Jan Hooks

Did you know?!

1. Big break

   In 1985, Hooks talked with producer Lorne Michaels about joining Saturday Night Live, but Joan Cusack got the spot instead. After the 1985-86 season was called a ratings disaster, Michaels gave Hooks another chance, and she was hired for 1986-87.

2. A role that slipped away

   Hooks grew tired of the stress of a live show, so she left SNL in 1991. Linda Bloodworth-Thomason had asked her to take over Jean Smart's role on the CBS sitcom Designing Women, where Hooks played Carlene Dobber for its last two seasons.

3. A role that slipped away

   Hooks declined a part in the 2003 television film The Music Man, a role Molly Shannon took instead. She also said no to bringing back her SNL sketch "The Sweeney Sisters" with Nora Dunn at Carnegie Hall in 2014.

4. First role

   Hooks first appeared on film in 1985, taking the part of a tour guide at the Alamo in Pee-wee's Big Adventure.

5. Early training

   Hooks launched her career with the Groundlings, a comedy troupe based in Los Angeles, and with the Wit's End Players, an Atlanta nightclub act.

6. Early training

   Hooks went to Edison State College, where she majored in theater, but she left the school to pursue acting full-time.