All theSNLCast Members Who Weren’t at the 50th Special and Why

Mar. 15, 2025

Dan Aykroyd; Bill Hader.Photo:Noam Galai/Getty; Amanda Edwards/FilmMagic

Noam Galai/Getty; Amanda Edwards/FilmMagic

Saturday Night Livecelebrated 50 years with some of thebiggest names in comedy— but a few were noticeably absent.

On Sunday, Feb. 16, over 180 cast members and A-listers alike gathered at 30 Rockefeller Center to honor the sketch comedy show’s legacy forSNL50: The Anniversary Special.

After the evening wrapped, fans noticed there were some former cast members that didn’t make an appearance, includingDan AykroydandBill Hader.

Just two days before the big show, Aykroydposted about the anniversary on X, but didn’t address that he wouldn’t be attending.

“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,” the original cast member wrote. “This telecast is as historical as the next moon landing.”

“Comedy stars of our age all gathered under the aegis of America’s greatest living impresario, my boss Lorne Michaels,” the post continued. “People it’s friggin’ Holy!!”

According toVariety, Aykroyd’s rep confirmed the star had “prior commitments."

Puck News’ Matthew Belloni reported that Hader, who was on the show for eight years, replied to his invitation with “a polite decline.” However, Hader’s rep tells PEOPLE that “Bill had a longstanding schedule conflict.”

Hader was still seen during the special in a commercial he did withKristen WiigandFred Armisenfor Volkswagen.

Belloni also reported that the NBC executive who gave co-creator Michaels the opportunity to createSNLin 1975, Dick Ebersol, was not present due to health issues.

Another notable name who wasn’t in attendance:Dana Carvey. He was a cast member from 1986 until 1993 and made guest appearances in the years since, evenstarring as Joe Biden earlier this season. His rep confirms to PEOPLE that Carvey had “a bad flu and could not travel.”

Colin Quinn, who hosted the “Weekend Update” segment ofSNLfrom 1998 until 2000, was missing as well.

‘SNL’ 50 Anniversary Special.NBC

NBC

There were plenty of stars who did make it to the event, even participating in sketches during the nearly four-hour-long episode. Some of the many names includedBill Murray,Tina Fey,Jimmy Fallon,Amy Poehler,Maya RudolphandChevy Chase.

In addition to returning cast members, other talent also participated in the special, includingSabrina Carpenter,Paul McCartney,Ayo Edebiri,Tom HanksandKim Kardashian.

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“I had no idea, ya’ll, that I would be required to do so many reunion shows!” Morris joked as he introduced the clip.

source: people.com