It was a historic occasion—the 50th anniversary special for the hit sketch show Saturday Night Live. The show featured John Mulaney, a celebrated host who had penned many episodes of the show along with Steve Martin. However, John Mulaney said something that ruffled the feathers of many people.
John Mulaney took centre stage and stated:
“As I look around, I see some of the most difficult people I have ever met in my entire life. Over the course of 50 years, 894 people have hosted Saturday Night Live, and it amazes me that only two of them have committed murder.”
Steve Martin did the opening monologue for SNL’s 50th anniversary special which included Martin Short being taken by ICE & an appearance from John Mulaney.
“894 people have hosted SNL and it amazes me that only 2 of them have committed murder” pic.twitter.com/850h72xNon
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 17, 2025
John Mulaney did not clearly state whom he was referencing, but it was obvious that he was talking about two former hosts of the show who were charged with murder. The first was O.J. Simpson, who hosted the show in 1978, and actor Robert Blake, who hosted the show in 1982.
There was also one instance when notable actor Alec Baldwin, who hosted the show, was charged with involuntary manslaughter over a shooting on the set of his movie Rust. However, the case was later dismissed.
O.J. Simpson hosted the show on February 25, 1978, which was Season 3, Episode 10. He was charged with killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994. He was arrested after a high-profile chase, which was broadcast live on national television before being apprehended. However, he was acquitted in the 1995 criminal trial but was found liable for the deaths and ordered to pay damages.
Robert Blake hosted the show on November 13, 1982, which was Season 8, Episode 5. He was charged with killing his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. However, after a long trial, he was acquitted of the murder in 2005. Like Simpson, he was also found liable for the death and ordered to pay damages.
The Saturday Night Live 50 was co-hosted by Steve Martin, who is better known for hits like The Pink Panther, alongside Mulaney, who also congratulated him on his Emmy win.
