Hosting Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a coveted opportunity for many celebrities, but it often comes with a mix of excitement and nerves. Several past hosts have shared their experiences of the daunting task of hosting the iconic live sketch comedy show.
Sydney Sweeney, who hosted SNL earlier this year, admitted to feeling scared and experiencing panic attacks leading up to the show. Despite the initial fear, she found the experience challenging yet rewarding.
Pedro Pascal, who hosted SNL on the anniversary of his mother's death, opened up about his fears and how he found comfort in talking to his deceased mom before taking the stage.
Billie Eilish, who hosted the holiday episode in December 2021, revealed that she cried every day leading up to the show and even had physical reactions to her anxiety. However, once on stage, the support of the audience helped calm her nerves.
Issa Rae, during her opening monologue while hosting in 2020, expressed her disbelief and fear at hosting SNL, a dream come true for her.
James McAvoy, John Mulaney, Octavia Spencer, Kristen Stewart, Andrew Garfield, Betty White, Lindsay Lohan, Courteney Cox, Austin Butler, and Timothée Chalamet all shared their own experiences of fear and nervousness before hosting SNL, highlighting the pressure and excitement that comes with the opportunity.
Despite the initial trepidation, many hosts found the experience of hosting SNL to be rewarding and a valuable learning opportunity. The mix of fear and excitement is a common theme among celebrities who take on the challenge of hosting the long-running show.