David Spade, the comedic genius, recently shared a glimpse into his time on Saturday Night Live that left fans questioning the sexuality of his characters. In a candid conversation on the Fly on the Wall podcast, Spade revealed that many people approached him, curious about the sexual orientation of the quirky characters he portrayed on the iconic show.
One such character, aptly named Receptionist, saw Spade embodying aloofness to perfection. With lines like, “Oh, and you are…? And this is regarding…?” fans were quick to label the character as gay. Spade recalled the amusing encounters where people would inquire about the sexuality of his sketches, to which he would playfully respond, “I don’t think it’s gay.” But the persistent notion that all his characters were gay seemed to stick.
Even Spade’s own mother fell prey to this misconception, believing that her son might be coming out based on his on-screen portrayals. Reflecting on these moments, Spade humorously admitted, “When I look back, I’m like, Yeah, I see it.”
Diving deeper into his repertoire, Spade touched upon his portrayal of MC Hammer, a sketch where confusion led to comedic gold. The banter between Spade’s character and Hammer brought laughter, with Spade’s signature wit shining through.
In a heartwarming moment, Dana Carvey, another SNL veteran, shed light on the true essence of Spade’s characters. It wasn’t about sexual orientation but about embodying unique personalities with a touch of humor and charm. Carvey emphasized, “It’s just languorous, not any sexual orientation.”
Aside from the infamous Receptionist, Spade’s role as Dennis Finch in Just Shoot Me! showcased his versatility and comedic timing. The character, a former cheerleader turned executive assistant, raised eyebrows, leading to speculations about his sexuality by his own father.
Before gracing the screens with his comedic genius in Just Shoot Me!, Spade charmed audiences as a member of the SNL cast from 1990 to 1996. Collaborating with fellow stars like Chris Farley, Dennis Miller, and Adam Sandler, Spade’s journey from sketch comedy to Hollywood stardom is a testament to his talent and enduring legacy.