Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/260419
From Second City stage actor to Saturday Night Live "Weekend Update" anchor in less than two years, Oak Park native Cecily Strong has taken the fast track to TV comedy stardom. In an exclusive interview, the 30-year-old performer connects with SNL alumna and "Debbie Downer" creator Rachel Dratch about her comedy influences, her craving for Old Jerusalem's Greek salad, and how Chicago's comedy scene was perfect preparation for the big time. Photography by Andrew Eccles u F u F u n u n u y n GIRL 104 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM CECILY STRONG: Hi, Rachel! RACHEL DRATCH: Hi! Isn't it weird we've never met before? CS: I think I said hi to you in the hallway once, or wanted to. RD: Yeah, I think I saw you—it was one of your first shows at the very beginning. I was like, "I think that's her," but then I wasn't sure, and it might have been an awkward inter- lude with you in the hallway. But not a formal "hey." So anyway, what town are you from in the Chicago area? CS: I'm from Oak Park. RD: Okay. When you were growing up, did you say, "I want to be on SNL, I want to be a comedian"? Were you a drama geek? CS: I was a real drama geek, but I also was like, "I definitely want to be on SNL." My friend Susanna and I would copy all of the sketches at this lodge in Michigan we went to every summer, and we were basically, like, the Super Fans. RD: I think that's how we all got our start. Were you the class clown type? CS: I definitely was. There was this great teacher I loved so much, and she really wanted to like me, but I was always in trouble for talking. And then I did a lot of theater; I grew up in Chicago theater, too. When I was in fifth grade, I was cast in Pope Joan at the Bailiwick. RD: You were a child star. You were a Chicago child star. CS: I was a Chicago child actress. 104-107_MA_FEAT_CS_Spring_2014.indd 104 2/11/14 11:31 AM