She Was Just a Rookie Writer—Then Tina Fey Had to Give Acting Notes to Sylvester Stallone

In the cutthroat world of Saturday Night Live (SNL), even the newest staffers can find themselves thrust into high-pressure situations. Such was the case for Tina Fey, who, during her very first week as a writer on the iconic sketch show in 1997, was tasked with delivering an unexpected note to none other than Sylvester Stallone.

Trial by Fire: Fey’s First Week at SNL

Tina Fey joined SNL as a writer in 1997, a stepping stone that would launch her into comedy stardom. Just days into her tenure, the show was preparing for its season premiere with Sylvester Stallone as guest host. Known for his roles in Rocky and Rambo, Stallone’s distinctive speech—partly due to facial paralysis from birth—posed challenges for sketch clarity.

During the crucial dress rehearsal for the premiere, producer Lorne Michaels identified a problem: Stallone needed to enunciate more clearly, particularly for a sketch titled “Rita.” To address this, Michaels handed the note down to the writing team. Though the veteran writer Scott Wainio was present, it was Tina Fey who was encouraged to deliver the feedback herself—a true “trial by fire” for the rookie.

The Nerve-Wracking Moment

In her memoir Bossypants, Fey vividly recounts nervously knocking on Stallone’s dressing room door and politely asking him to speak more clearly for the live audience’s sake. It was a daunting task; here she was, a newcomer, giving notes to a Hollywood heavyweight. Yet, despite the tension, Stallone reportedly took the feedback with grace and good humor—he was no stranger to critiques of his speech.

Stallone’s Good-Natured Response

Multiple sources—including the Peacock docuseries SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night and reports from People and HuffPost—confirm Stallone’s graciousness. His reaction reflected professionalism and perhaps an understanding born from years of working with his unique vocal style. This reaction likely eased Fey’s anxiety and allowed her to move forward with confidence.

What This Moment Reveals

Fey’s experience is emblematic of SNL’s demanding environment, where even the newest writers must quickly adapt, collaborate, and confront challenges head-on. The episode captures the fast-paced, high-stakes culture of the show—one that forges comedy legends through “trial by fire.”

Fey herself reflects on the incident as a defining early moment in her career, one that tested her resilience and communication skills. It foreshadowed her rise within the SNL ranks and later successes, such as creating 30 Rock and becoming a beloved television host.

Industry and Fan Perspectives

Fans and industry observers have long discussed this story on platforms like Reddit, appreciating the blend of humor and tension it reveals about the entertainment world. Many also recognize Stallone’s speech impediment and the unusual position Fey found herself in—balancing respect for a celebrity with the needs of a live comedy show.

A Defining SNL Anecdote

Ultimately, the story of Tina Fey telling Sylvester Stallone to “enunciate more” is more than just a funny backstage tidbit. It’s a snapshot of SNL’s relentless pace and the unexpected demands placed on its creators. For Fey, it was a baptism by fire that helped shape one of comedy’s most iconic careers.