Live from New York, it’s … the big 4-0!
“Saturday Night Live” is celebrating its 40th anniversary — on Sunday night — with a star-studded, fabulously funny blowout bash featuring the biggest names in comedy and music.
With a guest list that featured anyone who has ever been an SNL regular, guest host, musical guest or writer, NBC gave viewers what is likely to be remembered as the funniest reunion ever.
The festivities kicked off with a red-carpet event hosted by NBC’s “Today” cast, featuring appearances by Billy Crystal, Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi and “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon.
This whole evening is a gift. #SNL40pic.twitter.com/1wo6whz5bp
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) February 16, 2015
“This was a chance to have fun,” said actor Alec Baldwin, who with 16 “SNL” stints has the distinction of hosting the show more times than any other guest — one more time than Steve Martin.
“You have more fun doing this show than anything else you could possibly do. You make some strange bedfellows doing this show,” he said.
As if on cue, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin piped in to discuss her own history on the show, where she was pilloried with on-point parodies by cast member Tina Fey.
“It was the most fun moment of the campaign,” said Palin, who ran for vice president in 2008. “It was great. You’ve got to have a sense of humor.”
“It’s life changing." — Kristen Wiig on #SNL#SNL40pic.twitter.com/IOmydiVaNi
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) February 16, 2015
Comedian Jim Carrey, who hosted several times, made the most of his live TV appearance, creating an awkward moment for NBC’s brass during the celebration.
“Where are you hiding, Brian Williams?” Carrey asked of the network’s embattled news anchor, who has been booted from the airwaves for at least six months for telling tall tales.
Then, in his best Williams voice, Carrey said: “If the helicopter in front of me takes on fire, I’m taking the story.”
The “SNL” celebration featured funnyman Eddie Murphy for the first time in more than 30 years.
Debbie Downer, ladies and gentlemen. #SNL40pic.twitter.com/Z8WvbgQa0z
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) February 16, 2015
Murphy was 19 when he joined the show in 1981. His last appearance was as host in 1984.
“It’s a lot like going back to your old high school and everything seems really tiny,” Murphy said.
“If you do live stuff in front of an audience, there’s nothing like that feeling. I do kind of miss that feeling.”
Robert De Niro hosted three times and said he never questioned the direction he received.
“You don’t think,” De Niro said. “You just do it, one thing to the next. Hit or miss. You have fun with it. I just follow what they say. I don’t question it. I just keep moving.”
But as fun and funny as the show has been, it wasn’t without its stress.
“I thought I was getting fired every week,” said former cast member Mike Myers.
Former “Weekend Update” host Seth Meyers said he was impressed by the power of the show.
“Everybody’s here from every walk of life,” Meyers said. “I feel like there’s no other event that would pull all those people together.”
STEVE MARTIN: You know, Chris, I forgot you were a cast member.
CHRIS ROCK: So did the writers.#SNL40— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) February 16, 2015
