Will Forte: 'SNL Still Makes Me Nervous' Every Time He Returns

You possess this cellular memory that kicks in when you step through the door," says the actor from "MacGruber.

Key points

Will Forte shares with EW that coming back toSaturday Night Live"still gives me anxiety" 16 years after leaving the show.
The MacGruberThe actor mentions he rarely thought about the accomplishment of working atSNLduring his tenure there: "You're simply moving forward."
The star explains how SNL50offered a unique chance to realize "how exceptional" it was to be employed atSNL: "What an honor!"

Will Forte loved his time on Saturday Night Live- but returning to 30 Rock still gives him the creeps. - but going back to 30 Rock still makes him uneasy. - but heading back to 30 Rock still gives him a bad feeling. - but returning to 30 Rock still unsettles him. - but going back to 30 Rock still gives him the shivers.

The MacGruber actor tells Entertainment Weeklythat coming back to Studio 8H evokes a variety of feelings even 16 years after departing the comedy series.

It's amazing. It's really enjoyable being back," he states. "It still gives me nerves every time I step into that building. It's part of every cell in your body — there's this deep-seated memory that comes alive when you cross the threshold.

He adds, "But there are also many old friends who continue to work there behind the scenes, and this amazing sense of continuity with the entire family that's still around. And that aspect is wonderful. It's so enjoyable to be back with this new group of actors."

Forte worked on SNLfrom 2002 until 2010. He has recentlycame back to the show with a new MacGruber sketch when Glen Powellhosted the program in October. Prior to that, he participated with numerous former participants of the show for its 50th anniversary event in February 2025.

The 50th anniversary was an extremely special moment," Forte recalls. "Because when you're there, it's this incredible place with a rich tradition, and it's a great honor to be part of it, but you're constantly working through each week and feeling stressed, and once you get through the week, you have to immediately jump into the next one. You don't have much time to step back and see the bigger picture. You're just moving ahead.

SNL50, he says, was different. "The 50th was a really enjoyable experience that allowed me to truly reflect, 'Wow, what an extraordinary opportunity I was part of,'" Forte explains. "One of my main goals when entering comedy was getting on"SNLBeing a part of it—what a privilege!

The comedian refers to the celebrations as a somewhat intense experience. "It was a lot to absorb and it was really enjoyable and unique," he mentions. "You really had a chance to think a bit, which didn't always happen. Occasionally while I was there, it would hit me: 'Oh my God, I'm at"Saturday Night Live"Right now! My dream job!" But most of the time you're feeling overwhelmed. "Oh no, what are we going to do this week?" So this was a moment when you could truly unwind and enjoy yourself.

However, the festivities also brought about new chances for anxiety.

Wherever you looked, there was a new exciting person. So many people who I had been a fan of from the show that I never got to meet," Forte says. "I've been nearBill Murrayso many times, but never found the bravery to approach and introduce myself. I still feel awestruck around others, becoming very quiet and reserved. Even with people who are extremely easy to converse with, likeMartin Short— Martin Short is couldn't be more of a kind person, and I still end up getting really quiet. I just turn into a dummy. So people are very understanding with me.

Forte continues to remind himself that he is part of the same legacy as numerous other idols. "I'm in awe of so many of them," he says. "It was really enjoyable because I kept meeting these amazing individuals I admire, and I'd think, 'Oh right, I'm a part of this too. Wow, what an incredible experience.'"

Forte has recently collaborated with Teva to initiate a campaign aimed at increasing awareness about Huntington's disease. The actor's brother-in-law, Douglas, was diagnosed with this genetic disorder, which leads to the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, impacting physical movement, cognitive functions, and psychological well-being.

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More individuals are affected by Huntington's disease compared to ALS, yet ALS is more widely recognized, which is why we're working to raise awareness," Forte states. "Our goal is to gain support and build a stronger community to assist those living with Huntington's, as well as to educate those who are not affected about the condition.

The performer highlights the significance of openly addressing the issue. "The more you can be there to support your family members or friends who are experiencing it and build a strong network around them, the better," he states. "And keep talking about it. Just keep discussing it. The more you talk about it, the better. Because it's common to feel nervous, thinking, 'Am I going to say the right thing? What should I say?' But saying something is always better than saying nothing."

You may discover more about Forte's family's journey with Huntington's disease on theHonestlyHD website.

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