Adam Sandler was deeply moved as he delivered a musical ode to "Saturday Night Live" during a special celebration. The 58-year-old actor, who was a cast member from 1990 to 1995, sang a heartfelt tune to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic sketch comedy show. Prior to his soulful acoustic performance at "SNL50: The Anniversary Special" in New York City, he was introduced with great fanfare by Jack Nicholson.
The song, titled "50 Years," playfully recounted the ups and downs of "SNL" while paying homage to its talented ensemble and its immense contribution to pop culture. Sandler kicked off his lyrics with a touch of humor and a sense of camaraderie: "Every soul in this hall shares a bond, our lives forever changed by this show's charm. And another trait we all possess, denied access to Lorne [Michael]'s tiny restroom's charm."
Through his verse, Sandler acknowledged the behind-the-scenes heroes of "SNL," including the show's nurse and Wally, the cue card handler, whose roles were instrumental yet often unsung. His tune also celebrated the fresh faces that have been hired over the decades, hailing from comedy troupes like Groundlings and Second City. "Fifty years of young comics recruited with glee, standing tall from Groundlings, Second City, and their peers. Half a century of cast members boasting, 'Our crew's the greatest, bar none!' Yet, we all know deep down, the original cast shone the brightest, reigning supreme."
Sandler then lovingly reminisced about the glowing years he had spent alongside generations of incredibly talented actors, ultimately concluding with deep emotion:"Six golden years with Farley, five with our buddy Norm, fifty years of us taking the mic to declare, 'Live from New York, it's Saturday night!' Half a century of standing strong at our home base, waving goodnight with hearts alight. Fifty years of laughter and joy, the best times of our lives in full flight."
Viewers observed a tearful Sandler pause to gather himself as he sang about his late co-stars Chris Farley and Norm Macdonald, whose memories still evoke deep emotions within him. Previously, during his "Adam Sandler Live" stand-up comedy shows, Sandler had also performed a song in Farley's honor. In 2022, he admitted that paying tribute to his late friend, who passed away in 1997 at age 33, still left him incredibly emotional.
As part of "SNL's" 50th anniversary festivities, Sandler made an appearance on Friday, February 14, at the show's musical event, "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert," alongside other former "SNL" cast members and a stellar lineup of guests. Before the event, he walked the red carpet with his wife, Jackie Sandler, 50, sharing a passionate kiss that displayed their undying love.
"SNL50: The Anniversary Special" aired on Sunday, February 16, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, providing viewers with a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
