Saturday Night Livealum Bill Hader is one of the most renowned actors to ever grace the stage onLorne Michaels’ sketch comedy series. Many thought Hader would have made a guest appearance on theSNL 50th Anniversary Special, but instead skipped the event due to personal reasons.
SinceBill Hader was absent fromSNL50, he potentially would’ve played a role in Andy Samberg’s digital short which was, ironically, about anxiety. During an appearance onLate Night With Seth Meyers, Hader reiterated that he always feels anxious before a live show, and a big one such asSNL50was no different.
Bill Hader Was Supposed To Star In Andy Samberg’s Anxiety Sketch From SNL
Bill Hader reveals to Seth Meyershow he was supposed to have a part inAndy Samberg’sSNL50Digital Short-Anxiety. In the skit, Bowen Yang tells Samberg that he has doubts about going toSNL50because he has anxiety. However, Samberg sings about how everySNLcast member over the years has also gone through anxiety.
Samberg sings through the early decades of the showstarting in the 70s and gives examples of anxiousSNLstars, including Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy,Dana Carvey, Molly Shannon, and Ana Gasteyer. Hader would’ve had Yang’s role in the skit as the one Samberg is trying to comfort and convince that everyone onSNLhas anxiety.
Hader applauded Yang’s performance in the skit, which effectively acknowledges the stress that comes with putting together anSNLshow. Although Hader didn’t star in the digital short, his Stefon character is briefly shown having anxiety.
While this skit would’ve been a cathartic experience for Hader, his decision to turn down a role in Samberg’s digital short was, in all likelihood, a relief for him. Hader reliving his anxious behavior on anSNLset might have felt fearful and uncomfortable for him.
Hader Has Been Open About His Anxiety Working On SNL
Meyers mentions to Hader how open theSNLalum has been regarding the anxiety he hadduring his tenure on the sketch comedy series. Hader’s anxiety and stress has also resulted in him having shingles, which Hader hilariously compares to Jeff Goldblum’s character inThe Flydue to the rashy skin he developed due to the viral infection.
Hader also recalls the vision issues he obtained due to anxiety on theSNLset, including vision loss during a Christmas skit with Jason Sudeikis. Hader was grateful to Sudeikis for helping him get through that sketch since he had trouble seeing in that particular occasion.
It would’ve been hilarious to witness Hader onSaturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary show, whether on Samberg’s anxiety sketch, or reliving his memorable roles such as Stefon on “Weekend Update,” Devin from “The Californians,” and his impersonation ofDateline’s Keith Morrison. Hader’s omission fromSNL50is proof that even the best performers can get anxious and are still human.
