One of SNL’s Biggest Stars Broke His Neck on Live TV, Forever Altering His Career
Chris Kattan was once one of Saturday Night Live’s most dynamic and physically comedic performers,
known for his high-energy characters and slapstick humor. However, behind the laughs and wild antics,
there was a devastating injury that would change the course of his career forever. In 2001, during a live episode of SNL,
Kattan broke his neck while performing a sketch. For years, he kept the injury a secret,
leading to a painful and challenging journey that impacted not only his health but also his career and personal life.
Chris Kattan’s Rise to SNL Stardom
The mid-1990s marked a period of transition for Saturday Night Live, as legendary cast members such as Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, and Chris Rock exited the show. In response, SNL brought in fresh talent, including Will Ferrell, Tracy Morgan, Ana Gasteyer, and Chris Kattan.
Kattan, whose father, Kip King, was a founding member of the renowned improv group The Groundlings, followed in his footsteps by joining the same troupe. His work with The Groundlings caught the attention of SNL creator Lorne Michaels, leading to his casting on the show in 1996.
During his tenure, Kattan became famous for his highly physical performances and unforgettable characters. Among his most popular creations were Mango, a flamboyant and eccentric performer; Mr. Peepers, a wild, apple-munching primate-like character; and Doug Butabi, one-half of the bobbing-head duo from the Night at the Roxbury sketches alongside Will Ferrell. His energetic and physically demanding performances made him a standout on SNL, but they also took a toll on his body.
The Injury That Changed Everything
Kattan’s commitment to physical comedy ultimately led to his career-altering injury. On May 12, 2001, during an SNL sketch parodying The Golden Girls, Kattan performed one of his signature moves—throwing his body around in exaggerated fashion. While executing a planned fall, he lost control and hit the back of his head on the stage floor. Despite being in immediate pain, Kattan finished the episode and continued his SNL run as if nothing had happened.
For a long time, Kattan kept the severity of his injury a secret. Initially, he hoped the pain would subside on its own, but as the months went by, it only worsened. It wasn’t until nearly a year later, after a visit to a doctor at the urging of his chiropractor, that he discovered the extent of the damage—he had broken his neck.
The Fallout: Surgeries, Addiction, and Career Decline
Kattan underwent multiple surgeries to repair the injury, but the damage was already done. He had lost much of his mobility, and his once-fluid movements became stiff and painful. Over the years, he would undergo a total of five surgeries in an attempt to alleviate the pain and regain functionality.
Despite the life-changing injury occurring on SNL, Kattan revealed in his 2019 memoir, Baby, Don’t Hurt Me: Stories and Scars from Saturday Night Live, that NBC only covered the medical costs for his first two surgeries. After that, he was left to deal with the financial burden on his own. He admitted that he chose not to pursue legal action against the network or the show, but in hindsight, he regrets not advocating for himself.
With the constant pain and mounting medical bills, Kattan turned to prescription painkillers, which led to a battle with addiction. His struggles impacted his career, leading to fewer acting opportunities. While his SNL co-star Will Ferrell skyrocketed to fame in blockbuster comedies, Kattan’s career took a sharp downturn. His 2001 film Corky Romano, though it earned $24 million at the box office, was critically panned. Over the years, he found work in small roles on television and in voice acting, but he never regained the momentum he once had.
The personal toll of his injury was equally devastating. His marriage to model Sunshine Deia Tutt ended in divorce just months after their 2008 wedding. In his memoir, Kattan admitted that the injury not only hurt his career but also strained some of his closest relationships.
A Long Road to Recovery
It wasn’t until 2017 that Kattan publicly addressed his injury for the first time. While competing on Dancing with the Stars, he struggled with mobility, and his stiffness led to questions from viewers. He finally revealed that he had suffered a broken neck in the past, though he didn’t initially go into detail. Unfortunately, his limitations on the dance floor led to an early elimination from the competition.
In his 2019 memoir, Kattan finally shared the full story of his SNL injury and its long-term effects. In interviews, he has since expressed regret about how he handled the situation, wishing he had spoken up sooner to protect both his health and his career. He acknowledged that, at the time, discussing injuries or hardships in the entertainment industry was seen as a sign of weakness, but he now encourages others to advocate for themselves.
Despite his hardships, Kattan has made progress in his recovery. Though he still experiences pain and has permanent nerve damage—making it difficult to fully open and close his hands—he has found ways to cope. He has returned to performing, focusing on stand-up comedy, where he can still showcase his humor without the physical demands of his earlier work.
A New Chapter
While his career may never reach the heights it once did, Kattan has found happiness again. In 2023, he got engaged to his girlfriend, Maria Libri, marking a fresh start in his personal life. He was also present at Saturday Night Live’s 50th-anniversary celebration, where fans noticed his careful movements—a reminder of the injury that forever altered his path.
Although Kattan’s journey has been filled with pain and setbacks, his resilience and love for comedy have kept him going. As he continues to perform and share his story, he remains a testament to the enduring spirit of a performer who refuses to let hardship define him.
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