This past weekend, Ayo Edebiri made her much-anticipated debut as the host of Saturday Night Live (SNL). The 28-year-old actress, known for her roles in The Bear and Bottoms, took to the stage with excitement and emotion, expressing her gratitude and acknowledging the significance of the moment.
Born and raised in Boston, Edebiri humorously quipped about being the first Black woman to openly admit her heritage in the city. Her monologue was filled with heartfelt thanks and reflections on her journey to SNL. Fighting back tears, Edebiri shared her admiration for the show, stating, 'SNL means so much to me. This really is a dream come true.'
She went on to discuss her preparation for The Bear, a project in which the cast worked in actual restaurants to capture the authentic energy of a busy kitchen. Edebiri humorously contrasted her experience with that of her co-star Jeremy Allen White, who received recognition for his method acting, while customers simply asked her about their tilapia order. This charming self-deprecating humor added a personal touch to her monologue.
Once again, Edebiri became emotional near the end of her monologue, describing her SNL debut as a 'homecoming.' Having come up in the vibrant New York comedy scene alongside some of her closest friends, she felt incredibly blessed to be sharing the stage with them, making the night truly special.
Throughout the rest of the show, Edebiri participated in various skits, showcasing her comedic skills and ability to bring laughter to the audience. One notable moment was a hilarious sketch poking fun at the viral Dune movie popcorn bucket. Additionally, musical guest Jennifer Lopez lit up the stage with her performances, adding to the overall excitement of the night.
Furthermore, a surprise cameo from politician Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, added an unexpected twist during the cold open. Edebiri had the opportunity to interact with Haley, questioning her about the main cause of the Civil War in a clever and satirical manner. This unexpected moment generated a humorous exchange between the two.
Ahead of her SNL hosting gig, Edebiri appeared in a promo video, attempting to motivate cast members Mikey Day, Molly Kearney, and Ego Nwodim. With her passionate speech, she emphasized the importance of seizing this opportunity and delivering a memorable show. When she mentioned that J.Lo would be the musical guest, the cast members leapt with excitement, crashing into a TV screen in their enthusiasm.
Edebiri's rise to prominence has been remarkable, with lead roles in both Bottoms and The Bear, alongside her close friend Rachel Sennott. Her extraordinary talent was recognized with an Emmy award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Sydney Adamu in The Bear. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, she recently had to drop out of Marvel's upcoming film Thunderbolts. However, fans can look forward to seeing her in Opus, an upcoming horror film from A24, in which she will play a starring role.
With her SNL hosting debut, Ayo Edebiri demonstrated her comedic prowess and heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to join the esteemed SNL family. Her memorable monologue and involvement in various skits brought laughter and entertainment to viewers around the world. As she continues to shine in her acting career, there is no doubt that Ayo Edebiri is a rising star to watch. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday Night Live, airing Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC, to catch all the excitement!
