The Unfunny Side of SNL’s 50th Anniversary: A COVID-19 Aftermath
The 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live (SNL) was a star-studded celebration of comedy, nostalgia, and the legacy of one of television’s most iconic shows. However, the festive atmosphere took an unexpected turn when several attendees, including comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short, fell ill with COVID-19 shortly after the event. The situation was brought to light by Steve Martin himself, who took to social media to share a humorous yet cautionary tale about the aftermath of the celebration.
A Friendly Smooch and a COVID-19 Curse
One of the most memorable moments from the SNL 50th anniversary special was captured in a photo shared by Steve Martin on his verified social media account. The image showed his close friend and Only Murders in the Building co-star, Martin Short, sharing a friendly kiss with former SNL cast member Maya Rudolph during the event. While the moment seemed lighthearted and joyful at the time, it later became a talking point when both Short and Rudolph tested positive for COVID-19. Martin, known for his sharp wit, captioned the photo, “Maya had Covid. Marty has Covid. I wonder why? The SNL 50th Covid curse is real.”
The Impact on Steve Martin and Martin Short’s Tour
The COVID-19 diagnosis of Martin Short had immediate consequences for his professional commitments. Steve Martin revealed that Short’s illness would force them to reschedule two sold-out shows on their ongoing Dukes of Funnytown Tour. The affected dates, originally set for Durham and Knoxville, were postponed to October 17 and 18, respectively. Martin expressed his disappointment, writing, “So sorry for the inconvenience. I think we’ll be funnier then, anyway.” The news came as a blow to fans who had been eagerly awaiting the performances, but it also highlighted the challenges entertainers continue to face in the post-pandemic era.
Steve Martin and Martin Short: A Decades-Long Friendship and Collaboration
Steve Martin and Martin Short have been inseparable in both their personal and professional lives for years. The two comedy legends have been touring together since 2015, bringing their unique brand of humor to audiences across the country. Their partnership extends beyond stand-up comedy; they have also starred together in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building since 2021, where they play two of the show’s main characters alongside Selena Gomez. Their chemistry on and off screen has endeared them to fans, making any disruption to their schedule all the more disappointing.
A Legacy of Laughter: Steve Martin’s Connection to SNL
Steve Martin’s connection to SNL runs deep. He has hosted the show an impressive 16 times, a record second only to Alec Baldwin. Martin’s monologues, sketches, and overall presence have become a part of SNL history, and his involvement in the 50th anniversary special was a testament to his enduring relationship with the show. His ability to blend humor with nostalgia made his opening monologue for the special a memorable moment for both longtime fans and newer audiences.
Moving Forward: Laughter and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, Steve Martin and Martin Short remain determined to continue entertaining their fans. The rescheduling of their tour dates is a reminder of the resilience of the entertainment industry and the artists who drive it. As the two comedians prepare to return to the stage, their commitment to their craft and their fans serves as a testament to the power of laughter and the enduring appeal of live comedy. For Steve Martin and Martin Short, the show must go on—and it will, with even more humor and heart than before.
