Why Was Robert Downey Jr. Fired From ‘SNL’?

Despite nearly fifty years passing since the program’s initial debut on NBC, Saturday Night Live remains one of the most popular broadcast comedy shows on television. Even in an era where sketch comedy risks being irrelevant, as it's often replaced by viral videos, Saturday Night Live has shown an unparalleled ability to identify young talent and bolster their careers. Legendary comedic actors like Bill Murray molded their personalities on the show, while recent seasons have led to rising stars like Will Forte and Kate McKinnon. But there may not be a more surprising SNL alum than Robert Downey Jr., a newly minted Academy Award winner who effectively launched the modern “superhero era” when he was cast as Tony Stark in 2008’s Iron Man. While his brief guest stint was an important moment in his career, Downey Jr. did not have a pleasant experience on Saturday Night Live, and was fired after only appearing in one season.