Latest news with #StephenDeMaria
New York Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
An ‘S.N.L.' Secret Weapon Retires After 50 Years
The Stiegelbauer workshop, where Stephen DeMaria coordinated the construction of sets for 'Saturday Night Live,' is in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, miles from 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Geographically, and in the minds of 'S.N.L.' fans, DeMaria's name was always far removed from the prestige and glamour of the show that has defined American comedy since 1975. But while most viewers have never heard of him, he has spent 50 years setting the scenes for the show's most memorable moments. And now he is done. DeMaria, known as 'Demo' in the shop, retired after the 50th season finale, May 17. The day before, the white-haired, 87-year-old carpenter was leaning over his drafting table, inspecting blueprints and fiddling with the No. 2 pencil usually found behind his ear. For DeMaria and his crew, the show had already begun. Stiegelbauer Associates Inc. is a cross between a shop class and a late-night museum: A Rainbow Room marquee hangs above a workbench; a leftover airplane set sits plastic-wrapped; photos of past sets installed in the show's Studio 8H are framed on every wall. During show weeks, sets are assembled all over the shop by an eclectic crew of craftspeople, many of whom have worked on 'S.N.L.' for decades. As the foreman, DeMaria coordinates the teams assigned to build the sets designed at 30 Rock. Then he oversees the construction, moseying through the shop and kicking up sawdust with his cane as he checks in at the workstations. The cane was the result of an injury he suffered at an end-of-season celebration last year: After a night of tearing up the dance floor, he fell off a curb and broke his hip. 'The best time of my life is the 'S.N.L.' parties,' he said. 'I'll be on the dance floor when I get there, and I won't leave until 5 in the morning.' His favorite, he said, was the 2012 end-of-season party, after an episode hosted by Mick Jagger. 'He was dancing all over the studio, so I got involved,' DeMaria recalled. 'I was dancing with Mick Jagger!' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
CBC
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
'I didn't have a bored day in my life': SNL's master carpenter retires after 50 years
As Saturday Night Live celebrates 50 years on air, one of the sketch comedy show's most enduring and essential behind-the-scenes figures is bidding farewell. Stephen "Demo" DeMaria, a master carpenter who has built the set for every episode since the show's debut on Oct. 11, 1975, is retiring this year at the age of 87. For five decades, DeMaria has been the steady hand behind the scenes, shaping the physical world of SNL and helping turn its bold comedic visions into reality — from the sharp political parodies to the zany pop culture spoofs. Created by Toronto-born Lorne Michaels, SNL revolutionized late-night television with its live format, bold sketch comedy and musical performances. The show quickly became a cultural juggernaut, launching the careers of comedy legends like Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler. And for every sketch — whether it was the Oval Office, a suburban kitchen or a wild game show set — DeMaria was there, meticulously building the backdrops that helped bring each scene to life. "This is going on 51 years for me," DeMaria, known as "The Boss of the Carpenters," told As It Happens host Nil Köksal. Passion for carpentry A Brooklyn native, DeMaria began apprenticing in carpentry at just 14. Before joining SNL, he honed his skills on iconic New York landmarks and took on a wide range of projects across the city, from houses to rooftops. "I enjoyed what I was doing. I started carpentry when I was a young kid," he said. DeMaria's path to SNL began in 1974, a year before the show's official premiere. He was hired to build the audience seating — a gig that led to a lasting relationship with Michaels. "I'm grateful for Lorne Michaels because he actually gave me the opportunity to stay here," he said. When a new season began each fall, DeMaria's weekly routine would kick off on Thursday mornings as early as 1 a.m. By 2 a.m., he'd receive design sketches for that week's set and begin dividing the workload among five teams of about 50 carpenters. Together, they would build each element at the Brooklyn Navy Yard shop by Friday night and ship the finished pieces to the studio in midtown Manhattan for Saturday's live broadcast. Just this past weekend, DeMaria completed his final assignment — leading the construction of a dozen sets for the grand 50th season finale. A life well-lived As he reflects on his long career, DeMaria doesn't pick favourites among the hundreds of sketches he helped create, but he admits the early years still hold a special place in his heart. "They were all good shows," he said. "My favourite was the first 12 years, when it was John Belushi and all of these fellas." He's also especially fond of Eddie Murphy. Watching Murphy during the recent 50th anniversary celebration, DeMaria said he couldn't help but marvel at how little has changed. "Eddie Murphy, amazing man!" DeMaria said. "He looks terrific. He's a good-looking man. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, for his age." With the finale aired, DeMaria is officially hanging up his hammer — but not before one last celebration. As the season wraps, he's looking forward to one of his favourite traditions: the cast and crew party, where the dance floor calls his name. "I go to the SNL parties at the end of the season, and I love to dance on the floor when they play music," he said. Outside the studio, DeMaria built a life he's proud of, too. He married his wife, Patricia, when he was 17, and together they raised two children and welcomed three grandchildren. Patricia passed away three-and-a-half years ago — a loss DeMaria said he feels deeply. "My wife was unbelievable," he said. Video Saturday Night's account of hours before 1st SNL broadcast makes TIFF debut Now, DeMaria plans to spend more time at the Staten Island home he built in the 1950s, enjoying time with his two cats and visiting family in New Jersey. "I'm still driving, I don't wear glasses and I still move around," he said. "I tell you the truth, I didn't have a bored day in my life. Never. Even now."
