Chris Redd Shares His Struggles with Medication During SNL and Reflects on Selling to Castmates
Nearly four years after departing from Saturday Night Live, comedian Chris Redd is candidly discussing his struggles with mental health during his time on the show.
In a recent Instagram video, Redd shared that he is now “leading with a lot more vulnerability and openness.” He revealed that he faced challenges with a pill addiction while working at the NBC sketch comedy program from 2017 to 2022.
“While I was at the show, I had some pill issues. I had some pill problems, nothing too crazy, but crazy for my Black ass,” Redd disclosed. He also mentioned that he even sold some pills to castmates, humorously adding, “I’m not gonna snitch on y’all motherf*ckers, man.”
Redd further explained the paradox of his situation, saying, “But I found it really funny that I would be around, on this sh*t, and people would talk sh*t about it and buy. People would talk sh*t about me…but wouldn’t help me. I would have panic attacks, and [they] wouldn’t be concerned about me or nothing like that. Just would talk shit. It’s crazy how somebody would watch you destroy yourself.”
During the video, Redd also discussed his relationship with Christina Evangeline, the ex-wife of castmate Kenan Thompson. He credited her as “the only one to call me on my sh*t, to help me with my sh*t,” and noted her support in his therapy journey.
Reflecting on his choices, Redd said, “But I did choose love, and that’s what this story is. And it made me look terrible. It made me look terrible to people I love and a lot of my fans.”
He mentioned that he and Thompson managed to discuss the situation and remained cordial while continuing to work together for a year after the fact, but acknowledged that “sh*t changed” once others became aware.
Redd’s emotional reveal comes as he prepares for a stand-up performance on January 28 at Caveat in New York City. He will also appear in the upcoming films Run and What the F*ck Is My Password?.
