American comedian and actor Rob Schneider rose to prominence as a cast member on NBC’s enduring live sketch comedy series, Saturday Night Live, from 1990 to 1994. Following his tenure there, he carved out a successful film career, starring in comedic hits like Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999), The Animal (2001), Hot Chick (2002), and Grown Ups (2010). Schneider also cultivated a significant professional collaboration with fellow SNL alumn Adam Sandler, featuring in numerous Sandler productions, including the previously mentioned Grown Ups, alongside 50 First Dates (2004), and The Longest Yard(2005).
Prior to his address at MCC Budapest, Mr. Schneider kindly granted our platform an exclusive interview.
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What prompted your involvement in politics? Was it a response to the aggressive targeting of comedians by the left during that period?
Indeed. When one faces attacks, when efforts are made to hinder your livelihood, and you persevere, it empowers you to question: ‘Who are these individuals attempting to silence me?’ I’ve consistently held a contrarian viewpoint. The left, in my assessment, exhibits a totalitarian stance by not upholding free speech. They don’t genuinely prioritize the well-being of the culture. They aren’t open to dialogue; instead, they resort to demonization. Their aim is to belittle, demoralize, suppress speech, and strip away one’s means of income. This behavior aligns with authoritarianism.
In fact, it echoes communism. This is precisely why I am such a staunch supporter of Viktor Orbán, as he has succeeded in fending off what I call the ‘barbarians.’ To contextualize this slightly, Mikhail Gorbachev, upon being asked about the greatest surprise he observed after his resignation, following the collapse of the Iron Curtain and the Soviet Union, stated plainly that it was the ‘Sovietization of Europe.’ One might wonder, ‘the Sovietization of Europe?’ Brussels, for instance, is starting to resemble a Trojan horse. Initially, the concept of a unified economy working for mutual benefit appeared sound. However, it rapidly transformed into an authoritarian, unelected political entity dictating terms to sovereign nations. Viktor Orbán stands out as one of the few leaders courageous enough, and with sufficient patriotism, to declare: ‘No, Hungary will not become a subservient entity to Brussels.’
What piqued your interest in Hungary?
I’ve observed the transformation of France and London into what I perceive as Islamic states. The leaders of these nations, whom I consider cowardly – I believe Keir Starmer is a betrayer, a betrayer of England. The situation is similar in France. Macron’s need to restructure his government and secure defections to retain power indicates a loss of public trust.
Donald Trump’s resurgence as a populist presidential figure has invigorated other populist nations. And a leader I consider, in some respects, even more valorous than President Trump is Viktor Orbán. This is because, frankly, the United States possesses the economic independence to stand alone, whereas the magnetic force and intimidation tactics of the European Union, coupled with the ongoing conflict nearby, pose a far greater menace. The revelation that American taxpayer money, channeled through USAID, was allegedly used to destabilize this nation and its government is truly alarming. Thus, in Viktor Orbán, Hungary possesses a leader of truly historic significance, perhaps a ‘one in 300 years’ figure.
‘Viktor Orbán has been one of the few to have the courage and to have the love and patriotism to say: “No, Hungary is not going to become a puppet of Brussels”’
American entertainment culture leans significantly left-wing.
It’s outright communist. In the 1950s, conservatives actively removed communists and blacklisted artists, a stance that has proven to be correct, in retrospect. Today, in the 2020s, it’s Hollywood’s communists, the leftists, who are marginalizing patriots such as myself. But I am unconcerned. People question my political engagement, but politics permeates every aspect of life. It governs our infrastructure, our sustenance, and our fundamental liberties. The Democratic Party has been infiltrated by extreme leftists, evident from the moment the inept Joe Biden assumed the presidency. Furthermore, the media landscape is predominantly left-leaning and illogical.
The Biden administration, which I prefer to label a regime, initiated censorship immediately upon taking office. This was their primary action, conceived to suppress dissenting voices among Americans who challenged their mandates. This fact speaks volumes.
