Ben Marshall’s Journey from Comedy Rookie to SNL Breakout: A Season of Surprises and Star-Studded Moments

Ben Marshall’s initial foray into Hollywood was far from what he had envisioned. Just a year after graduating from college, he and his friends Martin Herlihy and John Higgins were gaining traction with their sketch videos on YouTube. The trio had recently signed with a manager who arranged a meeting with executives at Comedy Bang Bang, a prominent podcast and production company in Los Angeles. They boarded a flight, optimistic about their impending success.

Upon arrival, Marshall and his friends pitched several ideas, only to be met with a gentle reminder from the executive that their meeting was primarily an introduction. This experience marked the beginning of a long journey toward recognition in the entertainment industry.

A Breakthrough Year

At 31, Marshall has made significant strides in his career. He recently concluded his first season as an official cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), following four seasons on the writing staff. His debut included memorable moments, such as kissing Harry Styles and eliciting laughter from Jack Black during a live broadcast. This summer, he will also make his film debut alongside Kevin Hart in 72 Hours, a comedy centered around a bachelor party.

Marshall expressed excitement about his new role, stating, “It was my first time being an actor-for-hire. But I’m also interested in doing something a bit more grounded. A rom-com would be cool.”

Early Influences and Education

Marshall’s journey has been reminiscent of a High School Musical narrative. Growing up in Savannah, Georgia, he developed a passion for comedy early on, often renting VHS tapes featuring Will Ferrell or Adam Sandler during visits to his father’s house. Despite this interest, he initially pursued basketball, influenced by his father’s collegiate success and aspirations for a sports scholarship. Eventually, he decided to follow his passion for performance, stating, “No, Dad, I want to perform.”

He transferred to an arts magnet school and later attended New York University, where he joined the esteemed improv group Hammerkatz. It was during this time that he met Herlihy and Higgins, as well as SNL writer Moss Perricone. Marshall recalled the unique atmosphere of their early performances, which included hosting a show called Puke Fest in the basement of Perricone’s apartment.

From Improv to SNL

Marshall’s big break came through his work with Please Don’t Destroy, a comedy group that gained a following by performing weekly at the East Village bar Von’s. Their shows caught the attention of SNL cast member Heidi Gardner and ultimately Lorne Michaels, who hired all three members to join SNL’s writing staff and create digital shorts.

Upon joining SNL, Marshall faced the challenge of navigating a complex environment. He noted, “There are a million rules and also no rules at SNL.” Their first viral success came from a satirical sketch about Jiffy Lube launching a hard seltzer line, which opened doors for pitching ideas to high-profile celebrities.

One notable pitch involved actress Sydney Sweeney, where the concept revolved around her confidently farting during a conversation. Although Sweeney appreciated the humor, she opted for a different idea.

Life as a Cast Member

Marshall described his promotion to full cast member as transformative, allowing him to assist his mother in purchasing a condo. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of balancing his new responsibilities. “This year at SNL was like being a senior and a freshman at the same time,” he explained, highlighting his dual role of guiding new cast members while adjusting to his own position.

Despite his experience in the writers’ room, performing on stage proved to be a different challenge. During an early-season dress rehearsal for a sketch with host Nikki Glaser, he experienced panic and sought assistance in figuring out where to focus his gaze. However, by the time he performed in a sketch with Josh O’Connor, he found comfort in front of the audience.

Marshall continues to grapple with the creative demands of his role, often waking up with ideas for sketches. He humorously noted that his Notes app contains thousands of random concepts, including one he described as “I’m a janitor son, murderer rising,” which he categorized as an astrology joke.

Balancing Comedy and Personal Life

At 30 Rock, Marshall shares a dressing room with castmate Tommy Brennan, where they have installed a basketball hoop for pre-show practice. To unwind outside of SNL, he participates in a weekly pickup game of comedians on the Lower East Side, which recently garnered attention from The New York Times.

Marshall recalled the article highlighting his skills, stating, “A name that frequently comes up as one of the best players is Ben Marshall of Please Don’t Destroy. That was the best piece of press I’ve ever gotten. That means more to me than anything I’ve done in comedy.”

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-05-09 20:30:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk