Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Episode Featuring Will Forte
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Amy welcomes her longtime friend and versatile comedian Will Forte. The conversation delves into their shared beginnings at Saturday Night Live (SNL), Will's unique journey in comedy, his latest projects, and personal anecdotes that highlight his charismatic personality.
Early Career and SNL Beginnings
Will Forte reminisces about his transition from a finance intern to a comedy writer and performer. Initially, Will intended to follow in his father's footsteps in the finance world but soon realized his passion lay elsewhere.
"I realized that what I was doing in finance felt boring, and I wanted to pursue something that truly resonated with me."
[15:10]
Amy and Tina Fey discuss Will's impressive SNL audition, highlighting his memorable characters and the dedication he brought to his roles from the outset.
"Will's audition is legendary—it’s one of the funniest you've ever seen."
[18:07]
SNL Audition and Memorable Characters
Will recounts his iconic "gold man" character from his SNL audition, a performance that showcased his willingness to take risks and push comedic boundaries. Although the sketch didn’t make it to air, it remains a testament to his creative daring.
"I did this sketch where my character moved only when money was inserted, making him freeze until more was given. It was a hilarious yet unique concept that really set me apart."
[20:02]
Amy adds that the audition room was filled with laughter, underscoring the immediate impact of Will's performance.
"Everyone was dying of laughter; it was impossible to keep a straight face."
[25:30]
Work Ethic and Personality
The conversation shifts to Will’s renowned work ethic, revealing that he maintained 20,000 steps a day even during his time at SNL.
"Will was always the hardest worker—sometimes to the point of exhaustion. He'd even wear his step tracker like an ankle bracelet during shoots."
[04:06]
Tina Fey praises Will's responsiveness to praise, noting how he thrives on positive reinforcement.
"His love language is words of affirmation. Whenever you compliment him, his face just lights up."
[05:03]
Personal Life and Family
Will shares heartfelt stories about his family, including touching moments with his daughters. He proudly showcases personalized socks adorned with his daughters' faces, highlighting his deep familial bonds.
"My wife gets me socks every Christmas, Father's Day, and birthday with someone's special face on them. It's like walking on my family all the time."
[14:02]
Amy and Will also discuss funny and adorable moments, such as videos of his daughter Zoe’s amusing ice cream adventures.
"Watching little kids with glasses or experiencing new things like ice cream for the first time is just pure joy."
[47:20]
Donkey Kong and Other Interests
Beyond comedy, Will reveals a hidden passion for Donkey Kong, boasting a high registered score that earned him recognition within the gaming community.
"At one point, I had the 29th highest registered Donkey Kong score. It was just a fun challenge that I took seriously."
[44:19]
He humorously recounts his dedication to the game while filming a movie, balancing his professional and personal interests.
Favorite Comedy Influences
Discussing his comedic inspirations, Will cites legends like Steve Martin and Peter Sellers, as well as influential comedy groups such as Monty Python and SCTV.
"Steve Martin was definitely my number one influence. His blend of wit and physical comedy set a standard I aspired to."
[41:04]
Amy echoes the sentiment, emphasizing Steve Martin's impact on their generation.
"Steve Martin spans our lives; he's been a pivotal figure in comedy from our early days."
[41:34]
Memorable Moments and Sketches
A highlight of the episode is the discussion about the beloved SNL sketch featuring Will and Ensemble teammate Wig. The "Jar of Beer" sketch, involving whimsical lyrics about toddlers and spaceships, remains a fan favorite.
"We wrote this sketch about toddlers and spaceships, and it just felt so loose and fun—something only seasoned SNL cast members could pull off."
[53:08]
Will reflects on the creative process behind the sketch and its enduring appeal among fans.
"Developing original songs with Wig was incredibly fun. The creativity just flowed, and the cast loved it."
[53:34]
Latest Projects: "Four Seasons"
Amy congratulates Will on his new Netflix show, "Four Seasons", co-starring Tina Fey. Will expresses his enthusiasm for the project, praising the collaborative writing team and the depth of character development.
"Working with Tina and the incredible writing team made 'Four Seasons' a truly special experience. The characters are so richly developed, and the humor is spot-on."
[38:38]
Amy adds her admiration for Will's acting prowess showcased in the series.
"You're so good in it, Will. It’s a testament to your talent and the fantastic writing behind the show."
[38:35]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with heartfelt exchanges between Amy and Will, celebrating their enduring friendship and collaborative history. They reflect on the joys of creating comedy together and express eagerness for future collaborations.
"It's been so great spending this time together, reminiscing and sharing laughs. We should hang out more often."
[59:27]
Amy wraps up by encouraging listeners to watch "Four Seasons" and check out "King of Kong", a documentary that parallels Will’s dedication to Donkey Kong.
"Don't miss 'Four Seasons' on Netflix and the documentary 'King of Kong' for an incredible look into gaming passion."
[59:44]
Notable Quotes
- "I did 20,000 steps a day, every day for the year." — Will Forte [04:14]
- "His love language is words of affirmation." — Tina Fey [05:03]
- "You just gotta take ownership over the sketch." — Will Forte [34:32]
- "Steve Martin was definitely my number one influence." — Will Forte [41:04]
- "We should hang out more often." — Will Forte [59:27]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler offers a deep dive into Will Forte's multifaceted career, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and the warmth of his personal relationships. Listeners gain insight into the creative processes behind beloved SNL sketches, the making of "Four Seasons," and the enduring bonds formed through years of collaborative comedy.
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Will Forte's work, this episode provides a rich and entertaining exploration of his contributions to the comedy landscape.