Ana Gasteyer recalls Sean “Diddy” Combs’ unprecedented demand for a fully closed rehearsal set during his 1998 SNL appearance, disrupting the show’s usual collaborative environment.
Former Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member Ana Gasteyer has opened up about Sean “Diddy” Combs’ unforgettable appearance as a musical guest on the show in May 1998. Gasteyer revealed that Diddy, known for his larger-than-life persona, caused quite a stir backstage with his demand for a completely closed set during rehearsals — a rarity for SNL.
According to Gasteyer, the demand was unprecedented for the show. SNL typically fosters a collaborative and open environment, where cast members and crew can freely access the studio during rehearsals. The only exceptions are high-profile guests, such as presidential candidates. However, Combs insisted on shutting down the entire building, a move that reportedly disrupted the workflow of the cast and crew.
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Despite the strict conditions, Will Ferrell, known for his comedic brilliance, couldn’t resist poking fun at the situation. During Diddy’s rehearsal of the song “Come with Me” with the New York Philharmonic, Ferrell entered the set dressed as his quirky character “Ron.” The unexpected interruption left Diddy visibly uncomfortable but provided some comic relief to the cast.
Gasteyer, reflecting on the incident, admitted that the request for a closed set was unusual and disruptive. She described it as an example of a “celebrity exception”, a term used to highlight how certain guests impose conditions that stand out from the norm. SNL’s inclusive and collaborative ethos made such exclusive demands feel out of place.
This behind-the-scenes moment sheds light on the creative challenges live television shows like SNL face when working with artists who bring unique demands. While the episode remains a humorous memory for the cast, it also serves as a reminder of the balancing act between accommodating celebrity guests and maintaining the show’s collaborative spirit.
