Martin Short has officially joined the esteemed ranks of the "Five-Timers Club" on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), celebrated this past weekend during the iconic show's cold open. The club, created by Tom Hanks himself over three decades ago, honors celebrities who have hosted SNL five or more times.
Tom Hanks, sporting the traditional "Five-Timers Club" jacket, kicked things off by humorously explaining the club's origin, describing it as "an ingeniously lazy way to avoid writing a monologue" back in 1990. Hanks, who has hosted the show 10 times, introduced Short, who was visibly excited as it marked his fifth time hosting.
The segment quickly became a star-studded celebration as Paul Rudd, who has also made his mark by hosting five times, entered and jokingly questioned Hanks about who he was addressing. It was a hilarious moment, with Rudd playfully noting his confusion by saying, "Who the hell are you talking to here, pal?" Hanks, ever the comedian, sighed, "I’ve done so many documentaries, whenever I sit in a leather chair, I just naturally assume I’m in one." This light-hearted banter set the tone for the night.
Short's induction was not just about him; it brought along various esteemed SNL alumni, including Kristen Wiig, Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Scarlett Johansson, and Melissa McCarthy. Each of them took turns welcoming Short and, in true Five-Timers fashion, participated in some amusing confessions as part of their initiation ritual.
Kristen Wiig took the opportunity to create some laughter, joking about their supposed intimate yoga class experience. "We took a hot yoga class together where we made love and got kicked out, and then we both voted for Trump," she quipped, leading to Short's quick, playful reply of "Don’t tell them!" This mix of political satire and playful humor worked exceptionally well, showcasing the camaraderie shared by these seasoned entertainers.
This lighthearted gathering soon turned confessional, with each member admitting to various 'secrets' or humorous confessions. Hanks chimed in with, "I never had Covid," to which Johansson added, "I have Covid right now," delighting the audience with the stark honesty and absurdity of their confessions. Baldwin humorously capped it off, mentioning his overwhelming number of children by stating, "I have way too many children."
The cold open not only honored Short but also encapsulated the spirit of SNL—comedy steeped in connections, relationships, and shared history. After being part of the show as cast from 1984 to 1985, Short's return as host has garnered plenty of cheers from long-time fans. He has been recognized for his charisma and ability to capture laughter, making his fifth hosting not just nostalgic but also deservedly memorable.
Martin Short's career has seen remarkable peaks since his initial SNL days, particularly with his acclaimed role on the Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," where he stars alongside high-profile actors like Steve Martin and Selena Gomez. This fifth hosting opportunity marks not just achievement but reaffirms Short’s role as one of comedy's treasured icons.
Joining the Five-Timers Club came filled with not only accolades and recognition. Short's lively presence and comedic essence remind audiences why he has remained a pertinent figure within Hollywood's comedic firmament.
Tonight's celebration marks another chapter for Martin Short, highlighting not just the joy of returning to the SNL stage but the bonds formed through years of comedy, laughter, and camaraderie. With star-studded guests and humorous segments, the SNL episode turned out to be one for the books, adorned with excitement for both the host and viewers alike.
All eyes are set on what this could mean for Short’s future projects, as comedians like him sometimes pivot to new comedy realms after such nostalgia-filled episodes. One thing is for sure—Martin Short isn’t just hosting; he’s cementing his legacy.