Unforgettable Moments With SNL’s Most Iconic Hosts: From Kardashian to Timberlake

Live from New York, it’s, well, a whole slew of people, really. 

Over 500 well-known personalities have appeared on the stage at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City to host Saturday Night Live over its 50 seasons. Those who have achieved exceptional status are rewarded with a plush, five-timers jacket. (The most recent addition to this exclusive group was Martin Short, who celebrated his achievement alongside other frequent SNL guests such as Melissa McCarthy, Emma Stone, Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey, and Tom Hanks.)

But it takes more than a little notoriety to earn the chance to jog out of those Studio 8H doors. 

Just ask Travis Kelce who had to hustle hard to score his 2023 hosting gig. 

Heidi Gardner, who hails from Kansas City and has been a longtime cast member, recently disclosed that NFL player Jason Kelce’s win against his brother’s Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl of that year was instrumental in earning Lorne Michaels’ approval for SNL.

Gardner stated on a December podcast episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat, ‘That was such a tough request to make,’ he said. ‘And then he went on to win the Super Bowl.’

In the process, Martha Stewart disclosed a cunning move of hers on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show on January 27, 2005. She had been asked to take up an opportunity shortly after serving her five-month prison sentence in 2005, but her parole officer refused to grant her the necessary time for it.

Added Stewart, “That bastard. I still have his name and number. I’m so pissed.”

Fortunately, Betty White may be proof that the dream isn’t yet lost for 83-year-old Stewart. 

Due to the fact that the well-known actress from the show “Golden Girls” was 88 years old when she received the call from Michaels, the renowned producer, was influenced by the 500,000 fans who had joined a Facebook group titled “Betty White to Host SNL (Please)”.

It is apparent that the largest gift was given by White, who successfully hosted the show in May 2010. She isn’t alone as an outstanding host on the comedy series, and we revisited the past and came back to highlight some of SNL‘s most iconic hosts.

In a lighthearted manner, the celebrity from the Kardashians series made fun of her past with ex-partner Kanye West, her ties to O.J. Simpson, and the public displays of affection between her sister Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker. However, she truly soared in a performance based on Aladdin, where she shared a kiss with cast member Pete Davidson. The two later dated for nine months.

10 times he’s hosted shows, including the initial remotely-filmed episode during the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020 – that’s America’s Dad in Studio 8H for you! Can’t trust us? Just consider: David S. Pumpkins was his creation.

In 2008, Hamm astounded audiences with his impressive stand-up skills during his debut hosting gig. Since then, he’s returned to host twice more and made some unexpected appearances.

From his memorable “John Hamm’s Jon Ham” skit – you recall, lunch meat for bathroom consumption – to his live-action portrayal of Ace in the adaptation of the renowned Ambiguously Gay Duo cartoon sketch, he has won over the cast in a manner that very few other hosts have achieved.

Without a doubt, there isn’t anyone as dedicated to their profession as the iconic figure from Bridesmaids. For evidence, consider the “Taste Test” sketch during her debut as host in 2011 where she doused herself in Hidden Valley ranch dressing for a joke.

Over the past few years, I can hardly believe my luck! Not only has she become a member of the exclusive Five-Timers Club, but she also managed to pop up on our screens quite frequently as an impassioned Sean Spicer, during his time serving in the Trump administration. Truly remarkable!

Almost every celebrity on this list could have comfortably joined the main cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL). At one point, it appeared that Justin Timberlake might do just that. From “Omletteville,” “D–k in a Box,” and “Barry Gibb Talk Show” to “Mother Lover,” each time he hosted SNL produced memorable moments that left an impact on pop culture. And let’s not forget his appearance as one of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” backup dancers, alongside Bobby Moynihan and Andy Samberg? That was truly spectacular.

Only a handful of individuals have had the privilege of hosting Saturday Night Live more times than the iconic comedian, and interestingly enough, he is the sole person who has done so on more than one occasion. Over the span of 16 appearances at Studio 8H between 1976 and 2009, this comedy legend brought characters like the “wild and crazy” Festrunk Brothers and King Tut to life, as well as providing one of the show’s most emotional moments by paying tribute to Gilda Radner’s passing from cancer with a heartfelt look back at a delightful dance they shared within the studio.

Apart from being connected to the SNL community due to her relationship with Colin Jost, ScarJo has also left a lasting impression on the show since she first appeared as a host in 2006, creating some unforgettable moments over the years.

She has been ready to fill in whenever the show required someone to take on the role similar to Ivanka Trump, starred in the bizarre Shud the Mermaid scene with Kate McKinnon, and portrayed Lexi (daughter of Fred Armisen’s Mark) in the beloved sketch where they sell chandeliers, ceramic busts, marble columns, and porcelain fountains together.

Unlike others on this list, the late TV legend appeared on Saturday Night Live just once. Remarkably, at the age of 88, she became the oldest host in the show’s history during that appearance. The special occasion was a result of a successful Facebook campaign initiated by fans following her role in “The Proposal”.

This icon is included on this list for another reason – she was incredibly funny. One of our favorite sketches from the episode features Tina Fey as a census taker who struggles, unsuccessfully, to extract a straightforward response from White in an absurdly comical scene.

Johnson secured a place on that esteemed list as soon as he accepted the challenge for “The Rock Obama.” His membership in the Five-Timer’s Club speaks volumes about his impressive career achievements.

Known for his 17 hosting stints and numerous appearances as ex-President Donald Trump, Baldwin is arguably the star most synonymous with Saturday Night Live who isn’t an official employee. From iconic skits like Canteen Boy and Schweddy Balls to impersonations of Tony Bennett and yes, Trump, he has consistently delivered laughter on Studio 8H throughout his numerous visits.

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2025-02-15 14:18