John Goodman Reveals He Bombed ‘SNL’ Audition Before Going On to Host Show 13 Times

John Goodman was one of the biggest and most beloved TV stars of the 1980s and ‘90s due to his long-running role in the ABC sitcom Roseanne, but he was turned down for another popular show just ahead of that success.

The acclaimed actor, who went on to win an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for his TV and film work, bombed an audition for Saturday Night Live in 1980 when new producer Jean Doumanian was temporarily appointed to take over the show.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Goodman, 73, explained his failed audition for the NBC sketch comedy series. “That was 1980 when the original cast left, Lorne [Michaels] left, and I didn’t put a lot of thought into it, unfortunately,” he recalled. “I didn’t have any improv or stand-up background, and I had a terrible audition, but for some reason, I still thought I’d get cast. “

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“Nine years later, I got to host the show [for the first time],” he added. “That was always the best part of my year, going to host the show for a week.”

John Goodman during his monologue on SNL.

NBC/Getty Images

Goodman eventually surpassed the number of hosting gigs required to join the coveted SNL Five-Timers Club. The actor hosted Saturday Night Live a whopping 13 times between 1989 and 2013. The only stars to host SNL more than Goodman are Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin.

Goodman previously addressed his botched SNL audition during a 2022 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “It’s the worst thing I’ve ever done in front of people in my life,” he admitted. “I wrote something about 15 minutes before I went over there, and oh God, it was awful. It’s not that I had any material to show or anything good to do …I just knew they’d hire me because I’m a nice guy!” he cracked.

“It used to be my favorite thing I’d do every year would be Saturday Night Live,” Goodman added. “They always made me feel at home, and you’re with a bunch of smart and funny people. It just feels great.”

Related: Lorne Michaels Feared 2 ‘SNL’ Hosts Would Die Doing the Show – 50 Years Apart

John Goodman Reveals He Bombed ‘SNL’ Audition Before Going On to Host Show 13 Times first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 13, 2025