Sometimes, failure is just the universe redirecting you toward something better. That’s exactly how Caleb Hearon sees it. The openly gay comedian, actor, and writer has built a thriving career filled with authenticity, humor, and heart — even though he twice failed to land a coveted spot on Saturday Night Live.
Today, Hearon is fresh off his HBO special “Caleb Hearon: Model Comedian,” with acting credits in Jurassic World: Dominion and Sweethearts, and an upcoming role in The Devil Wears Prada 2. But rewind a few years, and he was just a young performer hustling in Chicago, chasing the dream that so many comedians share: getting onto SNL.
Twice Rejected, Twice Reborn
Hearon didn’t just audition once. He went through the entire SNL process two times, from performing in front of producers to the nerve-racking screen tests in New York. He poured everything into those moments.
“I really murdered that night,” he recalled in an interview with Vulture. “They loved my stuff.” But despite his best efforts and undeniable charisma, SNL passed on him.
At first, it hurt. But in hindsight, Hearon’s rejection became a turning point. “I would’ve killed for that job the first time,” he said. “I had no career, no followers, no team, it would’ve changed my life. But I’m glad I didn’t get it. It’s not a place for me to work.”
Instead of letting it break him, Hearon used it as fuel. “When they didn’t hire me, it lit a fire under my ass,” he laughed. That spark led him to focus on his own creative voice free from the rigid expectations of television comedy.
Comedy, Confidence, and Owning His Space
In the wake of rejection, Hearon started posting short comedy videos online. His raw, unfiltered humor quickly found an audience. He turned social media into his stage — earning hundreds of thousands of followers who connected with his blend of wit, queer perspective, and Midwestern charm.
That independent success opened doors far beyond SNL. Hearon wrote scripts, landed film roles, and created material that truly reflected who he was. “I don’t like being told what to do,” he admitted. “The way it all worked out — that I get to be in charge, that I get to hire the people I want to work with — it’s way better.”
The MrBeast Moment
Hearon’s rise didn’t go unnoticed, even by other internet heavyweights. Earlier this year, YouTube star MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) posted a now-deleted tweet complaining about a Rolling Stone list that ranked Hearon above him. Hearon, ever the comedian, took it in stride.
“Honestly, no need to apologize,” he told Vanity Fair. “When my special comes out, feel free to share it.” It was a perfect example of Hearon’s humor, sharp but kind, grounded but confident.
Turning Failure into Freedom
Hearon’s story is more than a behind-the-scenes tale of showbiz rejection it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and authenticity. He’s proof that sometimes not getting what you think you want can set you free to build something better.
“I genuinely mean it when I say the two best things that ever happened to me were that I didn’t get that job twice,” Hearon said. “I’m not meant for that place. I like running my own show.”
The Joy of Being Caleb Hearon
Now, with an HBO special under his belt and more projects on the horizon, Hearon radiates joy and gratitude. His journey reminds us that success doesn’t always come from fitting in; it often comes from standing out.
As he continues to create and connect with audiences around the world, one thing is clear: Caleb Hearon didn’t need SNL to make it; he needed to stay true to himself.