The best and worst athlete hosts of “Saturday Night Live”
January 21, 2016 Brenda Hillegas Features, Lists, Saturday Night Live, Television
“Live From New York” – it’s Ronda Rousey? Hey, it’s been done many times before over the show’s 41 seasons. Actors with a hit movie or television series to promote aren’t the only ones who take the stage. Musicians, politics and even athletes have hosted. So will Ronda Rousey kick some ass this weekend (in a good way)? Or will she fall on her ass? I’m rooting for her. With little to no acting gigs on their resumes before, some of these MVPs absolutely nail it (I’m talking to you, Peyton Manning). Others, not so much. Take note, Ronda- here’s a shortlist of hosts- some good and some bad- and a few choice sketches to go with them.
The Best:
Peyton Manning (2007) – United Way
This United Way PSA shows NFL star Peyton Manning volunteering with a youth group, but he exhibits such mean-spirited behavior that he’s a terrible influence on them.
Joe Montana (1987)- Sincere Guy Stu
Dan and Leslie are on a date. They think one thing while saying another, but Dan’s roommate Stu says exactly what he’s thinking.
Michael Jordan (1991)- Bill Swerki’s Super Fans
Bob Swerski (George Wendt) hosts “Bill Swerski’s Super Fans” with Todd O’Connor (Chris Farley), Pat Arnold (Mike Myers) and Carl Wollarski (Robert Smigel). They are joined by special guest Michael Jordan.
Tom Brady (2005)- Sexual Harassment
Two men (Fred Armisen, Tom Brady) learn it’s better to be attractive than unattractive when interacting with female coworkers (Tina Fey, Amy Poehler) in this parody of classic informational public service announcements.
LeBron James (2007)- Solid Gold Dancer
If Solid Gold Dancers is something ingrained in your memory for life, then you will appreciate “The King” himself, LeBron James as he showcases some of his talents off the basketball court.
The Worst
George Foreman (1994)- Bedtime Story From George Foreman
Chris Elliott is sleepy and wants to take a nap. He cons George Foreman into reading him Goodnight Moon as a bedtime story until Lorne Michaels breaks up the party… and gets conned into taking George’s place. With Chris Farley.
Nancy Kerrigan (1994)- Sports Beat
Winn Wilkins (Michael McKean) of “Sports Beat” talks with Olympic athletes Nancy Kerrigan, John Leland (Norm Macdonald) and Jim Hillis (Rob Schneider) about their experiences at the games and after.
Deion Sanders (1995)- Hot Dogs for Jason
When Deion Sanders visits a dying child (Chris Farley) in the hospital, Deion’s promise to “hot dog” in a playoff game against the Cowboys leads to a four minute Icky Shuffle, the child’s recovery, and the end of Deion’s career.
Jeff Gordon (2003)- Career Day
On Career Day, a carpet salesman (Seth Meyers) has a difficult time competing with an Air Force pilot (Jeff Gordon) for the attention and admiration of the kids and the teacher (Amy Poehler).
So good luck, Ronda! And remember, even Amy Poehler has said that athletes make the best SNL hosts.