CBC
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
'I didn't have a bored day in my life': SNL's master carpenter retires after 51 years
As Saturday Night Live celebrates 50 years on air, one of the sketch comedy show's most enduring and essential behind-the-scenes figures is bidding farewell. Stephen "Demo" DeMaria, a master carpenter who has built the set for every episode since the show's debut on Oct. 11, 1975, is retiring this year at the age of 87. For five decades, DeMaria has been the steady hand behind the scenes, shaping the physical world of SNL and helping turn its bold comedic visions into reality — from the sharp political parodies to the zany pop culture spoofs. Created by Toronto-born Lorne Michaels, SNL revolutionized late-night television with its live format, bold sketch comedy and musical performances. The show quickly became a cultural juggernaut, launching the careers of comedy legends like Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler. And for every sketch — whether it was the Oval Office, a suburban kitchen or a wild game show set — DeMaria was there, meticulously building the backdrops that helped bring each scene to life. "This is going on 51 years for me," DeMaria, known as "The Boss of the Carpenters," told As It Happens host Nil Köksal. Passion for carpentry A Brooklyn native, DeMaria began apprenticing in carpentry at just 14. Before joining SNL, he honed his skills on iconic New York landmarks and took on a wide range of projects across the city, from houses to rooftops. "I enjoyed what I was doing. I started carpentry when I was a young kid," he said. DeMaria's path to SNL began in 1974, a year before the show's official premiere. He was hired to build the audience seating — a gig that led to a lasting relationship with Michaels. "I'm grateful for Lorne Michaels because he actually gave me the opportunity to stay here," he said. When a new season began each fall, DeMaria's weekly routine would kick off on Thursday mornings as early as 1 a.m. By 2 a.m., he'd receive design sketches for that week's set and begin dividing the workload among five teams of about 50 carpenters. Together, they would build each element at the Brooklyn Navy Yard shop by Friday night and ship the finished pieces to the studio in midtown Manhattan for Saturday's live broadcast. Just this past weekend, DeMaria completed his final assignment — leading the construction of a dozen sets for the grand 50th season finale. A life well-lived As he reflects on his long career, DeMaria doesn't pick favourites among the hundreds of sketches he helped create, but he admits the early years still hold a special place in his heart. "They were all good shows," he said. "My favourite was the first 12 years, when it was John Belushi and all of these fellas." He's also especially fond of Eddie Murphy. Watching Murphy during the recent 50th anniversary celebration, DeMaria said he couldn't help but marvel at how little has changed. "Eddie Murphy, amazing man!" DeMaria said. "He looks terrific. He's a good-looking man. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, for his age." With the finale aired, DeMaria is officially hanging up his hammer — but not before one last celebration. As the season wraps, he's looking forward to one of his favourite traditions: the cast and crew party, where the dance floor calls his name. "I go to the SNL parties at the end of the season, and I love to dance on the floor when they play music," he said. Outside the studio, DeMaria built a life he's proud of, too. He married his wife, Patricia, when he was 17, and together they raised two children and welcomed three grandchildren. Patricia passed away three-and-a-half years ago — a loss DeMaria said he feels deeply. "My wife was unbelievable," he said. Now, DeMaria plans to spend more time at the Staten Island home he built in the 1950s, enjoying time with his two cats and visiting family in New Jersey. "I'm still driving, I don't wear glasses and I still move around," he said. "I tell you the truth, I didn't have a bored day in my life. Never. Even now."
