With comedy in their heritage, these folks just want to entertain and make you laugh.
Eight years after meeting at an open mic night in Glendale, Hannah Einbinder and Chloe Fineman have significantly carved their paths in the world of comedy. Einbinder, a child of original “Saturday Night Live” cast member Laraine Newman, now stars alongside Jean Smart in the critically acclaimed series “Hacks” on Max. Meanwhile, Fineman, known for her sharp celebrity impressions on Instagram, has taken her talents to “SNL,” enhancing the legacy her friend once tested for.
Their journey from open mics to significant TV roles mirrors the evolution of comedy itself, a theme deeply explored in “Hacks,” especially in scenes addressing aging and resilience in show business. A poignant moment in the series involves Smart’s character, Deborah, experiencing a severe fall, symbolizing the physical and existential challenges faced by aging comedians. This scene, Einbinder notes, resonates deeply with viewers, particularly older women who see their experiences reflected on screen.
Cracking up about this Hannah Einbinder line about Bernie pic.twitter.com/w9U3mD18V3
— Jonathan ‘Boo and Vote’ Cohn (@JonathanCohn) June 15, 2024
The changing landscape of comedy, influenced heavily by the rise of digital platforms like TikTok and the internet at large, has reshaped how comedians carve their careers. Fineman recalls the initial challenges of performing at male-dominated open mics and how transitioning to online platforms offered a safer, more controlled environment to showcase her work. Yet, it was through these in-person interactions where she found invaluable connections like Einbinder, which she considers a gift to her career and personal growth.
Fineman’s journey took an exciting turn when her impression of Melania Trump during a sketch not only captivated audiences but also caught the attention of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. This encounter led to her casting in Coppola’s movie “Megalopolis,” proving that sometimes, unexpected performances in small shows can lead to significant opportunities. Discussing the transition from sketch comedy to acting, Fineman expresses a natural affinity towards acting, considering her later start in comedy.
‘SNL’s Chloe Fineman Had A Melania Trump Bit So Good It Scored Her Work With Francis Ford Coppola: The comedian said her “weird Melania thing” landed her one of her most prestigious roles yet. https://t.co/AEpc1UHroJ #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/DZx7J2bE4e
— JPNWMN (@JPNWMN) June 14, 2024
On the other hand, Einbinder, who had no initial aspirations beyond stand-up comedy, appreciates the collaborative and creative fulfillment that acting offers, despite it being a departure from her comedic roots. Her story underscores the serendipitous nature of the industry, where performances in local comedy scenes can attract attention from influential figures in the audience.
As both actors navigate their evolving careers, they reflect on the inclusive nature of comedy that initially drew them in—a field unconcerned with appearances but focused on the universal appeal of humor. Fineman points out the contrast with the acting world, where she faced more stringent aesthetic and age expectations, a sentiment that resonates with many in the industry.
Hannah Einbinder uses comedy as a coping mechanism in debut standup special https://t.co/pr9rVgC6DS
— KETK NEWS (@KETK) June 15, 2024
Key Points:
i. Hannah Einbinder and Chloe Fineman, friends since an open mic night eight years ago, have found success in comedy, with Einbinder on “Hacks” and Fineman on “SNL.”
ii. “Hacks” explores themes like aging in comedy, highlighted by a scene where Jean Smart’s character, Deborah, takes a significant fall, resonating with older audiences.
iii. The comedy landscape has shifted due to the internet and platforms like TikTok, changing how comedians launch and sustain their careers.
iv. Fineman’s Melania Trump impression at a small show led to a casting in Francis Ford Coppola’s film “Megalopolis,” showcasing the unpredictability of opportunities in comedy.
v. Both reflect on the inclusiveness of comedy, contrasting it with the more appearance-focused acting industry, highlighting the personal fulfillment they find in their work.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
