Abby Elliott, the Golden Globe-nominated star of The Bear, has navigated the highs and lows of a career in comedy, emerging resilient and successful. Known for her comedic pedigree, Elliott is the daughter and granddaughter of comedy legends, with her father Chris Elliott and grandfather Bob Elliott having left indelible marks on the industry. Her own journey took a significant turn when she joined the ranks of Saturday Night Live (SNL), only to face the heart-wrenching experience of being let go from the show.
“Every week was a new week, and your happiness would depend on whether you got something on air or not,” Elliott recently shared with The Independent. “And if three weeks went by without a sketch, you’d think, ‘Uh-oh, am I going to be fired?’… There was always that looming threat of getting fired. That was the worst that could happen. And then, I kind of did.”
From Comedy Royalty to SNL
Born in New York City in 1987, Abby Elliott’s path seemed almost predestined. She left college in 2006 to pursue a career in showbiz, initially aiming for drama. However, her comedic roots drew her towards improv, where she found success with renowned troupes like The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade. This trajectory eventually led her to the iconic Studio 8H at SNL.
Elliott carved out a niche for herself as an impersonator, much like Chloe Fineman in the current SNL cast. Her impressions of celebrities such as Rachel Maddow and Angelina Jolie became fan favorites. Despite her talent, Elliott faced the harsh realities of the competitive environment at SNL.
The Decision to Leave
Initially, Elliott approached SNL’s creator, Lorne Michaels, with the intention of leaving, but soon reconsidered. “I went back to him with my tail between my legs, asking to stay,” she explained. However, after that season, Michaels decided to let her go. “No, I’m going to cut you loose,” he told her.
Her departure in 2012 coincided with the exits of fellow cast members Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg, paving the way for a new generation of talent, including Cecily Strong, Tim Robinson, and Kate McKinnon.
“As much as I enjoyed being on that show, sketch comedy wasn’t going to be it for me. It’s not why I started, and it’s not how I wanted to end,” Elliott reflected.
Finding Her Niche in Television
Following her departure from SNL, Elliott transitioned to scripted television, finding her stride in sitcoms such as Fran Drescher’s Indebted and, more recently, The Bear. In the latter, she portrays Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto, a role that has garnered her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
Last year, Elliott was nominated alongside acting heavyweights like Meryl Streep and Christina Ricci, ultimately losing to Elizabeth Debicki for her portrayal of Princess Diana in The Crown. Despite not taking home the award, the nomination itself was a testament to her talent and versatility.
The Road Ahead
Abby Elliott’s journey from the pressures of SNL to her current success in television illustrates the resilience required in the entertainment industry. Her ability to adapt and thrive in different comedic environments speaks to her skill and determination.
Looking forward, Elliott continues to explore new roles and opportunities, building on her family’s legacy while forging her own path. As she reflects on her experiences, she remains committed to making audiences laugh, no matter the medium.
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