CNN
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Stephen ‘Demo' DeMaria who has built sets for ‘SNL' for 50 years is retiring
Stephen 'Demo' DeMaria has been at 'Saturday Night Live' from before the late-night show even premiered. The now 87-year-old Brooklyn native helped build the audience seats for the show's Oct. 11, 1975 premiere, according to The Gothamist. He talked to the publication about his plan to retire on Saturday after 'SNL's' 50th season wrap party. 'I gotta shake Lorne Michael's hand,' DeMaria said of the show's creator and producer. 'He gave me a future for 50 years.' DeMaria rose from building seats to foreman, earning the nickname of 'The Boss of The Carpenters.' 'The first 12 years was the best shows for 'SNL,'' DeMaria said. 'My favorite sets were the ones with John Belushi, with the restaurant, and Eddie Murphy, with that little apartment he used to come down, open the door,' he continued, referencing the famous 'Olympia Restaurant' and 'Mister Robinson's Neighborhood' sketches from the show. Part of the reason he is leaving, he said, are the hours the job requires. He receives the plans for the sketches around 2 a.m. on Thursdays and he and his crew then work to make sure everything is built and ready by Saturday night. ' Now I don't have to get up at 4:30, take a shower, this that, get to work and I can just take it easy,' he said. 'Do what I gotta do.' Nicole Stiegelbauer is his boss on the show and told the publication her grandfather initially hired DeMaria. She said she was surprised he continued to work after the 2022 death of his wife of 60 years, Patricia. 'He has come here rain, snow, sleet, sickness, health, whatever thing that's ever happened, he has still managed to come and make sure the office runs the way it's supposed to,' Stiegelbauer said. 'I've known him quite literally my entire life. His loyalty to my dad, to the family, to the company, to the work is without doubt unparalleled. They don't make them like him anymore.'
CNN
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Stephen ‘Demo' DeMaria who has built sets for ‘SNL' for 50 years is retiring
Stephen 'Demo' DeMaria has been at 'Saturday Night Live' from before the late-night show even premiered. The now 87-year-old Brooklyn native helped build the audience seats for the show's Oct. 11, 1975 premiere, according to The Gothamist. He talked to the publication about his plan to retire on Saturday after 'SNL's' 50th season wrap party. 'I gotta shake Lorne Michael's hand,' DeMaria said of the show's creator and producer. 'He gave me a future for 50 years.' DeMaria rose from building seats to foreman, earning the nickname of 'The Boss of The Carpenters.' 'The first 12 years was the best shows for 'SNL,'' DeMaria said. 'My favorite sets were the ones with John Belushi, with the restaurant, and Eddie Murphy, with that little apartment he used to come down, open the door,' he continued, referencing the famous 'Olympia Restaurant' and 'Mister Robinson's Neighborhood' sketches from the show. Part of the reason he is leaving, he said, are the hours the job requires. He receives the plans for the sketches around 2 a.m. on Thursdays and he and his crew then work to make sure everything is built and ready by Saturday night. ' Now I don't have to get up at 4:30, take a shower, this that, get to work and I can just take it easy,' he said. 'Do what I gotta do.' Nicole Stiegelbauer is his boss on the show and told the publication her grandfather initially hired DeMaria. She said she was surprised he continued to work after the 2022 death of his wife of 60 years, Patricia. 'He has come here rain, snow, sleet, sickness, health, whatever thing that's ever happened, he has still managed to come and make sure the office runs the way it's supposed to,' Stiegelbauer said. 'I've known him quite literally my entire life. His loyalty to my dad, to the family, to the company, to the work is without doubt unparalleled. They don't make them like him anymore.'
