Steve Martin Delivers Opening Monologue on ‘SNL’ 50th Anniversary Special

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On Sunday evening, Steve Martin opened the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live with a monologue that encompassed humor on various subjects, such as his own advancing years and President Trump’s recent choice to rechristen the Gulf of Mexico.

After a performance by Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter singing “Homeward Bound,” Martin stepped onto the stage for his introduction. He humorously referred to himself as Saturday Night Live’s latest addition focusing on diversity, and went on to deliver the monologue, which he jokingly noted is often considered the show’s weakest segment.

When SNL announced they were planning an anniversary special, it felt like I was about to jump for joy, but since I was wearing a short skirt without any underwear at the time, I managed to contain my excitement. Now, I can hardly believe I’m here and on time! It wasn’t long ago that Lorne [Michaels] informed me I would be delivering the monologue, and I was relaxing on a friend’s boat in the ‘Gulf of Steve Martin.’

This version maintains the original humor while providing a more natural flow to the sentence structure.

Martin also joked about his age, noting that while SNL is turning 50, he turned 79.

He humorously implied that he feels as old as 65, but in reality, he’s fine with growing older. By the way, do you think these hearing aids make me look any slimmer?” (or simply “Do they make me look thinner?”)

He additionally made a humorous comment regarding SNL’s lengthy tenure on NBC: “An interesting tidbit: Someone born during the first season of Saturday Night Live could now possibly have passed away from natural causes.

Regarding the distinctive opening monologue of the show, Martin humorously compared it to a tenant under rent control: It’s not moving out, even if some might find it less than pleasant.

Martin later welcomed John Mulaney, a former writer for the program, following his acknowledgment of the show’s scribes.

Mulaney expressed gratitude for the tribute and noted that the heart and essence of this show lies with its celebrity hosts, several of whom are here tonight. As I scan the room, I’m struck by some of the most challenging individuals I’ve ever encountered. Over the past 50 years, a total of 894 people have hosted Saturday Night Live, and it continually astonishes me that only two of them have been convicted of murder.

As a fan, I couldn’t help but poke fun at Martin when I said, “Every week, a fresh celebrity host graces our stage with their unique charm, shaking things up, but you, Steve, are the exception because you’re devoid of any such dynamics.

Later on, Martin’s co-star from “Only Murders in the Building,” Martin Short, also joined him on stage. Jokingly, Martin referred to him as “the only Canadian not from ‘Schitt’s Creek’.

After Short mentioned that they were supposed to be co-hosting, Martin inquired about Short’s passport. Upon learning that Short didn’t have it, two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials emerged to take him off the stage forcefully.

Martin chuckled, saying, “We’ve been working together for so long that we could potentially wrap up each other’s professional journeys.

Martin then turned back to his own monologue.

I hope you’re finding my speech entertaining tonight,” he expressed, “but if it’s not holding your attention, perhaps you should examine yourself in the mirror and question, ‘Who am I now? This can’t be all on Steve.’ Consider, ‘When did I lose my joy, and what can I offer to this speech as a viewer?’

Watch Martin’s monologue below.

After his lengthy speech, they broadcasted a comedic sketch called “Black Jeopardy!” featuring Eddie Murphy’s brilliant portrayal of Tracy Morgan as the contestant, Darius.

Kenan Thompson once again took on the role of the show’s presenter, while Leslie Jones assumed a character as one of the competitors.

Welcome to ‘Black Jeopardy!’ – the unique version of ‘Jeopardy’ where everyone got Kendrick’s Super Bowl half-time act, chuckled Thompson, alluding to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance.

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2025-02-17 04:55