Yahoo Lifestyle John Mulaney jokes that only 2 “SNL” hosts have 'committed murder' — here's who he likely meant
Two former hosts were charged and acquitted in murder trials and another was charged with involuntary manslaughter in a case that has since been dismissed.
John Mulaney just made a killer joke on Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special.
During an opening monologue alongside Steve Martin, Mulaney announced there have been 894 hosts over the iconic sketch show's five-decade history, but "it amazes me that only two of them have committed murder."
While the former SNL writer and six-time host did not elaborate on who he was referring to, the most likely answer is O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake, not Alec Baldwin as some on social media speculated (and who attended Sunday's live special).
Related: See past and present Saturday Night Live cast members at the SNL 50th anniversary special
Simpson, who hosted on Feb. 25, 1978, was the subject of one of the most high-profile murder trials in American history over the stabbing deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994. The former football star and Naked Gun actor was charged with the murders but ultimately acquitted. He was later found liable in the wrongful death of Goldman and battery of both Brown and Goldman in a civil lawsuit and ordered to pay $33,500,000 in damages in 1997. Simpson died in 2024 at 76.
Blake, who hosted on Nov. 13, 1982, was charged but acquitted in the 2001 shooting death of his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. Though the Baretta star was not found guilty by a jury, he was found liable in a civil wrongful death lawsuit and ordered to pay damages. Blake died in 2023 at 89.
WireImage; Ralph Notaro/Getty
Robert Blake and O.J. SimpsonBaldwin, who has hosted more than anyone in SNL history at 17 times, went to trial for involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, but the case was dismissed last July when the judge found that the state had failed to turn over key evidence. The 30 Rock actor has since filed a civil lawsuit against prosecutors and investigators.
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In addition, actor Robert Wagner, who hosted on Dec. 9, 1989, has never been charged with murder, but he was the subject of speculation for decades as rumors swirled that he had some involvement in the 1981 tragic drowning death of his wife, screen legend Natalie Wood. Wood's sister, Lana Wood, has previously accused the actor of being responsible for the West Side Story star's shocking death.
Related: The best and worst moments from the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special
Watch Martin and Mulaney's full monologue above.
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