E! True Hollywood Story Season 1 Episode 19 Gilda Radner

Gilda Radner, the beloved comedian and actress, is the subject of this episode of E! True Hollywood Story. Radner rose to fame in the 1970s as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live, where she created unforgettable characters like Roseanne Rosannadanna and Emily Litella.

The episode begins by tracing Radner's early life, which was marked by tragedy: her father died when she was only 14, and she was later diagnosed with bulimia and eventually ovarian cancer. Despite these difficulties, Radner found solace in performing and moved to Toronto to hone her craft at the Second City comedy troupe.

Radner's big break came when she was cast on Saturday Night Live in 1975, alongside fellow comedians like John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Chevy Chase. She quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to her razor-sharp wit, infectious energy, and willingness to take risks. The show's creator, Lorne Michaels, describes Radner as "a comet that lit up the sky."

The episode includes interviews with Radner's SNL colleagues, who offer a behind-the-scenes look at the show's early days. They recall Radner's talent for improvisation and her ability to make even the most outlandish characters seem relatable. Belushi, in particular, speaks movingly about the close bond he shared with Radner, who he describes as "my sister."

But Radner's star turn on SNL also had its downsides. She struggled with the pressure of maintaining her comedic brilliance week after week, and her relationship with co-star Chase was strained. In one famous incident, Chase reportedly called Radner a "bitch" during a sketch rehearsal, leading Radner to storm out of the studio in tears.

After leaving SNL in 1980, Radner went on to act in films like The Woman in Red and Haunted Honeymoon, and to publish a best-selling memoir, It's Always Something. But her career was cut short by her battle with ovarian cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 1986. The episode explores Radner's efforts to find humor and hope in the face of this devastating illness, as well as the legacy she left behind.

Overall, the E! True Hollywood Story episode on Gilda Radner serves as a moving tribute to a one-of-a-kind performer whose impact on comedy and popular culture can still be felt today. Through interviews with her friends and colleagues, rare footage of her performances, and firsthand accounts of her struggles and triumphs, the episode offers an intimate portrait of a woman who blazed a trail in the male-dominated world of comedy and left an indelible mark on generations of fans.