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In the world of comedy, Shane Gillis is a name that stirred both curiosity and controversy. His brief stint as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL) was marred by offensive comments he made in 2018, leading to his swift departure from the show. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind Shane Gillis’s SNL firing, his career, and the impact of his words.
The Fallout – Shane Gillis’s SNL Firing
Shane Gillis’s entry into the SNL cast was marked by excitement and anticipation. However, just five days after the official announcement, his past came back to haunt him. Old videos and podcasts surfaced, revealing Gillis using hurtful language, including slurs directed at the LGBTQ+ community and derogatory terms aimed at Asian people. The outrage was immediate and widespread, ultimately resulting in his firing.
Despite offering apologies for his past remarks, the damage was already done. His offensive words had deeply upset many, and the backlash was not limited to SNL. The media and various celebrities joined the chorus of criticism. Gillis confessed to feeling “destroyed” by the onslaught on social media and expressed his confusion regarding the rules that led to his termination.
However, the story did not end with his SNL exit. Gillis, determined to bounce back, ventured into the comedy world once again. He secured a role in Pete Davidson’s show “Bupkis,” continued performing stand-up comedy, and made guest appearances on podcasts. Additionally, he released a well-received stand-up special on Netflix titled “Beautiful Dogs.”
Who is Shane Gillis?
Shane Gillis is an American comedian, writer, and podcaster who, despite his SNL setback, has a rich and diverse career. He is best known for co-hosting the successful podcast “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast” with fellow comedian Matt McCusker. This podcast has gained a considerable following on Patreon.
In 2019, Gillis gained widespread recognition when he was named one of the “New Faces” at the annual Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. While this was a positive turning point in his career, it was soon overshadowed by his SNL controversy.
Gillis’s creative journey continued, and in 2021, he released his first comedy special on YouTube titled “Shane Gillis: Live in Austin.” He also collaborated with filmmaker John McKeever on an online sketch series called “Gilly & Keeves,” expanding his artistic horizons.
| Full Name | Shane Michael Gillis |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | December 11, 1987 |
| Age | 35 |
| Place of Birth | Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Education | United States Military Academy, West Chester University, Elon University |
| Occupation | Stand-up comedian, radio personality, sketch comedy writer, and podcaster |
| Nationality | American |
Shane Gillis’s Age and Early Life
As of 2023, Shane Gillis is 35 years old. Born on December 11, 1987, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, he grew up in a town near Harrisburg. Gillis attended Trinity High School in Camp Hill, where he actively participated in football as an offensive tackle and graduated in 2006.
His post-high school journey led him to West Point, although he left after a short period. Subsequently, he enrolled at Elon University, where he briefly pursued football. Eventually, he completed his studies at West Chester University. After college, he embarked on a unique experience by spending six months in Spain, teaching English to locals.
The Journey to Comedy
Shane Gillis’s career in comedy began in 2012 when he started performing regularly in Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To further his comedic aspirations, he relocated to Philadelphia, where he continued to hone his craft. In 2015, Gillis achieved third place in the Helium Comedy Club’s annual “Philly’s Phunniest” tournament, and the following year, he secured the top spot, winning the tournament.
His comedy influences are diverse and include renowned figures like Louis C.K., Norm Macdonald, Dave Chappelle, Patrice O’Neal, Bernie Mac, and Bill Burr. In 2016, Gillis teamed up with Matt McCusker to launch the podcast “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast.” His popularity received a significant boost in 2017 when he became a frequent guest on “The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Dan Soder.” Furthermore, he initiated a weekly show on Compound Media called “A Fair One with Tommy Pope.”
The Road to Recovery
While his SNL firing was a setback, Shane Gillis did not let it define his career. In 2019, he bounced back into the stand-up comedy scene and collaborated with John McKeever on the web series “Gilly and Keeves.” His 2021 live comedy special on YouTube, “Shane Gillis: Live in Austin,” garnered recognition.
In 2023, Gillis released his second live comedy special, “Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs,” on Netflix, signaling his resilience and determination to thrive in the world of comedy.
What Did Shane Gillis Say?
Shane Gillis’s SNL firing was a result of offensive comments he made in the past. In 2018, old videos and podcasts emerged in which he used slurs against the LGBTQ+ community and made derogatory remarks about Asian people, using a disrespectful term. While Gillis offered apologies and stated that he did not intend to harm anyone, the damage was irreversible.
His comments ignited widespread outrage and criticism, with SNL and several celebrities condemning his actions. Gillis acknowledged that his words were inexcusable and referred to them as “bad jokes.” He expressed the sense of being “destroyed” by the social media storm that followed and accepted the consequence of losing his job on SNL.
Why was Shane Gillis Fired from SNL? – FAQs
1. Why was Shane Gillis fired from Saturday Night Live (SNL)?
– Gillis was fired from SNL due to offensive comments he made in 2018, which surfaced shortly after he was announced as a new cast member. These comments contained derogatory language and slurs.
2. Who is Shane Gillis?
– Shane Gillis is an American stand-up comedian, radio personality, sketch comedy writer, and podcaster.
3. How old is Shane Gillis?
– Shane Gillis is 35 years old as of 2023.
4. What are some of Shane Gillis’s recent projects?
– He launched a web series called “Gilly and Keeves” with comedian John McKeever and has made appearances on podcasts like “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
5. What was the title of Shane Gillis’s controversial comedy special that led to his SNL firing?
– Shane Gillis’s controversial comedy special was not explicitly mentioned, but his offensive comments were made in the past on a podcast and in various videos.
Conclusion
Shane Gillis’s journey in the comedy world has been a rollercoaster ride, with the controversy surrounding his SNL firing being a significant chapter. While his offensive remarks in 2018 cast a shadow over his career, he has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to his craft. Gillis continues to make people laugh and entertain audiences, proving that in the world of comedy, second chances are possible.
