Podcast Summary: Pablo Torre Finds Out

Episode: “Will Forte Commits to the Bit”

Host: Pablo Torre
Guest: Will Forte
Date: May 8, 2025

Brief Overview

In this deeply entertaining and revealing episode, Pablo Torre welcomes comedy icon Will Forte for an exploration of Forte’s career, comedic philosophy, and commitment to absurdist humor. Ranging from SNL anecdotes and the creative origins of MacGruber, to wilder tales of friendship (including living with Val Kilmer), the conversation paints a portrait of a unique comedic mind fiercely loyal to his particular, lovable weirdness. The episode is as much a celebration of Forte’s “committing to the bit” as it is a meditation on standing firm in one’s artistic sensibility.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Myth & Reality of Will Forte (00:38–03:30)

• Pablo shares how Forte’s reputation for “commitment” precedes him—both in karaoke and onstage.
• “This is part of your myth and reality...all feels almost too absurd to be your life, but this is the case.” (Pablo Torre, 03:06)

2. Forte’s SNL Audition and Comedic Genesis (05:15–10:40)

• Will details his path from writing on That 70s Show to auditioning for SNL, reluctantly at first.
• He shares the “Gold Man” act: a man painted gold who cannot move until someone puts money in, leading to a surreal song.
• Notable Moment: Will performs the “Gold Man” song live, which ends with the indelible line: “I suck for my face paint.” (08:00–10:40)

3. On Taking Over as George W. Bush on SNL (10:40–15:50)

• Discusses being cast to play Bush after Will Ferrell and his discomfort with impersonations.
• Recalls the relief when Jason Sudeikis took over the impression, freeing Will to explore stranger sketches.
• “Once I was free of the Bush thing...got to start doing the kind of stuff that I like to do now.” (Will Forte, 15:03)

4. Pranks, Omelets, and Keyboard Confessions (16:03–19:12)

• Will recounts legendary pranks among writer friends, such as tossing an omelet out the window and swapping pubic hair–covered keyboards.
• Reflects humorously (and with some regret, as a father) on his younger, wilder years.

5. Artistic Intent and “Favorite-of-the-Few” Mindset (19:12–24:07)

• Forte’s creative mantra: He prefers producing work that a few people really love over something broadly liked.
• “I'd rather have less people like it more than more people liking it.” (Will Forte, 19:43)

6. SNL Classic Sketches: Peyton Manning, Potato Chips, and Beyond (20:16–24:07)

• Reminisces about the Peyton Manning motivational sketch—improvised dance moment credited to John Lutz.
• Explains the genesis of the bizarre “Potato Chip” NASA sketch, showcasing SNL’s collaborative process.

7. The Cult of MacGruber: Origins, Reception & Commitment (24:07–32:30)

• Pablo calls MacGruber his favorite comedy; Will and Pablo discuss the movie’s journey from SNL sketch to “cult classic.”
• Rejection by mainstream audiences led to a sense of doubt, mitigated by the later passionate fanbase.
• “When we did MacGruber, it was the exact movie we wanted to make...and then it just sh*t the bed so hard.” (Will Forte, 25:41)
• Will and Pablo dissect infamous scenes—the celery distraction, the infamous sex scenes, and what it meant to be “all in.”

8. Pushing Boundaries & Comic Discomfort (32:03–36:02)

• Forte, Taccone, and Solomon relish stretching scenes just past comfort: “doing stuff for a little longer than people feel comfortable with.”
• Details on filming the “ghost” sex scene with Maya Rudolph, including her experience being eight months pregnant.
• Will’s philosophy of pushing bits: “Commitment, commitment.”

9. Val Kilmer: Friendship, Living Together & Lasting Influence (37:29–46:00)

• Reflects on Val Kilmer’s passing and his close friendship with the star—who played MacGruber’s nemesis.
• Shares surreal and touching stories: Kilmer living with him during a Malibu house dispute, impromptu Doors singalongs, watching 30 Rock together, and Kilmer dressing as Mark Twain for a DVD commentary.
• “He just becomes Val and becomes your buddy...when he sadly passed away...that’s right, this guy who’s my buddy is...just an amazing career he had.” (Will Forte, 40:29–41:32)
• The duo’s aborted plans to compete on The Amazing Race, which reps wouldn’t allow.

10. Career Longevity, Luck, and Next Chapters (46:00–49:13)

• Forte expresses gratitude for his “luckiest guy on earth” journey: Letterman, SNL, MacGruber, Nebraska, Last Man on Earth.
• Open to MacGruber 2, but doubts “anybody would” greenlight it.
• Pablo honors Will’s commitment and the singular way it shapes his comedy and collaborations.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On SNL Auditions:
  “Nobody has ever made [Mike Schur] laugh harder than Will Forte.” (Pablo Torre quoting Mike Schur, 04:42)

• On Bush Impersonation:
  “I don’t agree that I was the right person for that, but...it was my second year when they came and asked me to do it.” (Will Forte, 12:01)

• On Commitment:
  “All three of us...enjoy the, you know, doing stuff for a little longer than people feel comfortable with.” (Will Forte, 32:03)

• On MacGruber’s Reception:
  “My mom...lost some friends...who just couldn’t be friends with her anymore.” (Will Forte, 26:37)

• On Working with Val Kilmer:
  “It was a delight...I just will never forget the stuff that he was just a...it was a delight to get to have that experience with him.” (Will Forte, 41:32)

• On Artistic Approach:
  “I’d rather have less people like it more than more people liking it.” (Will Forte, 19:43)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Will’s SNL Audition and Gold Man Song: 05:15–10:40
• Taking Over George W. Bush on SNL: 10:40–15:50
• Classic SNL Sketches Discussed:
  • Peyton Manning Motivation: 20:16–21:52
  • Potato Chip: 21:52–24:07
• MacGruber’s Creation & Cult Status: 24:07–32:30
• Sex Scenes and “Celery” Story: 29:25–34:27
• Val Kilmer Memories: 37:29–46:00
• Career Reflections & MacGruber 2: 46:00–49:13

Episode in a Nutshell

This episode is a treasure trove for comedy nerds and MacGruber fans alike—a fast-paced, hilarious, and sometimes poignant deep-dive into Will Forte’s comedy career, friendships, and creative worldview. Torre’s admiration and rigorous research elicit candid, joyful, and wonderfully weird anecdotes—a true celebration of “committing to the bit.”