In a star-studded celebration of “Saturday Night Live’s” 50th anniversary, Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter kicked off the show with a beautiful duet of “Homeward Bound.” Steve Martin, a legend in his own right, delivered a witty monologue, while Paul McCartney closed the event with a stirring performance of the Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End.”
The night was filled with cameo appearances from Hollywood’s elite, including Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, and Keith Richards. At 88, Garrett Morris, the oldest former cast member, introduced a nostalgic film showcasing the original “SNL” cast.
Simon, now 83, has deep roots with “SNL,” having played “Homeward Bound” on the show back in 1976. He shared a humorous exchange with Carpenter, who quipped about not being born at the time, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
McCartney’s performance was a highlight, reminding everyone of the deep connection music has with the show’s legacy. He sang with heartfelt emotion, leaving the audience with the memorable line, “the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
The celebration also featured Lil Wayne and Miley Cyrus. Alongside this anniversary special, “SNL” had recently hosted a concert at Radio City Music Hall, celebrating its musical history.
Steve Martin’s monologue set a fun tone for the evening. He joked about his friendships with past hosts and noted how many famous faces filled the audience. With Martin Short and John Mulaney by his side, he acknowledged the unique challenge of reuniting so many iconic figures in one place.
Colin Jost, the “Weekend Update” anchor, added to the humor by pointing out that many former hosts had to be seated in a nearby studio due to the event’s crowd size. A cheeky photo of Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared on-screen as part of the jokes, adding to the lightheartedness of the evening.
As part of the tribute, Alec Baldwin introduced a series of classic commercial parodies. Aubrey Plaza made a rare appearance to support Miley Cyrus.
Jack Nicholson, now 87, introduced Adam Sandler, who performed a humorous tribute to the show’s history, paying respect to late cast members like Chris Farley and Gilda Radner.
The evening included playful nods to the past. Tom Hanks humorously lamented the aging of certain characters from the show, leading to a montage that highlighted some classic sketches, albeit in a joking manner.
The first sketch featured a mix of former cast members and hosts in a “Lawrence Welk Show” parody. Fred Armisen hosted, with Will Ferrell showing off his comedic chops as Robert Goulet.
Kim Kardashian and Scarlett Johansson also joined the fun, revisiting the beloved Maharelle Sisters bit alongside former cast members Ana Gasteyer and Kristen Wiig, leading to laughs with their signature punchlines.
Kenan Thompson hosted a “Black Jeopardy” segment, celebrating the show’s diverse history and featuring hilarious impressions of iconic characters. Streep made a memorable appearance, embodying one of her classic roles.
The night wrapped up with vibrant sketches and many laughs, showcasing the creativity that has made “SNL” a cultural staple for decades. From touching tributes to playful humor, the 50th celebration was a true testament to the show’s impact on comedy and entertainment.
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