Saturday Night Live: How Jean Smart will make history as tonight's host
By Matt Moore
Tonight's brand-new episode of Saturday Night Live kicks off the show's historic 50th season. So it's fitting that the premiere's host will also be making SNL history.
Hacks star Jean Smart is hosting tonight's Saturday Night Live, making her SNL debut. She'll be joined by musical guest Jelly Roll.
And when Smart comes through the door and onto the Studio 8H stage, she'll make Saturday Night Live history. The accomplished actor will be the oldest host for a premiere episode in SNL history.
Smart makes her SNL debut at 73 years old. And while that doesn't make her the oldest SNL host, she is the oldest host to get the honor of starting a new season.
The previous record was held by Woody Harrelson. The actor hosted the season 45 premiere in 2011 at the age of 58.
Who are the oldest Saturday Night Live hosts in the show's history?
For 50 years, Saturday Night Live has been showcasing the biggest names in movies, TV, music, comedy, sports, and politics as hosts. It's a career milestone to be asked to star in an SNL episode.
It may have taken decades for Jean Smart to get her turn, but she'll finally have her shot on the season 50 premiere. It also places her near the top of the oldest SNL hosts in history.
Here are the 10 oldest Saturday Night Live hosts for any episode:
10. Larry David, 70 years old (2017)
9. Milton Berle, 70 years old (1979)
8. Martin Short, 72 years old (2022)
7. Jean Smart, 73 years old (2024)
6. Michael Keaton, 73 years old (2024)
5. Steve Martin, 77 years old (2022)
4. Mary Palin, 80 years old (1984)
3. Ruth Gordon, 80 years old (1977)
2. Miskel Spillman, 80 years old (1977)
1. Betty White, 88 years old (2010)
There's a good chance that Jean Smart will make some mention of her age during her monologue. Why it took so long for her to host Saturday Night Live is anyone's guess, but the Emmy winner should prove that it was worth the wait.