James Marsden remembers “clucking like chickens” at the doomed “SNL” audition

James Marsden recalled a doomed “Saturday Night Live” audition during an interview on “Live With Kelly and Mark” on Wednesday. The actor said he and a friend answered a call for a “nationwide talent search” and ended up performing an impromptu skit in which they “clucked like chickens and just ran around each other.”

“They did a nationwide talent search and a friend of mine from my acting class or whatever, who I did these humorous skits with, said, ‘Let’s go and audition for this,'” Marsden explained.

“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,” he added.

The actor also said that he once told “SNL” alum Tina Fey about his sketch comedy ambitions. “I did ’30 Rock’ with Tina Fey for a while and I said, ‘You know, my dream was always to be on ‘SNL,'” he explained. “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.”

Peacock will premiere the four-part documentary “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” on January 16, 2025, a month before the iconic late-night show’s big 50th anniversary primetime special. The “SNL” documentary series will feature over 60 contributors, including “SNL” alumni, who will provide in-depth coverage of decades of the show’s history.

Each episode offers brand new insights into what went on behind the scenes in the writer’s room, and also includes footage from the show’s audition.

Of course, there’s no word on whether Marsden’s chicken imprint won’t make it, but fans can hope.

The post James Marsden Recalls “Cackling Like Chickens” at Doomed ‘SNL’ Audition appeared first on TheWrap.