The 50th-anniversary special of Saturday Night Live was a star-studded event featuring many legendary cast members, but fans were quick to notice the absence of two major names: Bill Hader and Dan Aykroyd.
Hader, beloved for his iconic Weekend Update character Stefon, was a fan favorite many expected to return. However, his absence was explained as a “longstanding schedule conflict,” according to his publicist. Some speculate his commitment to various projects, including the acclaimed HBO series Barry, may have played a role.
Dan Aykroyd, an original cast member from SNL’s 1975 debut, was also missing. While he actively promoted the event on social media, he ultimately could not attend. Some reports hint at potential health concerns or personal matters, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Despite these notable absences, the special still delivered an unforgettable night with appearances from Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Eddie Murphy, and many others. While fans missed Hader and Aykroyd, SNL 50 proved once again why the show remains a cultural powerhouse after five decades.
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