Chris Parnell says first SNL firing was the hardest to handle

Chris Parnell says being fired from Saturday Night Live for the first time was a painful shock, even though he was later brought back to the show.

Speaking on the Mohr Stories podcast with former SNL cast member Jay Mohr, Parnell recalled being let go in 2001 after joining the cast in 1998. He said he and several castmates expected to return and were surprised by the decision.

Parnell said support from the cast and writers helped him through the experience, adding that he heard for months that producer Lorne Michaels might rehire him. He eventually moved back to Los Angeles before being invited to return later in season 27.

During his second run, Parnell appeared in the hit digital short “Lazy Sunday” with Andy Samberg. Known for rarely breaking character, he said one of the toughest moments was keeping a straight face during the famous “More Cowbell” sketch with Will Ferrell.

Parnell left SNL in 2006 and said he was ready to move on. Looking back, he said he remembers the cast as a talented group that worked well together with little drama.