Mike Myers Reflects on Anxiety and Early Challenges at Saturday Night Live

The comedian reveals how imposter syndrome and performance pressure shaped his early days on the iconic sketch show.

Mike Myers disclosed that he experienced an anxiety attack when he first joined Saturday Night Live in 1989, overwhelmed by the talent of his castmates.
He specifically admired and felt intimidated by performers like Phil Hartman, Dana Carvey, Kevin Nealon, and Jan Hooks, whom he described as exceptionally skilled.
Myers' journey to SNL began with his Wayne Campbell character, which gained popularity through his work with the Chicago improv troupe Second City.
Before joining SNL, Myers lived in England and was unfamiliar with the show, as it was not widely known there and conflicted with his priority of watching Toronto Maple Leafs games in Canada.
Despite initial challenges, Myers turned his anxiety into motivation, eventually becoming one of SNL’s most beloved performers and creating iconic characters like Wayne Campbell.