The most surprisingly sad part of theSaturday Night Live50th Anniversary Special was headed by none other than funnyman Adam Sandler. Sandler took the stage with his guitar to pay tribute to a group of his friends and formerSaturday Night Livecast members during theSNL 50live special. Sandler was one of dozens of former cast members, special guests, andcelebrated formerSNLhoststo show up in support of the 50-year legacy of the longest-running comedy sketch show on television.
Sandler provided one of many surprisemusic performances at theSNL 50live show, which also included Paul Simon, Sabrina Carpenter, Lil Wayne with The Roots, and Paul McCartney.Sandler is known for his musical talents and blending them with comedy, having written and performed many original songs onSaturday Night Livewhile he was a cast member, including his iconic “Chanukah Song.” Sandler also recently released his musically drivenNetflix comedy special titledLove You. It’s been over 30 years since Sandler debuted “The Chanukah Song” and 35 years since he joined theSaturday Night Livecast.
Adam Sandler’s 50 Years Song Was Nostalgic, Not Funny
Sandler’s Song Was Written With SNL’s Cast & Crew In Heart & Mind
Adam Sandler’s “50 Years” tribute song was quite touching as he shouted out crew members and many previous cast members, like Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, Norm McDonald, Billy Crystal, Michael Che, Will Forte, Fred Armisen, and many more. Sandler’s song lasted nearly 6 minutes during the 3-hour-longSNL 50special and was widely considered one of the most heartfelt moments during the live special.Sandler even teared up when he mentioned Chris Farley and Norm Macdonaldduring his performance.
The most surprising part of Sandler’sSNL 50tribute song was who introduced it.Academy Award-winning actor Jack Nicholson made a rare public appearanceto introduce Sandler, which Sandler very much appreciated. Sandler and Nicholson starred in the classic 2003 comedyAnger Management.
Sandler was the perfect person to add sentimentality with an air of levity to the SNL 50 live special.
Sandler cracked jokes about the highs and lows ofSNL’s50-year run,sharing some insight that only cast and crew members would knowbut all can appreciate. Sandler was the perfect person to add sentimentality with an air of levity to theSNL 50live special.
Sandler’s SNL50 Song Also Served As An In Memoriam Reel For Former Cast Members
Sandler Paid Tribute To Some Of SNL’s Lost Legends Like Farley & Macdonald
In a similar vein to his Netflix’s100% Freshlive comedy special, Sandler played music to pay tribute to Chris Farley, as well as many other formerSaturday Night Livecast members who passed away such as Norm Macdonald and Phil Hartman. Sandler has been known to tear up singing his “Chris Farley song” as recently as during his 2022 tour. Sandler’s “SNL 50” song shouted out all sorts ofSaturday Night Liveessential figures, from the “drunk cue card guy” Wally and longtime music department member Speedy Rosenthal to legendary cast members like Eddie Murphy and Kristen Wiig.
