Long before she became an SNL icon, Molly Shannon was working the front desk at Cravings Restaurant on LA's Sunset Strip — and quietly taking notes on the future stars walking through the door.
Speaking on Late Night with Seth Meyers this week, the 61-year-old actress recalled how Jennifer Aniston used to stop by the restaurant years before Friends turned her into a household name. Shannon admitted she couldn't help but watch closely, calling Aniston "a real hustler" even back then, someone who clearly knew how to carry herself. From her perfectly styled hair to her calm, businesslike energy, Shannon said Aniston already had the presence of someone headed for something big.
Shannon shared that she'd station herself at the hostess stand just to observe, essentially treating it as a masterclass in how to become a star. It's a sweet full-circle moment considering both women's careers would later intersect — Aniston went on to headline Friends starting in 1994, while Shannon joined SNL's cast the following year. The two even shared the screen for a memorable mock cat-fight sketch when Aniston hosted the show in 1999.
Shannon also touched on other celebrity encounters from her restaurant days, including a memorable one involving Julia Roberts and a simple breakfast order that left a lasting impression.
It's a fun reminder that even the biggest stars had ordinary jobs before the fame hit — and sometimes, they were being watched more closely than they knew.