Several 'Saturday Night Live' stars, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Pete Davidson, disclose what they purchased with their initial earnings.

Several 'Saturday Night Live' stars, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Pete Davidson, disclose what they purchased with their initial earnings.
Several 'Saturday Night Live' stars, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Pete Davidson, disclose what they purchased with their initial earnings.

The comedians who gained fame through Saturday Night Live all began their careers at the bottom of Studio 8H.

Cast members past and present shared with New York Magazine how they spent their money after getting their big break on SNL.

First-year writers often earn less money than expected, as evidenced by the purchases made by the cast, which ranged from shoes to furniture.

Here's what the SNL stars and alumni told the magazine:

Pete Davidson: "What is our pay per episode? It's around three thousand dollars. I believe I can afford dinner with that."

James Austin Johnson: "I swear to god, the West Elm couch we bought is the most uncomfortable of all time. It's made of bricks."

I purchased a pair of shoes that exceeded my budget, costing $75.

Rachel Dratch: "Obtaining an apartment is likely. Although it's not exciting, it's the genuine thing."

Sarah Silverman: "I purchased a cashmere sweater for approximately $300."

Jason Sudeikis: "Since I didn't earn enough money to make significant purchases, my largest expense after my first year on SNL was likely paying rent in New York."

Sarah Sherman: "A nice mattress."

I've reupholstered my couch three or four times.

Seth Meyers: "I purchased a large couch from Crate & Barrel and a massive TV from Best Buy."

Bowen Yang recalls purchasing Gucci shoes from Saks across the street, which were popular at the time but he no longer feels confident wearing them now.

Staten Island natives Davidson and Jost, both SNL stars, have previously discussed how they spent $280,000 to purchase a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry in 2022 with the intention of transforming it into an entertainment venue.

Jost would later describe the purchase as "the least thought-through and dumbest decision I've ever made."

"He explained to People earlier this year that the cost of buying a building on its side that's 65,000 square feet is a good price per square foot in New York, given the amount of money they were putting into it."

To earn extra money online, sign up for CNBC's course on passive income streams, starting tips, and real-life success stories.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.

by Nicolas Vega

Make It