Bill Hader has explained the reason for his absence from the SNL 50th anniversary show, leaving fans disheartened as he was not seen among the other prominent names from the show’s history.
The iconic NBC series is gearing up to mark its significant milestone with an array of celebrity guests in a special three-hour broadcast. The event is scheduled to air at 8 PM EST on an atypical night, Sunday, February 16.
Hader’s tenure on the TV sketch show, which spanned eight years, was notably successful. He won over audiences with his portrayal of New York City nightclub correspondent Stefon Meyers during the Weekend Update segments.
Throughout his time on the show, the actor garnered four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his performances.
Despite his contributions, the 46-year-old was conspicuously missing from the Saturday Night Live anniversary lineup.
The announcement of the star-studded roster came via a brief YouTube clip on Monday, but Hader’s name was notably absent.
Fans, quick to notice, expressed their dismay on social media platforms.
On X, one fan questioned: “Where is Bill Hader? I want a Stefon comeback,” while another fan lamented, “I’m going to crash out if they don’t announce Bill Hader soon.”
Regrettably, the Hollywood star will not be making an appearance on SNL for this milestone occasion.
Hader’s publicist, Matt Labov, informed UNILAD that Hader’s absence was due to a ‘longstanding schedule conflict.’
The HBO Barry actor, who departed from SNL in 2013, previously disclosed to Variety that he was ‘consumed with work and anxiety.’
Hader admitted that he only became comfortable with the show’s live format after five seasons and experienced panic attacks both on and offstage.
His decision to leave SNL coincided with the birth of his second child with now ex-wife Maggie Carey.
He shared with the publication at the time that he doesn’t rewatch his SNL sketches.
“Any time someone says things to me that I don’t understand, I go, ‘Did I say that on SNL?’” he mentioned.
“I never saw any of the stuff I did. I think a nanny showed my kids Stefon, or the Californians or something.
“They came in and were like, ‘Dad, look at this.’ I was like, ‘Oh, yeah. There I am.’”
Sunday’s show promises a star-studded lineup, featuring Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, Eddie Murphy, Fred Armisen, Molly Shannon, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, Laraine Newman, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, and Garrett Morris.
Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph, Pete Davison, Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Will Forte, Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, Seth Meyers, Kenan Thompson, Jason Sudeikis, and Chris Rock are also set to participate.
Additionally, former hosts of the show will make a return, including Adam Driver, Ayo Edebiri, Bad Bunny, Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney, Kim Kardashian, Martin Short, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Pedro Pascal, Peyton Manning, Quinta Brunson, Robert De Niro, Sabrina Carpenter, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Woody Harrelson.