St. Paul’s Tommy Brennan Shines in First Major ‘SNL’ Appearance

Tommy Brennan, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, made a notable debut on the iconic sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live, during its 51st season. Appearing in the third episode of the season, Brennan showcased his comedic talent in a segment on Weekend Update, where he engaged in a humorous exchange with co-host Colin Jost.

In his three-and-a-half-minute appearance, the 31-year-old comedian reflected on his recent move to New York City. “Well, it’s a little different from home,” Brennan stated, highlighting his Midwest roots. He shared that he comes from a large family, being one of eight siblings, which prompted laughter from the audience when Jost quipped, “Eight kids, wow, you do not see that a lot.”

Brennan’s anecdotes provided insight into his upbringing. He reminisced about growing up with a cafeteria-style milk machine and a friendly milkman named Tim, who he described as a significant figure in his childhood. “Tim the milkman was a big part of my life,” he said. “He’d show up, he’d replace the milk, we’d play catch, he’d call me ‘son.’ I’d be, like, ‘Why do I look so much like you?’”

Jost humorously suggested that Brennan’s childhood sounded like it belonged to a bygone era. In response, Brennan joked, “I look like a locket photo during World War I. You know, I look like a guy who was really good at football pre-integration.” His self-deprecating humor and relatable storytelling resonated with the audience, further establishing his comedic voice.

The segment also touched on Brennan’s experience navigating the New York subway system, where he recounted the thrill of jumping his first turnstile. “It was cool. It was exhilarating. It was thrilling,” he said, expressing pride in his small triumph, even if it occurred while exiting the station.

In a final humorous note, Brennan addressed his Catholic upbringing and the accompanying guilt. He lightheartedly admitted, “I couldn’t confess to the one sin that me and every other 12-year-old boy was committing constantly.” This blend of personal anecdotes and sharp wit helped Brennan connect with viewers.

As a new featured player among a cast of ten repertory and seven featured players, Brennan will need to continue capturing the audience’s attention to secure more screen time on SNL. His debut marks a significant step in his career, and many will be watching to see how he develops in this high-profile role.

Brennan’s appearance not only highlights his comedic talent but also offers a glimpse into the diverse backgrounds represented on the show. With a blend of humor and authenticity, he is poised to become a memorable part of the SNL legacy.