SNL’s Chloe Fineman Didn’t Even Try Comedy Until Her Late 20s, And She Revealed The Kristen Wiig Moment That Inspired Her

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One distinctive aspect of Saturday Night Live is that established cast members often guide the newer ones. As a Season 51 veteran with six years under her belt, Chloe Fineman has become a familiar face on the show. It’s likely that younger comedians admire her, and now she’s revealing her comedy roots and discussing how one of SNL’s legendary alumni influenced her career.

While chatting with Gwyneth Paltrow, the SNL repertory cast member name-dropped several female comedians who inspired her to get into comedy. The Freakier Friday actress didn’t even try comedy until age 27, but in the video posted to her Instagram, Fineman revealed to the Goop founder the iconic Kristen Wiig performance that made her finally decide to pursue a comedic career:

It’s been my long-standing admiration for Margaret Cho, but after the release of Bridesmaids, I remember thinking in the theater, “Wow, we can go this far with comedy.” Since then, shows by Amy Schumer, Kristen Wiig, and Ali Wong have really stood out to me. They’ve pushed boundaries and showcased a unique brand of humor that is both raw and extraordinary, often characterized by their unapologetic and special take on womanhood.

Indeed, I understand your sentiments. The film “Bridesmaids” is undeniably filled with some of the funniest one-liners, garnering Wiig an Oscar nomination. The cast is exceptional, boasting talents like Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, and Melissa McCarthy, but it’s Kristen Wiig’s cringe-worthy yet hilarious performance that leaves you both squirming in second-hand embarrassment and roaring with laughter. Her delivery is spot-on, and it’s not hard to see how this role could have entirely altered Fineman’s career path.

Initially, Fineman studied classical theater at NYU with aspirations of being known as an “independent dramatic actress.” However, the comedic roles for women in the 2010s unexpectedly altered the trajectory of her career.

In this period, the actress from Megalopolis refers to it as a “renaissance” for women in comedy, primarily characterized by films like Bridesmaids, Trainwreck, and Pitch Perfect. These comedies often revolve around feisty, sex-positive women in their 20s or 30s, trying to navigate life’s complexities. Similar themes can be found in shows such as Girls, Broad City, and the candid, humorous monologues of Margaret Cho and Ali Wong, according to Fineman.

During the peak of her career, Kristen Wiig was in her prime. Having bid farewell to Palm Royale as her stint at SNL ended in 2012, she seamlessly transitioned into the movie industry, collaborating with numerous fellow SNL alumni on films like Zoolander 2, Mastermind, Date Night, and Sausage Party.

As a follower, it’s not hard to understand why Chloe Fineman looks up to Wiig, both having made their mark on Saturday Night Live in their 30s. Growing up as fans of the show during Wiig and Fineman’s prime years, it’s clear where the latter finds her inspiration (my mind often drifts back to one of my favorite sketches featuring Wiig, “Super Showcase Spokesmodels”). With a similar comedic flair, known for her unforgettable wild characters and impeccable exaggerated impressions, such as JoJo Siwa and Timothée Chalamet, Fineman appears to be treading a path reminiscent of the Skeleton Twins actress.

Last spring marked her debut as the leading actress in the comedic film, “The Summer of ’69”. Although not a drama, “The Summer of ’69” first screened on the independent film festival circuit and later became accessible for streaming with a Hulu subscription. Given this, it’s clear that Fineman has achieved her goal of becoming an indie actress, even if it wasn’t exactly as she had initially envisioned.

In a different phrasing: A well-known statement goes, “It’s not wise to meet your heroes,” but for Fineman, the chances she’s had to collaborate with Wiig on SNL have been some of her most cherished experiences. Listening to the actress from Dickinson discuss Bridesmaids as a significant influence on her career journey makes me eager to watch these two iconic SNL females in a 2010-style comedy setting. It’s high time for another renaissance!

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2025-08-24 02:38