Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson made a rare and unexpected public appearance at the SNL50: Anniversary Special, introducing his Anger Management co-star Adam Sandler’s musical tribute to five decades of Saturday Night Live.
Nicholson, who hadn’t been seen publicly since April 2023, surprised audiences as he took the spotlight from the audience, sporting his signature purple sunglasses and a Yankees beret. With a grin, he delivered a simple yet powerful introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Sandler!” The crowd erupted in applause, and an emotional Sandler responded, “Let’s hear it for Jack, baby! Jack made it out tonight! Love you, brother.”
Sandler, a SNL cast member from 1991 to 1995, then launched into a heartfelt and hilarious song reflecting on the iconic show’s 50-year history. He paid tribute to legendary cast members, backstage antics, and SNL’s cultural impact, blending comedy with nostalgia. One standout lyric poked fun at SNL writers nervously watching Steven Spielberg at Lorne Michaels’ monitors, only to later vent at the after-party: “50 years of those same writers getting wasted and loudly telling everybody that Jaws was overrated.”
The SNL50 special was packed with familiar faces, including Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Will Ferrell, Pete Davidson, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Jason Sudeikis, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Tracy Morgan, Seth Meyers, and original cast members Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, and Garrett Morris.
While Nicholson has never hosted SNL, he did appear as a presenter for the show’s 40th anniversary in 2015. His return for the 50th was an unforgettable moment, proving once again that even after years away from the public eye, Jack Nicholson still knows how to steal the show.
