SNL Hosts & Murder: John Mulaney's Joke Explained + Who Was It About?

Do you know which individuals, out of the hundreds who have graced the stage of "Saturday Night Live" as hosts, have been embroiled in the darkest of controversies? The world of "Saturday Night Live," a cornerstone of American comedy for half a century, has seen its share of brilliance, but also a shadow of scandal that includes two hosts implicated in murder.

At the recent "Saturday Night Live" 50th-anniversary special, the air crackled with nostalgia, laughter, and a dose of the unexpected. John Mulaney, one of the evening's hosts, delivered a monologue that, amidst the general celebration, landed a particularly pointed joke. He remarked that, out of the staggering 894 individuals who have hosted "SNL" over its five decades, only two had ever been accused of murder. The quip, delivered with Mulaney's signature dry wit, immediately captured the audience's attention and sparked a wave of curiosity across social media. The joke became an instant talking point, with viewers scrambling to uncover the identities of the individuals he referenced.

The 50th-anniversary show, a milestone event, brought together a constellation of past cast members, hosts, and musical guests. The event, which was held on the weekend, was a sprawling celebration of the show's enduring legacy. The monologue, a staple of the "SNL" format, provides a platform for the hosts to connect with the audience, reflect on the show's history, and share their own comedic perspective. Mulaney, joined by the legendary Steve Martin, seized this opportunity with precision. The pair navigated a series of jokes, from gentle ribbing of celebrity egos to more provocative observations about the show's tumultuous history. Martin, ever the performer, hilariously reacted with a seemingly impressed "wow" at the fact that only two hosts had committed murder.

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Mulaney's jest did not shy away from the more controversial figures. The duo pointed out O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake, both former hosts of "SNL." The joke brought immediate attention to the past, and the complicated histories associated with those figures. The implication that such figures had been invited to participate in the show and then later found themselves in such precarious situations spoke volumes about the show's history. However, the specific mention also brought the topic back into the public eye.

Mulaney wasn't the only one to provide such commentary. While the focus was clearly on the present, and the fact that the show had made it this far, there were references to past deaths of people involved with the show. The show, which has consistently championed fresh talent and provided a platform for established stars, has also been touched by tragedy over the years. One such example of this was a writer, who passed away in his sleep at the age of 49, the same night he confessed to murder. The show has had to address many such untimely deaths over the years.

The legacy of "SNL," from its earliest days, has been shaped by the contributions of its cast and crew. The show has provided a launchpad for many of the greatest comedians of the last 50 years, from Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy to Tina Fey and Kristen Wiig. The show has been celebrated for its innovative approach to sketch comedy. It also has always embraced musical performances, with the likes of Kanye West, among others, taking center stage. These stories, coupled with the recent events, have only served to reiterate the highs and lows of "SNL."

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The show's willingness to embrace controversy has been a part of its DNA from the very beginning. The show has often pushed boundaries, satirizing political figures, social trends, and cultural phenomena. The show has maintained relevance in an ever-changing media landscape. Yet, as the show's history has proven, every guest, every host, and every cast member has an impact on the show.

As the audience watched the anniversary special, the past, present, and future of "SNL" converged. The 50th-anniversary special served as a reminder of the show's enduring impact. The celebration was as much about looking forward to the next 50 years, as it was about honoring the legacy of all those who have made the show what it is today.

Subject	Details
Full Name	Orenthal James Simpson
Also Known As	O.J. Simpson, The Juice
Date of Birth	July 9, 1947
Place of Birth	San Francisco, California, U.S.
Date of Death	April 10, 2024
Cause of Death	Cancer
Occupation	Former football player, actor, broadcaster
Known For	NFL Hall of Famer; controversial murder trial; host of Saturday Night Live
Murder Allegations	Acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in 1995 criminal trial; found liable for their deaths in a 1997 civil trial.
"SNL" Hosting	Hosted "Saturday Night Live" once, on October 15, 1977.
Other Controversies	Convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in 2008; served time in prison.
Reference	Britannica.com

Subject	Details
Full Name	Robert Joseph Blake
Also Known As	Bob Blake
Date of Birth	September 18, 1933
Place of Birth	Nutley, New Jersey, U.S.
Date of Death	March 9, 2023
Occupation	Actor
Known For	"Baretta" (TV series); controversial murder trial
Murder Allegations	Acquitted of the murder of his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, in 2005 criminal trial; found liable for her death in a 2005 civil trial.
"SNL" Hosting	Hosted "Saturday Night Live" once, on April 14, 1990.
Other Controversies	Legal issues surrounding Bonnie Lee Bakley's death.
Reference	IMDB.com

The inclusion of Simpson and Blake in Mulaney's joke prompted a wave of public discussion and scrutiny. Simpson, a former football star and actor, gained notoriety for his highly publicized 1995 murder trial. He was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman, but the case became one of the most well-known in American history, dividing public opinion. In a subsequent civil trial, he was found liable for their deaths. In 2008, Simpson was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in a separate case. He passed away in April 2024.

Robert Blake, an accomplished actor known for his role in the television series "Baretta," also faced murder charges. Blake was accused of killing his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, in 2001. He was acquitted in a criminal trial in 2005 but found liable for her death in a civil suit the same year. These two figures, both of whom were once welcomed into the "SNL" fold as hosts, have become synonymous with the darker side of fame, with the joke drawing immediate attention to their past and present.

The mention of Simpson and Blake was more than just a passing joke; it served as a reminder of the complexities of celebrity, the unpredictable nature of public figures, and the often-blurred lines between public persona and private actions. The implication of the joke was that the show has played a role in the lives of these people. The inclusion of such figures as part of the show brought a new light to how the people are received after. In that sense, the joke was as much about the show as it was about the individuals.

In essence, the anniversary special was a celebration of "SNL's" impact on comedy and culture. The impact of the show is visible in the sheer number of people who participated in the creation, and the success of the show. The success of the show is such that it has become a staple for generations. However, the show is now tied to the actions and the misdeeds of its hosts. The story serves as a reminder of the potential risks and rewards of fame.