50 People You'd Be Surprised To Learn Actually Hosted SNL

Since its on-air debut on October 11, 1975, on the NBC network, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been capturing the hearts and smiles of its fans. The show is filled with live sketches that showcase an array of talent from the actors as they try to keep from laughing at the hilarious jokes.

Its key feature is having a notable celebrity host the show in between sketches. Whether it be a stand-up routine or simply engaging with the crowd, the Master of Ceremony had to be entertaining. With 47 seasons under its belt, let's check out 50 people you'd be surprised to learn actually hosted SNL.

George Carlin receives the first special shout-out because he hosted the first SNL episode ever! The actor, author, and social critic was noted for his black comedy and personal thoughts on politics the audience couldn't get enough of. The show was still perfecting its overall tone and Carlin seemed like the right choice to start.

Rob Reiner is next on the list because during this time he was on the rise with his role in All in the Family (1971) and he was being prospected by other talent agents to do more projects due to the success of the show. As the host, Reiner was the first guest to not have a musical number with him, so it was simply him and the attentive crowd.

Candace Bergen is one of the hottest women to ever hit mainstream media, according to critics and viewers alike. The American sweetheart was a former fashion model and stunned the crowd with her angelic looks and subtle comedic skills.

Richard Pryor, voted #1 on Rollings Stone's list of 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time in 2017, hosted Saturday Night Live in 1975 and owned his set. Many viewers were surprised to see Richard hosting a comedy sketch show as many viewers reported feeling it was "beneath him" but not according to Richard.

During his one and only appearance as host of SNL, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz Yde Acha III, better known as Desi Arnaz, thanked the cast for the special cigars that they gave to him. His face and name may seem familiar because Desi is the actor that played Ricky Ricardo on the hit show, I Love Lucy (1951).

Kristoffer Kristofferson was one of the bad boys of country music alongside Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash as the dynamic trio, The Highwaymen. The well-known musician received some of his early attempts at acting through SNL and learned the art of facial control.

Hugh Hefner, the original playboy and owner of the company, was a major surprise to SNL viewers. The founder and editor of Playboy magazine was a kind-hearted man that the cast and producers thought would be a hoot to have as a host.

Learning that famous musician, Ray Charles, hosted SNL in November 1977 is truly a shocker in the best ways. During his opening monologue, he discussed with the crowd what the producers had to do to get him to come on the show. His sketches ranged from being interviewed by Tom Snyder to having a trick up his sleeve for the burglar who tries to steal his lucrative painting.

Orenthal James (O.J.) Simpson was playing football with the San Fransisco 49ers when he hosted Saturday Night Live in 1978, and racked up yards and laughs simultaneously. His opening monologue consisted of him dressing like a Conehead (featured) which showed The Juiceman's light and humorous side.

Carrie Fisher is best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars films, which is why she was an exciting pick as an SNL host. The galactic royal played her famous character in two different sketches: one where she was forced by Obi-Wan to tell a joke about aliens which totally bombed, and the other where she takes flight and lands on Earth to join a beach party with two fellow associates. 

Award-winning actress, activist, and humanitarian, Cicely Tyson, hosted SNL with her musical guest, The Talking Heads. Cicely's episode went over very well as she was interrupted by her fellow thespian, Garrett Morgan (right), dressed as her. She berates him, tells him not to degrade himself, and sends him packing.

Burt (right) had an interesting set because there were so many mistakes and setbacks that occurred. Yet, the actor persevered and helped create a decently rated episode. Reynolds had a certain charm that the producers used for an idea for a skit where a pair of parents endorse their daughter to sleep with the famous actor.

Tim Curry (left) is a notable English actor that received his start to stardom via The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and transferred those skills to Saturday Night Live six years later. Tim played his role well in the 'Ronald Regan's Illegitimate Son' sketch. He and his partner-in-crime, Meatloaf (right), came together to create a One-Stop Rocky Horror Shop.

Stevie Wonder (left) was the host and special musical guest as he wowed the crowd with his sensational smile, charisma, and instrumental talent. We'll also add comedic skills to his list of attributes as Stevie was a good sport in many of the skits including a pseudo-biopic of himself portrayed by none other than the famous comedian, Eddie Murphy (right).

Flip Wilson was an American stand-up comedian noted for his witty banter and outrageous antics including cross-dressing and pointing out uncomfortable truths in the most comical way possible. Some of his remembered sketches were "Unrequited Sex" and "Unanswered Questions of the Universe."

