Post by rangel on Sept 18, 2008 21:10:06 GMT -5
...If he had worked under Lorne Micheal's instead of Dick Ebersol?
I don't think Micheal's is racist, it's just looking over the show's history, the track record of African americans who broke through in popularity during his run as producer is curiously underwhelming.
Garret Morris (1975-1980): He had his moments ("Baseball has been berry good to me!"), but was largely misused and typecast in stereotypical roles. Certainly never made it as huge as the other Not Ready for Prime time Players
Danitra Vance (1985-1986): Was dyslexic and couldn't read the cue cards. Was typecast in stereotypical roles and left the show a year later in frustration.
Damon Wayans (1985-1986): Felt he was misused. Ended up breaking character in a sketch and was subsequently fired.
Chris Rock (1990-1993): He did break out...just not while on the show, where the only mark he left was Nat X and some funny Weekend Update commentaries (in fairness, Rock was alot like Dennis Miller and Norm MacDonald, guys who did better at the Weekend Update desk rather than performing sketches. I don't think Rock did that many sketches during his HBO show either).
Ellen Cleghorn (1991-1995): She did well, I think (loved the Natalie Cole skit), but she was quickly forgotten as soon as she left. She had a WB show that lasted 12 episodes.
Tim Meadows (1991-2000): Was on the show for ten years and was likable enough, even though he only had one good character out of his run (granted, a very good character in Ladies Man; LOVED the movie myself). After he left, he quickly fell to obscurity.
Tracy Morgan (1996-2003): I never liked Morgan personally myself (thanks alot for ruining Scare Tactics!). He was really AWFUL in his first few years (he was overweight and had that lisp), but admittedly got better and even had good characters like Brian Fellow and Astronaut Jones. Now has a recurring role on 30 Rock. I guess he is the third successful African american SNL cast member (after Murphy and Rock).
Maya Rudolph (1999-2007): Arguably the most successful black woman cast member. She was talented and versatile, especially with those Wake Up, Wakefield sketches that I love (on the other hand, her biracial background did make it easier for her to play prominent roles that couldn't have been played by Ellen Cleghorn, like Donatella Versache).
Jerry Minor (2000-2001): Had a good run on Mr. Show, but his time on SNL was short and unmemorable. Was fired at the end of the season; only noteworthy role since was Louis C.K.'s canceled show.
Dean Edwards (2001-2003): pretty much forgettable.
Finesse Mitchell (2003-2006): Ditto.
Kenan Thompson (2003-Present): I'm probably the few who actually like him (mostly out of love for All That). That said, it's close to five years, and he hasn't done ANYTHING noteworthy on the show.
Granted, perhaps Dick Ebersol (or Jean Doumanian more appropriately) just lucked out in having Eddie auditioned for the show that season. And maybe Lorne would be better off finding black cast members who have actual talent. But I think Eddie's path to career stardom would have been a lot different if he was hired anytime when Lorne is in charge.
