Interviews | Posted by TV Time Machine 02.05.12
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Nasim Pedrad of Saturday Night Live is interviewed by host Jim Benson about being a cast member on the legendary variety program.

On this edition of TV Time Machine, we are pleased to welcome a remarkably talented woman whose comic gifts help continue the great tradition of television’s longest-running variety series, the legendary Saturday Night Live. SNL cast member Nasim Pedrad joins host Jim Benson to discuss her life and career journey that began in her birth country of Iran, ultimately arriving in The Big Apple and becoming a major cast member on the comedy classic, Saturday Night Live.

In addition to her hilarious contributions to late night television, Ms. Pedrad is also an accomplished stand-up and improve artist, writer and prime-time actress, having played roles in shows such as Gilmore Girls, E.R. and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Over these three audio segments, Nasim Pedrad explores virtually every aspect of this amazing television and cultural phenomenon known as SNL, and also discusses bringing to life her amazing galaxy of comic characters including Bedleia, Kathy Griffin, Gloria Allred, and many, many more. Again, for those of you intrepid enough to stay up late, feel free to take center stage, as we say ‘never mind’ to the past, and announce… Ladies and Gentlemen, Nasim Pedrad!

Listen to the Interview Below

Nasim Pedrad audio interview Segment One

In this segment, host Jim Benson talks to Saturday Night Live cast member Nasim Pedrad about her family coming to America from Iran, her years growing up in Orange County California, and ultimately making her way to the Big Apple. Ms. Pedrad also discusses the struggles of being a young performer, being inspired by I Love Lucy and the antics of Lucille Ball when she was a young girl and teenager–and also watching Saturday Night Live, which led to a life-long desire to become a regular cast member on the legendary program.

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Nasim Pedrad audio interview Segment Two

For the second segment, host Jim Benson discusses with SNL cast member Nasim Pedrad, the previous casts of Saturday Night Live that had the most influence on her, the incredible longevity of the program, the extraordinary work and talent of producer Lorne Michaels and his remarkable contribution to television. Ms. Pedrad also talks about the rigors of doing a weekly live TV show, her audition for the program, and the day-to-day systems and production structure that help create the wide variety of entertainment seen in every edition of the show.

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Nasim Pedrad audio interview Segment Three

For the final segment, host Jim Benson discusses with Nasim Pedrad what it’s like dealing with her new celebrity, the personal and professional relationships with her fellow cast members, the responsibility of continuing the incredible legacy of SNL, being a writer for the show and creating such hilarious characters as Bedelia–and how they were inspired. In closing, Nasim Pedrad reflects upon her recent phenomenal success–and what she envisions for the future.

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