Ex-SNL Star Chris Parnell Reveals Cowbell Sketch Filming Secret

Saturday Night Live alum and Archer star Chris Parnell recently revealed a detail about the famous "More Cowbell" sketch that he had previously kept secret for years.

Parnell first joined SNL during season 24 along with new featured players Horatio Sanz and current The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon.

The actor starred on the long-running variety show for eight seasons, concluding his stay in 2006.

On SNL's season 25, episode 16, hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Christopher Walken, Parnell participated in the "More Cowbell" sketch, originally written by Will Ferrell and playwright Donnell Campbell.

Walken starred as music producer Bruce Dickinson as he attempted to produce Blue Öyster Cult's hit song "(Don't Fear) The Reaper.

" During the recording, fictional character Gene Frenkle (Ferrell) enthusiastically plays the cowbell much to the chagrin of other members of the band, including Parnell's Eric Bloom.

However, Dickinson loved Frenkle's performance and wanted more of it, exclaiming, "Guess what! I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!"

During an interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Parnell recently revealed a secret he had kept regarding his performance during the filming of the "More Cowbell" sketch.

Meyers, who was briefly Parnell's co-star on the show, recalled Parnell's nickname of "Ice Man."

According to the host, the name was a title of affection as Parnell was known to execute his scripts without flubbing a line and for maintaining his composure during sketches.

Meyers noted that Parnell didn't break during the famous "More Cowbell" sketch in which every cast member on stage laughed or smiled.

However, Parnell admitted that he did crack a smile, but it was hidden from the cameras.