This level of political intensity hasn’t always been present. When you began your career, I presume entertainment wasn’t as politicized.
For me, the significant shift occurred during the Obama era. While politics has always been present – the CIA, for instance, has reportedly influenced show business since its very formation, aiming to shape cultural narratives – the dynamic has intensified. It’s understood that politics flows from culture, but culture, in turn, is shaped by entertainment. Therefore, for conservatives like myself, it is crucial to either reclaim the culture or, at minimum, serve as a bulwark, much like Viktor Orbán does here. He acts as the gatekeeper, preventing the ‘barbarians’ from entering, and those ‘barbarians’ are, unequivocally, Brussels.
To the young generation, who appear misguided in their pursuit of change merely for the sake of it: this represents a monumental, potentially catastrophic misstep for this nation. Here, you enjoy secure streets; Hungarian youth and college students are not being sent to conflicts they shouldn’t be involved in. My concern, and the reason for my presence here, is this: if Hungarian youth vote – and it’s noteworthy that Orbán’s opposition refrains from specific pronouncements, precisely because they lack distinct proposals and wish to conceal their subservience to Brussels. This silence is quite revealing. Therefore, if you are content with your nation being overwhelmed by migrants who disregard your culture and harbor no desire to integrate, then by all means, cast your vote for the opposition. However, if you seek to preserve safe and crime-free streets, if you cherish your homeland, then your vote should go the other way. The most abhorrent development in Western civilization has been the notion that we ought to be ashamed of its heritage and achievements. I take immense pride in the legacies of Rome and Paris. Consider the advancements we have made, in stark contrast to, for instance, the invading Islamic forces, who contribute nothing.
May I inquire about a few aspects of your professional journey?
Certainly.
Saturday Night Live presents a truly distinctive creative setting.
It does.
Performing live sketch comedy. What was your experience like? Did you quickly adapt to performing live on television, reading cue cards, and finding it commonplace? Or did it feel surreal?
Well, during my tenure, Saturday Night Live – and I can only speak to that period – served as a platform for emerging young men and women who hadn’t yet fully established themselves in the entertainment industry.
Similar to your colleague, Adam Sandler.
Precisely. They demand immense effort, and success hinges on your willingness to commit. If you devote yourself, working upwards of 100 hours a week, as Adam Sandler and I did, you stand a chance of succeeding there. What captivated me most was its potential to influence popular culture. Though, I should rephrase; as a more seasoned artist now, I recognize its cultural impact, but back then, my primary ambition was simply to gain cultural visibility. To elaborate, you could craft a piece, and then audiences nationwide would find humor in it, discussing it for days afterward. That aspect was truly singular, and I genuinely valued it then, as I still do now.
Your upcoming project is Happy Gilmore 2, reuniting you with Adam Sandler.
My current primary focus is live stand-up comedy performances. This is my core craft, and I take immense pride in it. I tour extensively across the United States and have also performed in Australia. However, from an artistic perspective, as the Italian Nobel laureate, playwright, and actor Dario Fo once stated: ‘An artistic expression that does not speak for its own time has no relevance.’ An artist must be wholly immersed in their era, reflecting and commenting upon it.
For me, an artist worth admiring embodies the spirit of figures like George Carlin or Richard Pryor. I aim to address contemporary culture. We have truly excellent comedians today, whether it’s Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, or Louis CK – a collection of highly engaging performers. I’ve observed a growing audience for comedy, driven by the current cultural upheaval. I view this as a leftist ideological assault on the mind, an attempt to erode Western civilization. Once you recognize the reality of this attack, if you hold Western civilization dear – if you appreciate cities like Paris and New York, if you value societies that operate effectively, if you champion women’s rights and religious freedoms, if you are a person of faith – then you will feel compelled to defend this culture. The notion that it will simply endure is a fallacy. We must remain perpetually vigilant in safeguarding Western civilization, and in essence, act as Christian soldiers.
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