Shocking truth: Why Damon Wayans got himself fired from ‘SNL’

By Amari Apple
Jan 20, 2025
10:10 am

The wild story behind one comedian’s rebellious exit

In the cutthroat world of comedy, getting fired from “Saturday Night Live” usually spells career disaster. But for Damon Wayans, getting the boot was exactly what he wanted – and the shocking way he made it happen will blow your mind.

Before we dive into the juicy details, let’s rewind to the 1985-86 season. Picture this: A young Wayans, bursting with talent and fresh ideas, lands his dream gig on SNL’s season 11. But what should’ve been a career-making moment turned into a masterclass in standing up for creative freedom.

The warning that changed everything

Before Damon Wayans even set foot in Studio 8H, comedy legend Eddie Murphy had already dropped some serious truth bombs. Murphy shared crucial advice about writing his own material and avoiding falling into stereotypical roles, which would later prove to be eerily prophetic. It was as if Murphy, like a comedy fortune teller, had a clear vision of what was to come for Wayans. His insight into navigating the comedy world turned out to be spot on, shaping Wayans’ career in unexpected ways.

When dreams meet reality

Here’s where things get really interesting. Despite bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the writers’ room, Wayans found himself constantly hitting wall after wall. The show’s writers, including head writer Al Franken, just weren’t connecting with his vision. When Wayans pitched a character called “The Gifted Rapper,” it felt like he was speaking a completely different language to them. The disconnect between his ideas and the team’s approach became more evident, and the tension only grew as the weeks went on.

The infamous breaking point

Remember that time your boss made you do something you absolutely hated? Well, multiply that by about a thousand. When Wayans got passed over for his own sketch in favor of playing yet another stereotypical role, he decided to go nuclear. In what can only be described as the most expensive career mic drop ever, he deliberately changed his character’s voice during a live broadcast, essentially forcing the show to fire him.

Plot twist: The comeback

But here’s where this story gets even more fascinating. Instead of letting his SNL exit become a cautionary tale of career suicide, Damon Wayans flipped the script and turned it into the ultimate launching pad for his success. He went on to revolutionize television with groundbreaking shows like In Living Color, which reshaped sketch comedy, and My Wife and Kids, a beloved sitcom. His unexpected career shift became a prime example of “failing upward,” showing how setbacks can lead to incredible triumphs.

The most mind-blowing part? The very same person who fired him – the legendary Lorne Michaels – actually invited him back to perform later that same season. If that’s not the definition of boss moves, we don’t know what is.

The bigger picture

Let’s be real for a second: Wayans’ story isn’t just about one comedian’s rebellion. It’s a powerful reminder of the struggles Black comedians faced (and still face) in mainstream entertainment. His decision to choose artistic integrity over job security wasn’t just brave – it was revolutionary.

Fast forward to today, and Damon Wayans is still killing it on CBS’s “Poppa’s House,” proving that sometimes the riskiest career moves are the ones that pay off the most. His journey from SNL outcast to comedy legend shows that sometimes you have to break the rules to break through.

In an industry where playing it safe is the norm, Damon Wayans chose to light a match and burn down the bridge he was standing on. And somehow, through sheer talent and determination, he built an even better one in its place.