Amy Poehler has spoken candidly about the unforgettable and tense experience she had backstage involving a live chimpanzee during a Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch in 2005. The revelation has brought renewed attention to the Amy Poehler SNL chimpanzee incident, highlighting the unpredictable risks of live television comedy and animal actors.
Poehler Reflects on Her Encounter with SNL’s Chimpanzee
While hosting her podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, she interviewed Ariana Grande and recalled the stressful events surrounding a backstage meeting with a chimpanzee named Mikey, who was featured in one of her SNL sketches. Poehler explained the circumstances, stating,
“I was doing a sketch where I think Jason Bateman was the host,”
Amy Poehler, Actor and Comedian. She continued,
“And there was a monkey in the sketch. Like, I would say maybe a chimpanzee. Very formidable. It was too stressful for me. It was like a young chimpanzee,”
Amy Poehler, Actor and Comedian.
The sketch required rapid changes between scenes, which set the backdrop for what happened next.
“I walked past the chimpanzee, and it reached out and grabbed me by the wrist and wouldn’t let go in the middle of a quick change,”
Amy Poehler, Actor and Comedian. Offering a light-hearted take, she added,
“I think it was the blonde hair or my vibe,”
Amy Poehler, Actor and Comedian.
Poehler openly described her reaction:
“I started screaming. And chimpanzees are very strong. I couldn’t get it to let go of me,”
Amy Poehler, Actor and Comedian. She later confirmed that despite the scare, things settled once the incident passed.
The 2005 SNL Sketch with Jason Bateman and Mikey the Chimpanzee
The sketch in question aired in 2005, titled Monkeys Throwing Poop at Celebrities, featuring Jason Bateman and the live chimpanzee, Mikey. Bateman revisited the chaotic experience years later during his SNL monologue in 2020, drawing a contrast between SNL’s use of a real animal then and today’s preference for artificial alternatives for improved safety.
Describing his own brush with the animal, Bateman revealed,
“The chimp unhinges his jaw, he flashes the teeth, and he tries to bite my entire nose off. This is a true story,”
Jason Bateman, Actor. Bateman explained how the situation nearly escalated but shared a surprisingly gentle moment afterwards:
“He’s looking very ashamed of himself, and honest to God, he shuffles over to me, puts his hand up on my shoulder, as if to say, ‘I’m sorry,’”
Jason Bateman, Actor.
“It was a very, very beautiful moment,”
Jason Bateman, Actor.
Reflections on the Risks of Using Live Animals On Set
The Amy Poehler SNL chimpanzee incident sheds light on the unpredictable nature of using real animals in entertainment. Both Poehler’s and Bateman’s memories underline how challenging and serious such risks can be in live performance settings. The chimpanzee, Mikey, left a lasting impression not only due to his unexpected behavior but also for the way the incident was handled by the cast and producers of the show, whose quick thinking ensured safety for all involved.
This memorable episode in SNL’s history serves as a reminder of the unpredictable reality behind comedic performances, especially when it involves animal actors. The story about Amy Poehler, her wrist, and the backstage encounter continues to resonate with fans, offering insight into the pressures and dangers faced in the world of live comedy television.
