The highly anticipated SNL 50th anniversary special is just around the corner, but two prominent alumni will be noticeably absent: Bill Hader and Dan Aykroyd. Fans are taking to social media to express their disappointment over the omission of these beloved cast members.
The highly anticipated Saturday Night Live (SNL) 50th anniversary special is just around the corner, with an extensive list of A-list participants confirmed for the event. However, two prominent SNL alumni will not be involved in the festivities.
According to Matt Belloni of Puck News, original SNL cast member Dan Aykroyd ‘won’t be there’ per his agent, while Bill Hader is ‘a polite decline.‘ This news has left fans and fellow cast members disappointed, with many taking to social media to express their reactions.
Bill Hader is an American comedian, actor, and writer.
Born on June 7, 1978, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he began his career as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 2005 to 2013.
During his tenure, he became known for his impressions of celebrities like Vincent Price and Alec Baldwin.
Hader has also appeared in numerous films, including Trainwreck, Inside Out, and It Chapter Two.
Who’s In and Who’s Out
While the absence of Aykroyd and Hader is notable, the list of confirmed guests for the special is impressive. The three-hour primetime event will air live on both NBC and Peacock beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT. Confirmed guests include Adam Driver, Ayo Edebiri, Bad Bunny, Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney, Kim Kardashian, Martin Short, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Pedro Pascal, Peyton Manning, Quinta Brunson, Robert De Niro, Sabrina Carpenter, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Woody Harrelson.
Numerous SNL alumni are also expected to appear, including Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, Chevy Chase, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Fred Armisen, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, Jason Sudeikis, Jimmy Fallon, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, Laraine Newman, Maya Rudolph, Molly Shannon, Pete Davidson, Seth Meyers, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Will Ferrell, and Will Forte.
The Writing Team
SNL creator Lorne Michaels has brought in a team of talented writers to help produce the special. John Mulaney, Paula Pell, Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, and others will be contributing to the show’s writing and production. A table read shared on SNL’s social media channels earlier this week gave fans a glimpse into the collaborative effort behind the special.
Lorne Michaels is a renowned Canadian-American television producer, best known for creating and producing 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL).
Born on November 17, 1944, in Toronto, Canada, Michaels began his career in comedy writing for the popular sketch show.
He went on to create SNL in 1975, which became a cultural phenomenon and launched the careers of comedians like John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray.
Michaels' innovative approach to comedy has earned him numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Producers Guild of America.
The absence of Aykroyd and Hader from the 50th anniversary special has left many wondering why they won’t be participating in the festivities. However, with such an impressive list of confirmed guests and talented writers on board, it’s clear that SNL is going out with a bang.
