SNL 50: Why Bill Hader Was Absent From the Anniversary Special
Photo Credit: Dana Edelson | NBCU Photo Bank | NBCUniversal via Getty Images

SNL 50: Why Bill Hader Was Absent From the Anniversary Special

Curious why Bill Hader skipped Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) 50th anniversary special? Fans quickly noticed his absence from the star-studded lineup, sparking speculation about why the beloved comedian wasn’t part of the celebration.

Here’s what we know so far about Hader’s reason for missing the event, his past experiences with SNL, and how fans reacted to his absence.

Reason why Bill Hader was absent from SNL’s 50th anniversary explained

Bill Hader declined to attend Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) 50th anniversary special due to a “longstanding schedule conflict,” confirmed by his publicist, Matt Labov (via UNILAD). 

Fans were disappointed by his absence and noticed he was missing from the star-studded lineup. Hader, a cast member from 2005 to 2013, gained recognition for playing characters like Stefon on Weekend Update. He received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on the show.

The NBC special aired on Sunday, February 16, celebrating five decades of SNL with numerous past cast members and celebrity guests. A promotional teaser released on YouTube did not include Hader, leading to speculation about his absence. Many fans expressed their disappointment on social media, hoping to see him reprise his famous roles. However, his schedule prevented him from attending the highly anticipated event.

Hader has spoken about the challenges of performing on SNL, revealing in a 2019 Variety interview that he struggled with anxiety and panic attacks. He admitted it took five seasons to feel comfortable with the live format. In 2013, he left SNL after the birth of his second child with then-wife Maggie Carey, choosing to prioritize his family over the show’s demands.

The SNL 50th anniversary special featured notable alumni like Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, and Tina Fey. Former hosts, including Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, and Pedro Pascal, also participated. Despite Hader’s absence, the special brought together many of SNL’s most beloved figures to commemorate the show’s legacy.

Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Comingsoon.

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