Canadian comic Veronika Slowikowska is 'a perfect SNL cast member,' say former teacher, colleague

From Toronto's comedy bars to the world-renowned stage of Saturday Night Live, Veronika Slowikowska is the newest Canadian comic – and the first since 1998 – to join the famous sketch comedy show.

Slowikowska's career progression into the comedy big leagues doesn't surprise her former Randolph College teacher Jeannie Wyse, who said Slowikowska "stood out as a triple threat" while a student, for her skills in singing, dancing and acting. 

"I can't say anything other than this is somebody who deserves this success and has worked so hard," Wyse told CBC Radio's Metro Morning. 

While Slowikowska's rise to fame didn't happen overnight, Wyse and former colleague Alia Rasul said her natural talent and dedication to the craft over the years eventually made her "a star."

"She's a perfect SNL cast member in that her character range is expansive," said Rasul, managing artistic director at Bad Dog Theatre Company. 

"So I'm pretty sure she'll be a delight to write for on the writers side."

Slowikowska, from Barrie, Ont., will be among five new cast members joining Saturday Night Live when its 51st season premieres on Oct. 4.

She has amassed  a large following on Instagram and TikTok, going by @veronika_iscool on both platforms, creating viral sketch content with her roommate Kyle Chase.

A 'mind blowing' talent

Typically up and coming comics take a few years to craft their style of comedy, said Rasul, but that wasn't the case for Slowikowska. 

"She was hilarious off the bat. It was mind blowing," Rasul told CBC Radio's Metro Morning. 

She said the most successful comics have at least two out of three important characteristics: you have to be good at your craft, good to work with or be a kind person. 

"[Slowikowska] has all three. Her reputation in the community is just stellar," said Rasul.

She said the "amazing" comedy and theatre scene in Toronto likely helped Slowikowska flourish and grow. 

The most-talented artists from across Canada end up in Toronto and often work together to hone each other's craft, Rasul said.

"I always say that Torontonians are spoiled for good comedy because you could just go to any comedy bar and probably find like the future Veronica," she said.

Randolph College was abuzz with excitement when news broke of Slowikowska's hire, said Wyse. 

She said hearing about the immense success of a former student "proves what's possible" for other young artists hoping to follow in Slowikowska's footsteps.

Saturday Night Live, created and developed by Canadian Lorne Michaels, premiered on Oct. 11, 1975. 

Canadian talent has featured prominently on SNL over its more than five decades on the air, including actors Phil Hartman, Norm Macdonald, Mike Myers, Dan Aykroyd and Martin Short.