Comedian Molly Shannon has shared a fascinating anecdote from her early career, revealing how she used to observe and “study” celebrities like Jennifer Aniston who frequented a Los Angeles restaurant where she worked as a hostess in the early 1990s. The restaurant, Cravings on the Sunset Strip, which has since closed, was a popular spot for industry figures before they achieved widespread fame.
A Glimpse into Early Stardom
Shannon, now a celebrated actress and comedian, recounted on Late Night with Seth Meyers that Jennifer Aniston was a regular at Cravings before her breakout role in the sitcom Friends. “Jennifer Aniston would always come in before she was really famous. And I would study her,” Shannon revealed. She was particularly struck by Aniston’s demeanor and appearance, noting, “She’d have her hair blown dry straight.”
The future Saturday Night Live star was deeply impressed by Aniston’s apparent professionalism and foresight. “I was so impressed with her business savvy,” Shannon explained. Aniston would reportedly arrive early for her meetings with agents, ensuring her table was perfectly set and ready. “She had like, crystal blue eyes. And I was like, whoa, she is all business,” Shannon marveled, adding, “So I would stand at my hostess stand studying what it was like to become a superstar, studying Jennifer Aniston.”
From Hostess Stand to Sketch Comedy
Shannon’s own career trajectory took off shortly after Aniston’s. Aniston’s role in Friends began in 1994, and Shannon joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1995. The two women would later reunite on the SNL stage when Aniston hosted the show in 1999, even participating in a comedic sketch that involved a mock catfight.
The experience of observing Aniston provided Shannon with valuable insights as she navigated her own path in the entertainment industry. It offered a tangible example of the dedication and strategic approach required to achieve and sustain a high level of success in Hollywood.
Other Celebrity Encounters at Cravings
Shannon’s time at Cravings also led to other memorable celebrity encounters. She recalled that Julia Roberts was another frequent visitor. However, Roberts’s dining choices were notably simple, which intrigued Shannon. “Julia Roberts used to come in too for breakfast,” Shannon told Jimmy Kimmel. “She just ordered sausage. And I was like, ‘That’s so interesting!’ Just sausage. I was like, ‘Maybe she already had breakfast before?’ Superstars eat sausage – just protein, no carbs.” This observation, though lighthearted, reflects Shannon’s keen eye for detail and her curiosity about the habits of successful individuals.
A Career Built on Diverse Experiences
Shannon’s early working life was marked by a variety of service industry jobs. In addition to her role as a hostess at Cravings, she also worked as a waitress at establishments like Melrose Baking Company, The Old Spaghetti Factory, and Horn & Hardart automat. These experiences provided a rich backdrop for her comedic observations and likely contributed to her ability to portray diverse characters.
Her career has since flourished, with numerous acclaimed roles in film and television. She reunited with fellow SNL alum Will Ferrell for the comedy series The Hawk, which premiered on Netflix. The show features Ferrell as a golfer and Shannon as his estranged wife. Other notable cast members include Luke Wilson, Jimmy Tatro, Fortune Feimster, Chris Parnell, and David Hornsby.
Recognition and Personal Life
Shannon’s contributions to comedy have been widely recognized. She has received multiple Emmy nominations and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 22. Her induction ceremony featured guest speakers Connie Britton and fellow comedian Will Ferrell.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shannon is a mother of two. She has a daughter, Stella, aged 22, and a son, Nolan, aged 21, from her 22-year marriage to painter Fritz Chesnut. Chesnut recently had an exhibition at the Cadogan Gallery in Milan, Italy.
Shannon continues to be an active presence in the entertainment world, appearing on talk shows and engaging in brand partnerships. Her journey from observing future stars at a restaurant hostess stand to becoming a beloved comedic icon is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and unique perspective.
