SNL Cast Members Who Missed the February 16, 2025, 50th Anniversary Special include several legendary veterans. While A-list celebrities and over 180 current and former cast members attended the star-studded event at 30 Rockefeller Center, some iconic SNL alumni were notably absent from the celebration.
Notable Cast Members Who Missed SNL 50
Dan Aykroyd
Fans were somewhat aback by Dan Aykroyd’s absence as one of the founding cast members of Saturday Night Live. Aykroyd posted on social media a few days prior to the event to express his delight, but he did not go to the special. No official reason was given for his absence.
Bill Hader
Bill Hader, a fan favorite from 2005 to 2013, declined his invitation to the special, as reported by Puck News’ Matthew Belloni. However, Hader did appear in a Volkswagen commercial alongside Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen, which aired during the special.
Dana Carvey
Despite being an SNL staple from 1986 to 1993, Dana Carvey skipped the celebration. Carvey, who recently returned to SNL to portray Joe Biden, never addressed why he did not attend the milestone event.
Colin Quinn
Colin Quinn, known for his Weekend Update tenure from 1998 to 2000, was also absent. His reasons remain unknown, but Quinn has been publicly critical of SNL in the past.
Other Key Absences
Dick Ebersol
NBC executive Dick Ebersol, who played a major role in SNL’s creation, did not attend due to health reasons.
Gilda Radner, John Belushi, and Other Late Legends
Tribute segments celebrated a number of iconic SNL luminaries, such as Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner.
Who Did Show Up?
Despite these absences, the special included several legendary comedians, such as: Bill Murray
- Tina Fey
- Amy Poehler
- Maya Rudolph
- Chevy Chase
- Jimmy Fallon Kim Kardashian, Paul McCartney, Tom Hanks, Ayo Edebiri, and Sabrina Carpenter
Another original cast member, Garrett Morris, appeared in a video homage that included a snippet of “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by John Belushi
A Night to Remember
Despite the absence of certain well-known figures, the SNL 50th Anniversary Special was a momentous occasion. Comedy aficionados will never forget the night, which featured unforgettable skits, musical performances, and special tributes.
Source: People