Jeremy Culhane Allegedly ‘Messed Up Big’ During His ‘SNL’ Showcase Audition, Audience Member Claims

Everybody makes mistakes, but Jeremy Culhane’s onstage mishap might have cemented his spot on Saturday Night Live.

TikToker Lauren Payton recently shared that playing off a major prop malfunction during his Upright Citizens Brigade showcase audition earned Culhane “the biggest laugh of the night.” While Culhane was performing a sketch about a weapon-wielding preacher, the handle of his prop nunchuck flew off its chain and into the crowd filled with comedy fans and SNL representatives. 

“He’s like, ‘Oh my god did it hit anyone? Is it okay?’” she remembered of Culhane’s reaction to nearly taking out an audience member. After confirming he didn’t injure a Hollywood higher-up or anyone else with his unwieldy nunchucks, the actor let his comedy chops take over. 

“Well, uh, none of this is gonna make sense now ‘cause we’re all thinking about that,” he allegedly joked before snapping right back into his priest character, starting with the line, “I used to be addicted to giving women head.”

Fortunately, this fourth-wall-breaking risk paid off. “He crushed,” Payton recalled of the switch. “It was so funny that I literally took a picture of him and his name because I was like, ‘That guy is going to be on SNL.’” 

Payton’s instincts were spot-on. On Tuesday, Culhane was one of five comedians announced as new cast members for SNL’s 51st season, a decision she said spoke to his “impressive” talent. “(There’s) something to be said for someone who can mess up in front of a whole audience and keep the ball rolling,” she concluded of Culhane’s snafu.