Saturday Night Live (SNL), the iconic American sketch comedy and variety show, has been a staple of television since its inception in 1975. However, its long history is not without controversy. The show has faced numerous incidents involving hosts and musical guests that have received negative press, including musician Sinad O'Connor, comedian Andrew Dice Clay, and the bands Rage Against the Machine and Fear.
One of the most infamous incidents occurred when Andrew Dice Clay hosted the show. His appearance was met with widespread criticism, with some comparing it to the Holocaust. The backlash was so severe that female members of the cast and crew received harassment by phone and mail for sticking with the show. Metal detectors were installed at the studio to enhance security, and NBC censors insisted that the episode be aired with a delay to compensate for anything Clay might say on air.
Sinad O'Connor, who was scheduled to be the musical guest for that episode, boycotted the show due to Clay's involvement. This forced the producers to find two musical replacements, with one performance by Julee Cruise and a second by Spanic Boys.
2. Tragic Losses in the SNL Family
The show has also experienced its share of tragic losses. One of the most notable was the death of John Belushi, who was found dead in his hotel room on March 5, 1982, at the age of 33. The local coroner gave the cause of death as a lethal injection of cocaine and heroin.
Another cast member who met a tragic end was Phil Hartman. He was murdered by his wife, Brynn Omdahl, in a murder-suicide on May 28, 1998. Hartman was a beloved cast member known for his portrayals of Bill Clinton and Barbara Bush, among others.
Gilda Radner, another iconic cast member, left the show in 1980 due to her battle with ovarian cancer. Despite going into remission, her cancer eventually spread to her liver and lungs, leading to her death on May 20, 1989.
Chris Farley's life was cut short by a heroin and cocaine overdose on December 18, 1997. His struggles with addiction and weight issues were well-documented, and his death at age 33 was a shock to the entertainment industry.
3. Hilarious Moments and Memorable Sketches
Despite the tragic losses, SNL has also been known for its hilarious moments and memorable sketches. Chris Farley's time on the show was particularly notable for his physical comedy and iconic characters like Matt Foley, the motivational speaker who lived in a van down by the river.
Farley's co-stars often found themselves breaking character due to his antics. One such instance was during a sketch where he played a motivational speaker who poured coffee all over himself, causing Jim Brewer and Tim Meadows to crack up.
Another memorable sketch featured Farley breaking into a polar bear cage at the Central Park Zoo. The scene was chaotic, with blood splatters and actors slowly losing it as they tried to escape the bear.
Woody Harrelson's recent hosting stint on February 25, 2023, also made headlines for his controversial remarks about the COVID-19 pandemic. He likened it to a drug cartel forcing people to stay locked in their homes and take their drugs.
The show's history is a testament to both its comedic genius and its human side. From the controversies surrounding its hosts and guests to the tragic losses of its cast members, SNL continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor and heart.
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