nbc.com

Al Franken
<< Previous Cast | Next Cast >> See All Cast
Famed SNL writer/performer AL Franken was born in 1951 in New York City but grew up in suburban Minneapolis. After graduating from Harvard University, Franken returned to Minneapolis where he began performing with longtime friend Tom Davis with the Brave New Workshop comedy troupe. Lorne Michaels caught their act and hired both of them to help create SNL in 1975 as staff writers.

Franken remained with the show until 1980 when he left to try his luck in Hollywood, though there were other reasons in play for his departure. In a sketch called ""A Limo for the Lamo," Franken made a number of disparaging remarks about NBC president Fred Silverman, which may have prompted Lorne Michael's temporary departure from the show.

During a five-year absence from SNL, Franken and friend Tom Davis moved to Hollywood to try their luck as screenwriters. Several of their screenplays went unproduced, but "One More Saturday Night" made it to the big screen.

In 1985, Franken returned to the show and stayed for 10 years as a writer and occasional performer. During this time, he created some of his most popular characters, most notably the self-help guru Stewart Smalley. After leaving SNL a second time, Franken became known as a left-wing political satirist and humorist. He has published a number of books and currently hosts a talk show on the left-wing radio network Air America.
Comments
ADD COMMENTS

HomeEpisodesBiosVideosPhotos ExclusivesCommunityAboutShop
Al Franken Photos
More Photos
Heroes - Nowhere Man

Watch Nowhere Man, the all-new Heroes web series.

Shop online now at the NBC Store!

Blackmail: New Office Web Series

Creed's got secrets. Watch the new web series from the Office.

NBC Video Library

Watch Full Episodes of favorite NBC shows free online. Now with free downloads in HD!