Bill Hader is such an iconic formerSaturday Night Livecast member that his absence was particularly noticeable during theSNL50th Anniversary Special. Despite not being there, Hader was still part of the special in a fun way. Known for his brilliant impersonations and ability to fully embody all sorts of characters,Hader appeared onSNLfrom 2005 to 2013as a cast member, but since leaving the show, he has also hosted it twice.
TheSNL50th Anniversary Specialwas meant to celebrate the achievements of the sketch comedy show by featuring some of its best skits and performers over the last 50 years. Despite this,several actors were missing from the live show, including Hader, who became known as being one ofSNL’s funniest actors to break character. However, all was not lost, as Hader still paid homage to his time on the show in the best way possible.
Bill Hader Reunited With Kristen Wiig & Fred Armisen In The Californians' Skit As Part Of SNL 50’s Celebration
While Hader may not have appeared in theSNL50th Anniversary Special live show,he reprised his role as Devin in the Californiansskit in a pre-taped recording aired before the episode. The sketch was part of a Volkswagen commercial for their new ID. Buzz. Alongside Hader was Fred Armisen playing Stuart and Kristen Wiig playing Karina. The best parts of the commercial were seeing how Stuart and Devin’s rivalry was reignited even years after the last Californians sketch and the use of the car’s rearview mirror to reintroduce the Californians' obsession with their looks.
The skit was a fun way to revisit some of Hader’s iconic characters ahead of theSNL50th Anniversary Special.The Californians skit in particular remains timelessand is a perfect example of one ofSNL’s longer-lasting comedy sketches. Since Hader missed the show, it was still nice to see him appear as one of his characters, especially since his appearance was combined with Kristin Wiig and Fred Armisen’s brilliant performances as well.
Why Bill Hader Didn’t Attend The SNL 50 Live Show
Hader Declined The Invitation To Appear For Personal Reasons
While Hader’s characters like Stefon and Herb Welch were missed,Hader’s absence from theSNL50th Anniversary Specialhad nothing to do with the show. According toUnilad, Hader declined the invitation to appear because of a “longstanding schedule conflict.”
SNL 50 Review: Even A Few Missteps Couldn’t Wipe The Smile Off My Face Throughout A (Mostly) Successful Blending Of Old & New
While it’s longer runtime led to some misfire sketches, the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special was a wonderful tribute to its rich history.
It was almost shocking to see anSNLcelebration without any appearances by any of Hader’s famous characters, but there is some solace in the fact that he reappeared as Devin shortly before. The impact ofSaturday Night Liveon Hader’s career is significant, and it was fantastic to see him return in even one of his roles, however brief.
