Dana Carvey on Lorne Michaels Impression & SNL Return | The Rundown

Dana Carvey is remembering the origins of a now-iconic impression: his seize on Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels. The comedian recently revisited Studio 8H and shared the story of how the impression first took shape, revealing a glimpse into the often-frustrating process of shaping a show.

Appearing on NBC’s The Rundown, a companion web series to SNL, Carvey described the moment of inspiration. “When I look at this, my first reaction is terror, like I’m literally frightened,” he said, standing before the show’s rundown board, as reported by Deadline. The “this” he refers to is the daunting task of assembling a live comedy show from dozens of submitted sketches.

The Birth of an Impression

The genesis of the Lorne Michaels impression, Carvey explained, came after Wednesday read-throughs where as many as 50 sketches would be presented. “And then, Lorne would try to put them on the rundown for the show, very frustrated,” Carvey recalled. “And he said, ‘Um, I still have no f*cking first act.’” That exasperated delivery, according to Carvey, became the foundation for his portrayal of Michaels.

The impression would go on to become a recurring bit on SNL, and, perhaps surprisingly, played a key role in the creation of one of Mike Myers’ most famous characters. As Susan Morrison details in a YouTube interview, Myers borrowed Carvey’s Michaels impression for Dr. Evil in Austin Powers. The connection, initially a source of tension between the two comedians, has since been resolved.

Carvey addressed the rumors of a falling out with Myers in a 2016 interview, acknowledging that Myers had, in effect, adopted the impression. The two have since reportedly made amends, a testament to the collaborative spirit – and occasional competitive edge – that defines the world of sketch comedy.

A Return to 30 Rock

Carvey’s recent appearance on The Rundown isn’t the first time he’s revisited SNL in recent years. In 2024, he made a highly-publicized return to Studio 8H to portray President Joe Biden in the lead-up to the election. He was joined by Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris, Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, and Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz, providing a comedic take on the political landscape. A clip of Carvey discussing his favorite live sketch from his time on the show was also released this week on Facebook.

From Early Days to Enduring Legacy

Carvey’s seven-season run on SNL, from 1986 to 1993, cemented his status as a comedic force. He was known for a wide range of characters, including the Church Lady and Garth Algar (one half of the Wayne’s World duo). His ability to embody both original characters and spot-on impressions made him a standout performer during a golden age for the show.

The impact of SNL, and Michaels’ role in shaping it, cannot be overstated. The show has launched the careers of countless comedians and continues to be a cultural touchstone. Carvey’s impression, born from a moment of frustration in the writers’ room, serves as a humorous reminder of the intense pressure and creative energy that goes into producing a weekly live comedy show.

What’s Next for Carvey and SNL?

Carvey continues to perform stand-up comedy and develop occasional television appearances. His recent return to SNL suggests a continued connection to the show and its legacy. As for SNL itself, the show is currently in its 49th season and continues to evolve with the times, introducing new talent and tackling current events. The show’s ability to remain relevant after nearly five decades is a testament to Lorne Michaels’ vision and the enduring appeal of live sketch comedy.