New York, NY – The comedy landscape has lost a behind-the-scenes legend with the recent passing of Craig Kellum, a longtime writer and producer for Saturday Night Live (SNL), whose innovative contributions helped define the show’s early experimental style and enduring appeal. Kellum’s death, announced on December 7, 2025, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike, celebrating his quiet brilliance and lasting impact on television.
Kellum was instrumental during SNL’s formative years, collaborating closely with creator Lorne Michaels to produce short films that blended live sketch comedy with cinematic flair—a format that became a signature of the program’s success. Despite constraints from Writers Guild rules and tight budgets that limited his on-screen credits, his creative input was evident in standout pieces like the parody short “Drag Racing,” which featured Kellum alongside Dan Aykroyd in a humorous takeoff filmed at a modest Flushing airstrip, and “Body Language,” a sketch that continues to resonate with audiences decades later. His partnership with filmmaker Gary Weis was particularly fruitful, with insiders describing Kellum’s role as the “quiet anchor”
that amplified the show’s energy and boundary-pushing ethos.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Venturing beyond SNL, Kellum took on the role of producer for the beloved Beatles spoof The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash, a project that spanned continents and involved high-profile interviews with music icons like Paul Simon and Mick Jagger. From coordinating shoots in New Orleans amid SNL’s Mardi Gras special to working in London with musician Neil Innes, Kellum navigated complex productions while infusing them with authentic humor. Even personal setbacks, such as an emergency appendectomy and its complications, couldn’t deter him; a memorable hospital visit from Paul Simon highlighted his ability to find levity in adversity.
Those who knew him paint a picture of a thoughtful, unassuming genius with an innate sense for comedic timing and narrative depth. “Craig had this way of elevating every detail into something magical,” shared one former collaborator in recent remembrances. His influence fostered a collaborative spirit that shaped SNL’s identity, inspiring generations of writers and performers.
While details surrounding the date and cause of Kellum’s death have not been publicly disclosed, his legacy lives on through the sketches and films he helped craft, embedded in the cultural tapestry of American comedy. Tributes continue to flood social media and industry circles, underscoring the profound void left by his absence.
Our thoughts are with Kellum’s family, friends, and the broader entertainment community as they honor a man whose work brought joy to millions. May his memory continue to inspire laughter and creativity.