COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As NBC celebrates the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” a film about the show’s beginnings has arrived on Netflix, with a Columbus native in a starring role.
Cory Michael Smith, known for roles in “May December,” “Transatlantic,” and “Carol,” as well as the TV series “Gotham,” took on a fresh challenge in the ensemble piece, a departure from his previous work in darker, more dramatic roles.
“This is my first comedy, but the thing that I sort of employed early on, I was like a forensic scientist,” Smith said about his part as Chevy Chase in an interview for IMDb. “I could read it [the script] and I’m like, ‘OK, I know how I would like, say these jokes or these lines as Cory, but I need to study Chevy enough that I feel like his instincts are in my brain.’”
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 07: Cory Michael Smith talks about the film “Saturday Night” at the 47th Denver Film Festival: 5280 Award Honoring Gabriel LaBelle, Cory Michael Smith, Eric Steelberg, Gil Kenan, And Jason Reitman Of “Saturday Night” at MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater on November 07, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Thomas Cooper/Getty Images) 
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 07: Jason Reitman and Cory Michael Smith talk at the 47th Denver Film Festival: 5280 Award Honoring Gabriel LaBelle, Cory Michael Smith, Eric Steelberg, Gil Kenan, And Jason Reitman Of “Saturday Night” at MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater on November 07, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Thomas Cooper/Getty Images) 
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode — Pictured: Chevy Chase — Photo by: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 19: Cory Michael Smith attends the 2024 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) 
UNSPECIFIED – MAY 1: Comedian actor Chevy Chase feigning a fall out of an elevator CREDIT MUST READ: Arthur Elgort/Conde Nast via Getty Images. (Photo by Arthur Elgort/Conde Nast via Getty Images) 
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 17 — Air Date 04/17/1975 — Pictured: (l-r) Ron Nessen, Chevy Chase as President Gerald Ford during “An Oval Office” skit on April 17, 1975 (Photo by NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) 
Chevy Chase of “NBC’s Saturday Night” TV show with President Gerald Ford at a Washington Correspondent’s dinner reception. 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 16: Cory Michael Smith attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix’s “May December” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Smith also said he spent hundreds of hours watching Chase in preparation for the production. With the excitement surrounding the 50th anniversary of “SNL,” Smith’s involvement in the film honoring its legacy feels especially timely.
The Jason Reitman picture takes a behind-the-scenes look at the cultural phenomenon of “Saturday Night Live,” delving into the 90 minutes that lead up to the show’s first broadcast in 1975. Smith’s portrayal of Chase adds an intricate layer to the cast, immersing viewers in live television’s high-energy, pressure-packed world.
The 38-year-old, a graduate of Hilliard Darby High School and Otterbein University, launched his career on Broadway, before moving on to film and TV.
IMDb lists three upcoming projects for him, including the thriller “Famous,” the dramatic comedy “Sentimental Value,” both in post-production and “The Nightbeast,” listed in pre-production.
