Famous Faces Who Were Rejected By 'Snl' – And Why They'Re Thankful!

Donald Glover: The Bullet Dodger

Donald Glover, the multi-talented actor, writer, and musician, faced rejection from 'Saturday Night Live' not once, but twice – in 2007 and 2009. Reflecting on these near-misses, Glover shared with GQ, “I dodged so many bullets. Me being on SNL would’ve killed me. I got friends who made it on SNL and, at the time, I was like, damn. But if I got on SNL, my career wouldn’t have happened.”

“And thank God. Thank God I didn’t get some of those pilots. I wanted so desperately to be on Parks and Rec because it was the cool, hipster show. I am the bullet dodger. I feel like Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction. That wasn’t a mistake, you know? God did that.”

Glover's career has since flourished, with hits like 'Atlanta' and 'This Is America,' proving that sometimes the road less traveled is the one that leads to success.

Aubrey Plaza: From Audition to Hosting

Aubrey Plaza, known for her deadpan humor and quirky roles, also faced rejection from 'SNL.' Although she didn’t make it past the preliminary auditions, she made a memorable impression with characters like a “Puerto Rican news reporter that was always trying to make the news stories sexy, even if they were horrific,” and a “pill-popping housewife.”

Despite not landing a spot on the cast, Plaza's career took off with her standout role in 'Parks and Recreation,' and she eventually returned to 'SNL' – this time as a host, showcasing her comedic chops on a platform she once aspired to join.

More Stories of Rejection and Triumph

These stories remind us that rejection can be a stepping stone to greater things. Other big names, like John Mulaney and Kevin Hart, also faced similar hurdles, only to emerge stronger and more successful. Rejection from 'SNL' might sting, but for these stars, it was just the beginning of a bright and thriving career.