Meryl Streep’s unexpected comedic moment during the SNL 50th anniversary concert has left fans in stitches.
The iconic late-night TV show, Saturday Night Live, is marking its milestone celebration with a series of entertaining events.
The festivities started with an SNL50 homecoming concert at Radio City Music Hall on Valentine’s Day, leading up to a much-anticipated three-hour live special on Sunday featuring past cast members, former hosts, and the original stars of the show.
True to SNL fashion, the concert has been filled with hilarious moments, with Meryl Streep’s unexpected gesture quickly becoming a viral sensation.
Seated next to Martin Short, the 75-year-old actress was humorously singled out by hosts Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer for allegedly making a rude gesture during the event.
“We’re talking about you, Meryl Streep,” Gasteyer quipped as the camera turned to the acclaimed actress, who playfully flipped her middle finger back at the hosts and the audience.
The playful act caused the audience to erupt in laughter, resonating with viewers at home as well.
Fans flocked to Twitter to express their amusement, calling the incident ‘so funny’ and a ‘highlight of an amazing show’.
One enthusiast commented: “Meryl Streep flipping the finger is simply everything !! (+ look at how he’s looking at her),” referencing Short’s laughing reaction beside Streep.
Another admirer declared it “Iconic,” while a third chimed in: “MERYL STREEP THE LEGEND YOU ARE.”
The evening seemed to belong to Streep as she later shared a delightful Valentine’s Day dance with Martin Short, with whom she has had a long-standing friendship.
The duo, known for their roles in Only Murders in the Building, were seen laughing, clapping, and dancing during the concert broadcasted on February 14.
Friends for nearly ten years, Streep and Short have grown closer while filming the show’s third season, where Streep portrays Short’s character’s romantic interest, Loretta Durkin.
Their on-screen and off-screen chemistry sparked rumors of a deeper relationship, but these were dismissed by Short’s representatives, who told The Messenger: “They are just very good friends, nothing more.”
Short reiterated this on the Club Random podcast, stating: “We’re not a couple. We are just very close friends.”
Additional highlights from the SNL homecoming concert included Miley Cyrus’ performance, where she invited the audience to sing ‘Flowers’ with her, and Steven Spielberg, who appeared more interested in the camera setup than the show itself.
In another humorous moment, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson humorously ‘walked out’ after realizing it wasn’t an awards show, while Ferrell and Gasteyer delivered their own version of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’.