With a decently rated episode, Michael Douglas held his own on Saturday Night Live. According to critics, Michael was a bit nervous to do the show, which is odd because he's a famous actor. However, in his early years of acting, Mr. Douglas was a charismatic man who could grab the attention of a crowd.

I can hear it now, "Jesse Jackson hosted SNL?!" Correct, the strong-faith preacher and noted civil rights activist had his chance at hosting an episode of the popular sketch show with the musical styles of Andrae Crouch and Wintley Phipps.

You read it right, noted former wrestlers Mr. T (center) and Hulk Hogan (right) hosted the episode together and their star power created lots of views. The dynamic duo held their own in the skit, "Mr. T and Hulk Hogan Reply," where the two powerhouses would respond to random questions from the audience and viewers at home.

You would think that Oprah Winfrey had more pressing matters to focus on considering she was the first African American female talk show host as well as a news anchor in her early career, but no, Oprah loves the camera and the camera loves her!

Country music would be missing a piece of its soul without musician Willie Nelson in it. Known for his high-quality music, and cannabis, Willie received much notoriety from fans because of his comedic antics and witty remarks through his ever-calm demeanor.

The American country songstress, Dolly Parton, is known for her acting, business acuity, and authorship, but not really for her comedy. That changed when SNL helped her transform her humor into down-right, knee-slapping banter. The singer performed well in her skits as she is no stranger to the spotlight

Legendary music producer Quincy Jones took a moment from producing the world's greatest hits to provide us viewers with his subtle humor and famous friends. Now, he himself wasn't as funny as your typical Eddie Murphy or Jim Carey, but he was able to bring good music to some very funny skits like "Jazz Perspectif."

Wow, basketball, baseball, sort of, and acting? The multi-talented basketball legend Michael Jordan just couldn't be stopped as he was only a few steps from a camera during his hay day, including when he hosted a Saturday Night Live episode.

Former, but never forgotten, hip hop superstar MC Hammer put on a fly suit and hosted an SNL episode. His episode had an average rating, but it's still cool to know that "Mr. Hammer Time" was up for spreading laughter to a live audience and viewers at home.

Sara Gilbert may be best known for her role as Darlene Conner on the hit series, Roseanne, but what you may not know is that the lady has real chops for being funny. Funny to the point of having a decently rated show based on her monologue alone.

Nicknamed "Primetime" because of his flashy skills on the football field and even flashier fashion, football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders took control of SNL for a night and was happy about it. Deion is a good sport and loves to laugh, which is why the "O.J. Simpson Field Trip" sketch had Primetime rolling out of his chair.

Mike Myers in front of a camera making other people laugh is what he was made for, and Saturday Night Live took full advantage of his up-and-coming star power and everlasting comedic antics. Mike is great at creating his own original characters which he brought to the stage that night.

You know him, you may love him, he's the household name, Samuel L. Jackson and he is one of the few actors you be surprised to learn actually hosted SNL. The noted American film producer is critically acclaimed for numerous roles, including receiving much praise for his subtle debauchery on Saturday Night Live.

The American actor and director Cuba Gooding Jr. had his time on Saturday Night Live. Now, Cuba isn't a comedian, and according to his episode rating, he may not have been that funny, but what he does know how to do well is have a good time! He and guest star Monica Lewinsky played well in their segment "Ladies Man."

What?! Jackie Chan hosted SNL? Right, it's a real shocker but it's true. The martial arts master was inducted into the Saturday Night Live lineup because of his wit, humility, and capable acting skills. According to producers, Chan (center) was a lovable person to have on the show and had so much fun playing different characters.

Ellen has a way with words as she captivated her audience with her subtle and slick humor. In one statement, she described to the world how she "really isn't gay" and was only at a party to impress specific people... clearly, she was just joking. Another skit that made her giggle was the "Dan Rather Report" where an alternate translation of Bin Laden described pushback from highjackers.

John McCain really hosted SNL? The shock is universal. The American politician and United States Senator from Arizona played his part well in a scene that was totally different from what he was used to... comedy. However, John and the writers were able to come up with a decent show with great antics.

