James Marsden opens up about failed ‘SNL’ audition

As the series celebrates its milestone 50th season, James Marsden reflects on what could have been if he had made it Saturday Night Live.

The Golden Globe nominee revealed that he once had an audition SNL “If you can call it that,” he explains the strange decision he made during his audition before embarking on his own acting career.

“They were doing a national talent search and a friend of mine in my acting class or whatever, who I did these humorous skits with, said, ‘Let’s go and audition for this,'” he further recalled Live with Kelly and Mark. “I think they made us do it…It wasn’t even about ‘Create an interesting character’ or whatever. It was like, “Do whatever stupid thing you do.” I don’t know why we decided to do that, but we clucked like chickens and just walked around each other.

“Yes, it was a bad choice,” Marsden added.

Marsden said he would “love” to host the NBC sketch comedy show and joked that he would “host the show and do the Clucky Chicken.”

“I did 30 Rock with Tina Fey for a while, and I said, “You know, my dream was always to be there.” SNL“‘” Marsden remarked. “And she says, ‘Well, you’re going to host at some point.’ And I say, “No, as a regular.” I want to be the boys!’ She was like, ‘Well, you probably can if you want.’ But yeah, I just love doing impressions and different characters.”

This weekend, SNL Alum Martin Short will host with musical guest Hozier. Created by Lorne Michaels in 1975, SNL is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a primetime special on Sunday, February 16th.