompson as a potential successor
  • Shannon reflects on her iconic SNL character Mary Katherine Gallagher
  • The actress also discusses her recent TV and film achievements
2 min read

There's no one who could replace him: Molly Shannon on SNL cast member Lorne Michaels

SNL alum Molly Shannon calls Lorne Michaels a "one-of-a-kind genius" while praising Kenan Thompson as a potential successor.

"There's no one who could replace him. It would not be the same show. – Molly Shannon"

Washington DC, July 6

Actress and comedian Molly Shannon, who was a Saturday Night Live cast member from 1995 to 2001, shared why Lorne Michaels is "irreplaceable" as the sketch comedy show's showrunner, reported People.

Shannon also discussed longtime cast member Kenan Thompson as a potential successor to Michaels.

The White Lotus actress shared why "Lorne is irreplaceable" as Saturday Night Live's showrunner.

"It's his show, his vision," Shannon, an SNL cast member from 1995 to 2001, said of Michaels, 80, who created the show in 1975.

"There's no one who could replace him. It would not be the same show," she said, adding, "He's just a one-of-a-kind genius. Brilliant. Smart."

On sharing her thoughts about longtime SNL cast member Kenan Thompson, stepping in as a potential replacement as showrunner whenever Michaels departs, Shannon praised Thompson, saying, "I love this idea. He's the greatest -- I adore Kenan," said Shannon of Thompson, a cast member on SNL since 2003, reported People.

"Kenan is so talented. That's an excellent idea," added Molly, who famously portrayed SNL character Mary Katherine Gallagher, reported People.

Shannon appeared in supporting roles in several films, including Happiness (1998), A Night at the Roxbury (1998), Never Been Kissed (1999), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Wet Hot American Summer (2001), Osmosis Jones (2001), My Boss's Daughter (2003), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), More of Me (2007), Evan Almighty (2007), and Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015).

On television, Shannon was seen in Enlightened (2013), Divorce (2016-2019), The Other Two (2019-2022), The White Lotus (2021), I Love That for You (2022), and Only Murders in the Building (2024), winning her first Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for the lattermost.

Shannon won the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the highly acclaimed drama Other People. She had two films premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival: The Little Hours and Fun Mom Dinner.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting perspective! Though I wonder if SNL needs fresh blood rather than continuing with the same format. Some sketches feel outdated now. Maybe a complete revamp would be better when Lorne retires?
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Arjun K
Molly Shannon was my favorite cast member growing up! Her Mary Katherine Gallagher character was legendary. It's nice to see her giving credit where it's due. Lorne built something truly special.
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Nisha Z
As an Indian viewer, I've always admired how SNL balances political satire with pure comedy. Lorne's leadership made that possible. Kenan would be a safe choice, but I hope they consider diverse voices for the future!
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Karthik V
SNL needs to think beyond American politics if they want to stay relevant globally. Maybe an Indian version would work - we have so much material for satire here! 😂
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Sarah B
I appreciate Molly's loyalty, but every show needs to evolve. Lorne's genius is undeniable, but SNL's ratings have been declining. Maybe fresh leadership could bring new energy while respecting the legacy.

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