Dana Carvey, Bill Hader, Colin Quinn and more “SNL” legends missed the 50th anniversary special — here's why

Almost all the stars came out to celebrate Saturday Night Live's biggest milestone yet: the monumental 50th anniversary special, packed with throwbacks, resurrected characters, epic musical performances, and several blasts from the past.

But not everybody made it to the big celebration. For all the alumni that did attend, SNL diehards were quick to notice those who didn't make it, including the noticeably absent Dana Carvey, who has otherwise been a frequent guest in Studio 8H since taking on the role of former President Joe Biden in the 2024 election.

Related: See past and present Saturday Night Live cast members at the SNL 50th anniversary special

As recently as December, Carvey reprised his classic Church Lady character in a new sketch, so where was he on the big night? Entertainment Weekly has learned that Carvey "had the flu and could not fly."

The comedian, who was an SNL regular from 1986 to 1993, will likely address the subject on an upcoming episode of his Fly on the Wall, especially since his cohost and fellow SNL alum David Spade did make an appearance at the celebration and will likely report back on his experience.

Another notable alum, Bill Hader, was unable to attend the festivities due to a "longstanding schedule conflict," per a rep for the actor. Hader was on the show for eight seasons, earning two Emmy nominations during his tenure before departing in 2013. He would later return as a host and for cameo appearances, earning two more Emmy nominations for his work on the show while no longer a full-time cast member.

The Barry creator has since opened up about the anxious experience of starring on the weekly sketch show, telling Variety in 2019 that he frequently experienced panic attacks and migraines.

"When I was on SNL, I was a bit of a basket case. It could not have been easy on my wife at the time, I was so consumed with work and anxiety," he said at the time. "Sometimes I felt like people thought, 'Oh, he’s just wanting attention or something.' It was like, 'No, man, I’m legit. I’m freaking out right now.'"

Related: Bill Hader recalls everyone stopping work at SNL when Adele sang during rehearsal: 'Who was that?'

Colin Quinn, who began as an SNL writer in 1995 before taking over as a "Weekend Update" anchor in 1998, was also unable to make the show, as he is currently touring a standup show and was performing in North Carolina that Sunday night.

Dan Aykroyd's attendance came down to "prior commitments," a rep told Variety. His absence was especially notable as he was the only surviving original cast member who did not attend. The other "Not Ready for Prime Time" players were in the building, including Garrett Morris,  Laraine Newman, Jane Curtin, and Chevy Chase.

However, Aykroyd did acknowledge the 50th anniversary on social media. Two days before the special, he wrote, "Cracking a Head with pride at having been a co-founder of SNL along with everyone we were together with in those four years, five decades ago. This telecast is as historical as the next moon landing. Comedy stars of our age all gathered under the aegis of America’s greatest."

In a Wednesday post, he let followers know that he was watching along, writing, "All Heads up toasting triumphant SNL 50th. Advantage of not attending - got to see every second of concert and show on TV.  Quote from my children: 'Look at daddy's smile!'  Had it from start to finish. Congratulations Lorne.  Well done as usual."

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Also absent from SNL's 50th was Dennis Miller, though he did get a shoutout when Bill Murray jokingly ranked all of the show's "Weekend Update" anchors.

"These are in no particular order so I've listed them from worst to best," Murray began. After revealing Quinn in tenth, Kevin Nealon in ninth, Miller in eighth, and Seth Meyers in seventh he said, "I just wish we had the time tonight to say something nice about any of them."

"We actually do have enough time," current anchor Colin Jost pointed out, to which Murray dismissed him. "Yeah, well, we're right here at six now."

A representative for Miller did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment regarding his absence.

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