Steve Martin Opens SNL50 with Wit and Star-Studded Monologue

2025-03-02

Steve Martin delivered a memorable opening monologue for the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” which aired on NBC and Peacock on February 16, 2025. The 79-year-old comedian, who has hosted “Saturday Night Live” 17 times, kicked off the star-studded event with his signature wit, tackling topics ranging from politics to mortality.

Martin began by humorously referencing his age, quipping, “A person born during the first season of ‘Saturday Night Live’ could today be easily dead of natural causes.” He also joked about the monologue being “traditionally the weakest part of the show,” drawing laughs from the audience.

The monologue took a political turn as Martin poked fun at recent headlines, including the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” under the Trump administration. He quipped, “I was actually vacationing on a friend’s boat down on the Gulf of Steve Martin.”

Martin was joined by comedian John Mulaney, who roasted the show’s celebrity hosts, stating, “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,” likely referencing O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake.

The highlight of the monologue came when Martin’s longtime collaborator Martin Short made a surprise appearance. Martin introduced Short as “the only Canadian who wasn’t in ‘Schitt’s Creek,’” before jokingly calling on ICE agents to escort him offstage. Short played along, shouting, “No! I’ll name names! Mike Myers! Jim Carrey!” as he was led away.

The three-and-a-half-hour special also featured appearances from a host of “SNL” alumni and musical performances, making it a fitting celebration of the show’s 50-year legacy. Martin’s opening set the tone for a night filled with humor, nostalgia, and star power.

Steve Martin’s ‘SNL50′ Monologue Sees Martin Short Arrested by ICE, John Mulaney Joking About Hosts’ Egos: ‘It Amazes Me That Only Two Have Committed Murder’

Steve Martin got monologue duties for 'SNL50,' with Martin Short getting arrested by ICE and John Mulaney making cracks about hosts' egos.

variety.com

‘SNL50’: Steve Martin Tackles DEI, Gulf Of Mexico Renaming & ICE Raids, John Mulaney Roasts Celebrity Hosts In Opening Monologue

Steve Martin opened the SNL50 Anniversary special with a monologue tackling politics. John Mulaney roasted celebrity hosts, with Martin Short cameo.

deadline.com

Steve Martin Just Destroyed the ‘SNL 50’ Opening Monologue

The legendary comedian hilariously took aim at ICE, AI, and the viewers at home—in addition to welcoming not one but two special guests.

www.yahoo.com

Steve Martin Gets Roasted by John Mulaney and Has Martin Short Escorted Out by ICE in 'SNL' 50th Monologue

Steve Martin brought the laughs while hosting the opening monologue for SNL50: The Anniversary Special on Sunday, Feb. 16. The 16-time host and friend

people.com