Salma Hayek, the Mexican beauty of Hollywood, aced her spot on SNL with her dramatic scenes in many of the sketches. Her smooth and passionate thespian style stole the hearts of many viewers that saw her segment. In one skit, she played a comedy version of a novella that she performed, and used her culture to add more spice to the American show.

The high-grade rapper Calvin Broadus Jr., a.k.a. Snoop Dogg, had his chance at wowing the crowd back in 2004 with his cool banter and solid ability to act considering his history on the big screen. Speaking of which, a recognizable sketch that had the party going was when he played a character similar to himself that was called, "Pothead Theater."

Jack Black (right) is a special one as he is one of the selected few who has had the honor of hosting the show more than once. Jack showcased his first show in January 2002, then continued his SNL career appearing once again in October 2004, with a final exhibition in December 2005.

Forest Whitaker is no stranger to the camera and because of his already established name in Hollywood, bringing him on to the show as a host seemed like a no-brainer. One of the many sketches that caught the attention of the viewers and cast alike was the "Bronx-Beat: Blood Drive." It seemed like it took a lot of guts to do it the way they did it.

Megan Fox is known for her incredible beauty and is filled with action-packed lines and witty remarks. When she hosted SNL, she did just that, with a monologue that had people engaged. Critics said that they were slightly surprised by her performance on live T.V. and how well she handled herself on camera.

As she now rests in peace, Betty White can say that she added to her life by creating one of the highest-rated episodes in Saturday Night Live history. How? Simply by being Betty White. Her many decades of experience paved the way for fine live acting that had even the SNL actors hiding behind props to cover their laughter.

Daniel Radcliffe (center) was able to show off his cooler and more fun side when he hosted SNL. The viewers were very receptive to seeing him play different characters from the one we recognize him the most as, Harry from the Harry Potter series.

Kerry Washington is simply a stellar actress. Her name has carried weight ever since the smash hit movie, Save The Last Dance (2001) hit the movie theaters. It seems that the ABC network was paying attention to how Kerry would be in the political office based on her portrayal of Michelle Obama (left) in the "White House Cold Open" sketch.

Taraji P. Henson is a household name when it comes to famous actresses. Her pizazz and spunk are what made her a great contender for hosting an SNL episode. Can you imagine her performance? It was considered "downright funny" by a few SNL critics and gained popular viewership based on her name alone.

You wouldn't expect to see UFC fighter Ronda Rousey hosting a live comedy sketch show, but hey, that's what Saturday Night Live is all about! Ronda made her hosting debut in 2016 with Selena Gomez to back her up as support in the musical department. "Love Struck" was a popular sketch and a favorite skit of Ronda's, according to critics and producers.

The glorious part about watching Octavia Spencer host a live show is that you can tell that no prompts were necessary for her, it all came straight from the heart. In her opening dialogue, Ms. Spencer pokes fun at the Oscars, pointing out how she played 16 nurses in her acting career and received an award for being a maid... a good point!

When you think about it, Steve Carell was made for live television. With topic structure and creative control, Mr. Carell does superb work at making a stale crowd crumble under the pressure of his absurdly hilarious multiple-character personality.

Live shows were a bit weird for Sandra Oh, according to the show's producers, so the Canadian-American actress just let the awkwardness flow, which helped her make her hosting debut even better. Better known for her acting in the medical-drama-hit series, Grey's Anatomy, Sandra was praised for "never playing the same character twice."

Don't know who RuPaul is? RuPaul is America's top drag queen as the diva has been strutting his stuff from a media perspective since the late 1980s. In his opening monologue, he presents himself in his natural state and explains why he didn't come out in drag, and shared his philosophy on it.

Mr. Kaluuya has become a Hollywood heartthrob ever since his return from "The Sunken Place" and arrival in Wakanda. The English actor had his premier hosting gig with SNL in 2021 and was praised for his charm, wit, enticing accent, and ability to improvise with style and humor.

Billionaires typically don't host too many shows, but in the millennial age, we're able to get one or two. Take Elon Musk for example, when he made his debut hosting SNL with the satirical humor that only Elon can give.

She may be the daughter of music phenomenon Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet, but Zoe Kravitz has created her own name with both lead and supporting acting roles and showcasing her talents in the forms of live comedy.

As one of the hottest music artists of the Millennial and Gen Z era, Lizzo has earned a spot in the premiere Saturday Night Live host club because of her charisma and proven ability to switch from rapper to actress like she's practiced it in the mirror hundreds of time.