British actress Ella Hunt meticulously studied legendary comedienne Gilda Radner to prepare for her portrayal in the new movie 'SNL 1975,' which chronicles the iconic comedy sketch show's premiere episode.
"Horizon" star Ella Hunt has embarked on two captivating cinematic adventures this year, one of which required her to immerse herself in the spirit of an iconic comedy legend. In the upcoming film 'SNL 1975,' Hunt portrays Gilda Radner, the beloved "Saturday Night Live" cast member renowned for her memorable characters and satirical humor.
To fully embody Radner's essence, Hunt spent countless hours studying videos of the comedienne, delving deep into her performances and mannerisms. She also engaged in conversations with Radner's close friends, gathering insights and anecdotes that helped her capture the spirit of the late star.
Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner in Upcoming 'SNL 1975' Film
"I honestly just had a wonderful four months, sat at home with my cats watching funny videos of Gilda and trying to copy her, channel some of the spirit," Hunt shared with Fox News Digital. "I had wonderful conversations with friends of hers, and just tried to get silly."
'SNL 1975' follows the events leading up to and including the premiere episode of "Saturday Night Live" on October 11, 1975. Hunt's portrayal of Radner will be showcased alongside an ensemble cast that includes Dylan O'Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, and Matt Wood as John Belushi.
Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner in Upcoming 'SNL 1975' Film
During her time on the groundbreaking sketch comedy show, Radner created a gallery of memorable characters, including Roseanne Roseannadanna, Lisa Loopner, and Baba Wawa, a parody of Barbara Walters. Her comedic timing and biting wit left a lasting impact on the entertainment world.
Ella Hunt's dedication to the role extended beyond her preparation for 'SNL 1975.' She also took on the challenging role of Juliette Chesney in Kevin Costner's Western epic "Horizon," a multi-part series exploring the westward expansion of the United States.
Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner in Upcoming 'SNL 1975' Film
In this role, Hunt drew inspiration from the journals of women who traveled west during that era. Their words provided her with a firsthand account of the hardships and triumphs they faced.
"I had a lovely time reading the diaries of women traveling west on the Oregon trail," Hunt said. "Their voices are strangely familiar. Their journeys are extraordinary. It's just so fascinating to me to hear about the boredom of the journey and the struggle, and the things that women had to do on the trail."
Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner in Upcoming 'SNL 1975' Film
Hunt's collaboration with Costner on the character of Juliette Chesney further enriched her experience. She valued the opportunity to delve into the character's evolution and to create a well-rounded portrayal.
"The other thing I did was just try to map out, with Kevin, Juliette's journey, because she does evolve pretty drastically over the course of movie one and movie two, and especially across the second film. It just meant so much to me to get to play a character like her and to get to build her with Kevin," she explained.
Ella Hunt Embodies Gilda Radner in Upcoming 'SNL 1975' Film
With the release of "Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1" in theaters and the highly anticipated premiere of 'SNL 1975' on the horizon, Ella Hunt's versatility and talent as an actress continue to shine. Her ability to capture the essence of such iconic figures is a testament to her dedication and her passion for storytelling.
