Why does Lorne Michaels reportedly avoid hugs from new SNL cast members?

Seth Meyers suggests Lorne Michaels may fear being hugged by overly excited new hires, using a cautious audition approach to manage this.

What is Seth Meyers' theory about Lorne Michaels' audition style?

Seth Meyers believes Michaels intentionally creates uncertainty during auditions to prevent new cast members from becoming too excited and hugging him.

Did Ashley Padilla get hired by Lorne Michaels after her audition?

Yes, Ashley Padilla was hired for the SNL cast shortly after her audition, despite initially fearing rejection from Lorne Michaels.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Lorne Michaels: The Hug-Dodging Host?

Lorne Michaels: The Hug-Dodging Host?

12 Dec

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Summary

Lorne Michaels may avoid hugs due to over-excited reactions.
Seth Meyers believes Michaels fears unexpected embraces from new hires.
New SNL cast members like Ashley Padilla were surprised by their hiring.

Seth Meyers has offered a unique perspective on "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels' audition process, suggesting the legendary producer might be anxious about receiving hugs. Meyers theorizes that Michaels' reserved approach during casting is a deliberate strategy to prevent new cast members from excitedly embracing him.

Michaels' method involves delivering news in a way that often leads candidates, like current "SNL" star Ashley Padilla, to believe they haven't made the cut. This surprise element, Meyers explained, is a tactic to manage potential over-excitement, thereby avoiding unwanted hugs. He clarified that Michaels isn't averse to hugs, but rather to those given by individuals expressing excessive enthusiasm.

Padilla recounted her own audition experience, sharing the relief and disbelief upon learning she had been hired. This shared audition narrative highlights Michaels' unconventional approach to managing talent acquisition, a method that has evidently been in place for years, creating memorable moments for both new and veteran cast members.