Behind The Velvet Rope With SNL's Jay Pharaoh

The SNL star shares his inspirations, comedy heroes and must-have cologne

From the LifeMinute Team

August 26, 2015

Growing up, comedian Jay Pharaoh was a die-hard Saturday Night Live fan, marveling at the humor of cast members Dana Carvey and Mike Myers. Fast forward to today, when he finds himself living his dream as a weekly player on the show. The 27-year-old was recently voted the show's 55th greatest cast member by Rolling Stone Magazine. He's ready to share his plans for what's next--and how he plans to smell divine while continuing his rise.

On why he likes his SNL gig:

"It's dope that I'm on the best and one of the longest-running comedy shows in America. It's still going strong coming up on 40 years. I'm still on it and I'm having a blast."

On doing his favorite impressions:

He loves mimicking Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. And Leonardo DiCaaprio! "Maybe I'll die, maybe I won't in them movie. Ask Martin Scorsese!" All laughing aside, he must be doing something right since he's appeared in box office smash hits alongside superstars Will Ferrell, Tracy Morgan and Kevin Hart.

On his go-to grooming tips:

"Shave, put deodorant on... and there's this thing called Rochas. It's a French cologne, it smells very good. If you want women--oh--you'll get them! They come for Rochas! You know, look, you're going to get some for Rochas. You know after this is over, we're going to the store to get some Rochas. And where can you get this magic elixir? "It's off brand, I don't' know if you can get it in the main stores but, yo, when they did have it I got a private investigator. I got a Rochas hustler, that's what I got."