Is it possible for a comedy group born from the digital ether to conquer the hallowed halls of Saturday Night Live and then graduate to the silver screen? For the trio known as "Please Don't Destroy," the answer is a resounding yes, proving that viral videos can pave the way to Hollywood.

The story of "Please Don't Destroy" is a modern-day success story, a testament to the power of collaboration, comedic timing, and a keen understanding of the internet's insatiable appetite for laughter. The group, composed of Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, first crossed paths as students at New York University, forging a bond over shared comedic sensibilities and a desire to create something unique. Their early work, a series of short, self-produced videos, quickly gained traction online, earning them a dedicated following and attracting the attention of industry insiders.

The date of September 9, 2021, marks a pivotal moment in the group's trajectory. It was on this day that "Please Don't Destroy" officially joined the ranks of Saturday Night Live (SNL), a proving ground for comedic talent for nearly five decades. This opportunity allowed them to hone their craft, working alongside some of the biggest names in comedy and contributing to the show's legacy of irreverent sketches. The group's transition from online creators to SNL writers was a significant leap, one that demonstrated their versatility and ability to adapt their comedic style to a new platform.

Their comedic style, a blend of absurdism, self-deprecating humor, and a healthy dose of Gen Z sensibilities, resonated with a younger audience while also appealing to long-time comedy enthusiasts. Their sketches often revolve around relatable situations, turning everyday occurrences into comedic gold. Their ability to find humor in the mundane, coupled with their sharp writing and charismatic performances, made them a standout presence on SNL.

The success of "Please Don't Destroy" has transcended the confines of the internet and television. They have taken their act on the road, performing live sketch comedy at prestigious venues like the New York Comedy Festival, the Moontower Comedy Festival, and the Lyric Hyperion in Los Angeles, further solidifying their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the comedy world. Their ability to translate their online success into live performances is a testament to their versatility and stage presence.

The trio's ascent in the entertainment industry is even more remarkable when considering the different backgrounds of its members. While John Higgins is the son of Steve Higgins, a current SNL writer and producer, and Martin Herlihy's father is Adam Herlihy, a former SNL writer, Ben Marshall comes from a different background entirely, having a distinguished career path.

Their latest project, the feature film "Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain," marks the culmination of their journey. Starring Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, the film represents a significant step forward for the group, allowing them to expand their comedic vision and reach a wider audience. The movie's release on Peacock signifies a major milestone in their careers, showcasing their ability to make the leap from sketch comedy to the world of feature films.

Ben Marshall's background, beyond his comedic work, adds another layer to his story. He was born in Savannah, Georgia, on May 1, 1995. Furthermore, it's interesting to note that Marshall also holds a position as a professor of finance and serves as the MSA Charitable Trust Chair in Finance at Massey University Business School. This duality speaks to his diverse skillset and broad interests, making him a truly multifaceted individual.

Before his foray into comedy, Marshall was on track for a very different career. He earned a B.S. in Finance from Louisiana State University in 1997. He later went on to become a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Energy Advisory Council. His professional journey also includes roles as the President and CEO for Vitol in the Americas, as well as a member of the Executive Committee and the Vitol Group Board. Prior to these leadership positions, Marshall held the roles of Global Head of Naphtha at Vitol and Head of Trading for the Americas.

Category	Details
Full Name	Ben Marshall
Date of Birth	May 1, 1995
Place of Birth	Savannah, Georgia, USA
Education	B.S. in Finance from Louisiana State University
Known For	Member of the comedy trio "Please Don't Destroy", Writer and Actor for Saturday Night Live, President and CEO for Vitol in the Americas
Career Highlights	Writer and actor for Saturday Night Live (2021-Present), Appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, "Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain" (2023)
Current Professional Roles	President and CEO for Vitol in the Americas, Member of the Executive Committee and the Vitol Group Board, Professor of Finance at Massey University Business School
Previous Roles	Global Head of Naphtha at Vitol, Head of Trading for the Americas
Other	Member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Energy Advisory Council
Website	Please Don't Destroy

Their success on SNL and their transition to the silver screen are a testament to their creative partnership, their ability to write and perform, and their willingness to evolve with the times. Their journey demonstrates that the world of comedy is always looking for fresh voices and unique perspectives.

The trio's story is also a study in contrasts. While Herlihy and Higgins have a familial link to the industry, Marshall's background lies in a different arena. This contrast offers a fascinating perspective of the entertainment world.

Beyond their work on "Saturday Night Live" and in the film "Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain", the group has demonstrated their ability to engage with different forms of media. This is evident in their various appearances on shows like "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" and "Miley's New Year's Eve Party."

Before their rise to fame, the members of "Please Don't Destroy" were making their mark in different ways. Before joining SNL, Marshall made his TV debut as a lipstick model on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" in 2017, marking his early foray into the world of entertainment.

Their website, pleasedontdestroy.com, is a hub for their work, showcasing their sketches, videos, and other creative endeavors. The group's commitment to maintaining a strong online presence is a key component of their success. They have created a brand identity, allowing their fans to connect with their work on multiple platforms.

The group's success has also garnered the attention of established figures in the entertainment industry. In a significant moment, Lorne Michaels, the creator of "Saturday Night Live", surprised Martin Herlihy, Ben Marshall, and John Higgins at a comedy show and offered them a job. This offer marked a turning point in their careers, solidifying their place in the world of comedy.

While the group has achieved a high level of success in the comedy world, the members' other endeavors continue to be a part of their story. Ben Marshall's work in the financial sector provides a different dimension to the group's narrative. His academic and professional roles speak to his versatile skill set and interests.

Their origin dates back to their collaboration at New York University, where they began honing their comedic style. The group's early viral videos acted as the cornerstone for their style. Their early videos demonstrated the type of comedy they could produce.

The success of "Please Don't Destroy" serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry is constantly evolving. Their story is a compelling example of what can be achieved through dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to creating something unique. Their story is one of modern-day innovation.