SNL’s Sarah ‘Squirm’ Sherman is determined to make you uncomfortable

Photo Courtesy of Sarah Sherman

Simply put, SNL‘s Sarah Sherman is ready to gross out Kansas City. Her words, not ours. On her upcoming Live + In the Flesh comedy tour, the comedian guarantees you’ll be repulsed. “Bring your barf bags,” she warned—and that’s before we even asked. 

Long before she was SNL‘s affable, resident weirdo, Sherman scored a particular nickname in high school because she was—well, vile. She saw it as a badge of honor. “My friends called me ‘Squirmin’ Sherman’ because I was so disgusting, of course,” she says. 

Now, she’s bringing her unpleasant sensibilities to The Truman on July 27. Kansas City was apparently a mandatory stop. “I’m so excited. Not to brag, but when I was booking this tour, I said to my booking agent, ‘I want to go to New Orleans, I want to go to Detroit, and I want to go to Kansas City,'” she says. “And those were my goals for the summer.” 

We had a quick interview to discuss all things heinous and how bummed she was to miss Big Slick in June with many of her SNL castmates. We’re guessing she won’t let it slip next time.

The Pitch: So, Sarah Squirm. Where did that come from?

Sarah Sherman: It actually came from a nickname in high school. ‘Squirmin’ Sherman’ just evolved to Squirm—and now that’s just my name, I guess. 

Why is that again?

I am gross, I like gross stuff, and the show that I do is extremely gross. It’s not for the faint of heart. The audience during the show—it’s funny, like, there’s obviously laughter. It is a comedy show, but people really do scream and squirm in their seats, run out to the parking lot, and puke.

We’re in our Squirm era. Makes sense. I’ve read the words unconventional and frenetic to describe your comedy. How would you describe it?

Funny. Funny and loud. Maybe loud. I like it when things are as outrageous as possible.

Outta the gate, what’s your biggest takeaway from being a featured player to now being a beloved rep player on SNL?

While it’s fun to write your own sketch and be a crazy character, it’s also equally as rewarding to just be a straight man and support the idea of the scene. Like, just be part of something great. And that’s what you get to do as a regular repertory cast member. You have to be the straight man in a lot of sketches. And it’s really fun. It’s surprisingly fun and rewarding.

Looking back, was there a host that surprised you? I mean, somebody who really went for it. Or maybe should have gone for it?

I mean, I know that the Ryan Gosling episode has been extremely popular. But I was so impressed by how he took being a really committed, serious actor and became this hilarious comedian. He’s a hilarious comedic actor who takes into account a lot of serious acting stuff—like character motivation. He was asking me what my character motivation was, and I was like, ‘I guess I didn’t really think about that, because I’m in a two-minute sketch with two lines.’ Taking the job that seriously leads to a great outcome.

I love that all your recurring characters are essentially you. Was that by design?

Photo Courtesy of Sarah Sherman

You know, it’s coming from stand-up. It’s all I know how to do. So, I just went with that. When I first started on the show, it was a big learning curve—it’s a really, really crazy job. I was writing stuff that wasn’t getting on the show and I was finding my sea legs.

I was writing all these characters because I thought that’s what I had to do. And then Colin was like, ‘Why don’t you just come on Weekend Update and be yourself with me?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, I can do that? Okay.’ And then, unfortunately, I took the opportunity. So, he gave me an inch, and I took a mile.

That Colin Jost bit has paid off in spades.

I’ve got the Please Don’t Destroy boys and writer Dan Bulla to thank for that. And Colin as well. I think it works because he’s laughing the whole time. He’s so fun.

Do you have a favorite sketch from this past season—one that really sticks out in your brain?

Me and Dan Bulla wrote this sketch called ‘The Anomalous Man’ with Dua Lipa—where I played a human creature-hybrid that Dua Lipa fell in love with. That was really fun because I got to have fun with prosthetics. And I had an eyeball on my back—and that’s when I get to have the most fun.

What should Kansas City expect this month? The way you make it sound, I’m fully expecting to start shifting around in my seat.

It’s wear-a-poncho-bring-your-barf-bags disgusting. Not only am I saying some disgusting stuff, but I make all these videos that I show. If you’re afraid of blood, vomit, and poop, you might have to watch the show through your fingers. But it is for everyone. That’s the best part about comedy—even if something scares you and pushes you away, comedy alllllways brings you back in.

Not even a month ago, there was an SNL reunion here in Kansas City for Big Slick. Lots of your cast members joined Heidi Gardner for this big, celebrity philanthropic event. You need to join in the fun next year. 

I know, I was having so much FOMO. It looked so fun. 

Have you been to Kansas City? We’re gonna embrace you with open arms and barbecue. What do ya know about KC?

Ah! Go Chiefs, Heidi Gardner, Travis Kelce, and a really amazing DIY art scene. There’s a music video director that I’m obsessed with, Cody Critcheloe. He directs a bunch of music videos for the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. He also made a bunch of music videos that all took place in Kansas City. These music videos are all so awesome—so you know the scene must be amazing.

Interview has been edited for content and clarity.