Sarah Sherman, a comedian known for her work on "Saturday Night Live," recently shared an emotional story about a surprising connection to the late Gilda Radner. During an episode of Vulture’s "Good One" podcast, Sherman revealed that she received a letter from Radner’s brother, who informed her that he had been receiving her residual checks for a few months.
Sherman expressed her shock and excitement upon receiving the letter, saying it felt like a sign from a higher power. She described her reaction as "hysterically sobbing," feeling as though the universe was communicating with her. The coincidence of her checks being sent to Radner’s estate struck her deeply, given Radner’s iconic status as a beloved comedian on "SNL" from 1975 until her untimely death in 1989 from ovarian cancer.
After receiving the letter, Sherman immediately reached out to Lorne Michaels, the creator of "SNL," to share the news. She texted him, expressing how incredible it was that her checks had been sent to Radner’s estate, describing it as a miraculous moment. Michaels responded simply, saying, "That’s sweet."
Gilda Radner was a pioneer in comedy, known for her unforgettable characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna and Baba Wawa. She was the first female cast member of "SNL" and won an Emmy for her work on the show. Sherman joined the cast in October 2021, during Season 47.
Recently, Sherman faced backlash for a parody sketch that upset actress Aimee Lou Wood. Despite the criticism, she defended her intentions, stating that she never meant to hurt anyone’s feelings and was excited to portray such an iconic character.
Sherman reflected on her journey in comedy, noting how her time on "SNL" has helped her grow as a performer. She mentioned that while she started with a focus on being outrageous, she learned that comedy must also have depth and balance.
This heartfelt connection to Radner serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of comedians who came before and the way their legacies continue to resonate with new generations of performers.