Molly Shannon made a triumphant return to Saturday Night Live as her beloved character Sally O'Malley during the show's momentous 50th anniversary special on February 16th. The iconic character, who proudly proclaims she is 50 years old, brought nostalgia and laughter to the stage during this star-studded extravaganza.
About halfway through the three-hour celebration, Shannon burst onto the stage, interrupting five-time host Emma Stone, who was poised to introduce segments celebrating the show's best physical comedy moments. "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Sally O'Malley," Shannon declared, donning her trademark red jumpsuit. "I’m proud to say I’m 50 years old, just like Saturday Night Live!" With her signature enthusiasm, she added, "She’s not one of those gals who’s afraid to tell her real age, and she likes to kick, stretch, and kick. She’s 50. Fifty years old!"
The chemistry between Stone and Shannon was palpable as they kicked, stretched, and performed together on the famous Studio 8H stage, showcasing the delightful spirit of both performers. The anniversary special celebrated not only the remarkable longevity of SNL, which first aired on October 11, 1975, but also featured numerous guest appearances from beloved former cast members and musical icons.
Sally O'Malley originally made her debut on the show back in 1999. Since then, she's become one of Shannon's most cherished characters, making several appearances throughout the years, with her last on-screen appearance occurring as recently as April 2023, when the Jonas Brothers were the musical guests. Shannon’s comedic persona quickly became ingrained in SNL’s identity, thanks to her infectious joy and dynamic performances.
Reflecting on her previous appearances, Shannon delivered insight about the origins of Sally O'Malley during interviews leading up to the special. "This is not funny at all, but my dad was very badly injured in an automobile accident and he had to learn to walk again. The character is based on his limp. That’s me imitating my dad," she explained. The essence of Sally, according to Shannon, is about overcoming challenges with humor and power.
The SNL50: The Anniversary Special featured many distinguished guests, including Adam Sandler, Alec Baldwin, Amy Poehler, Cher, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and many more—a nod to the generations of talent who have shaped the series over the decades. The event brought together A-listers and former cast members, providing viewers with a heartwarming retrospective of the show’s most unforgettable moments.
Among the notable interactions, Seth Meyers and Kenan Thompson had fond memories to share about Sally O'Malley during interviews. Meyers revealed, “I turned 50 last year, and 15 different SNL people texted me to say it was time to ‘kick and stretch.’” Thompson reminisced, noting how Shannon seems to relish the intensity of her performance each time, especially during her iconic line mentioning the word "stretch."
The anniversary special was not just about nostalgia; it was also about how SNL continues to resonate with audiences today. Viewers witnessed how long-standing characters and sketches have shaped comedic culture over the years, and Sally O'Malley stood as a prime example of this legacy. Shannon’s portrayal captivates not just her fellow comedians but also the fans who have followed SNL through its various eras.
After her energetic performance, the two then encouraged the audience to enjoy a video celebrating 50 years of SNL’s physical comedy, underlining the show’s commitment to laughter and entertainment. The presentation of classic sketches underscored the creativity and talent of the writers and performers who have contributed to SNL’s enduring success.
"SNL50: The Anniversary Special" aired on NBC and on its streaming service Peacock, allowing both long-time fans and newcomers to sit back and enjoy the comedic brilliance crafted by some of the best talent the entertainment industry has to offer. Shannon’s return as Sally O'Malley added just the right dose of humor to this special event, making it unforgettable.
While the celebration marked five decades of laughs, those watching couldn't help but wonder what the future holds for SNL and its characters like Sally O'Malley. With Shannon's iconic role and undeniable charm, audiences are likely to look forward to more memorable moments coming from the SNL family.