Top 10 Times Bill Hader Broke The SNL Cast
#10: “Weekend Update: Stefon's Farewell”
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Who knew that a character send-off would be so emotional? The original ending to Stefon’s arc is a dramatic conclusion for a beloved character. It’s also a chance for “Weekend Update” host Seth Meyers and Bill Hader’s character to finally come together as a couple. After a slew of quirky cameos from the likes of Anderson Cooper, the skit leads toward a happy ending for the duo. The send-off ends in the studio as Hader and Meyers get choked up. It’s one of the few times that they both break character for the sketch, but this time it’s because they’re bringing real emotions with them to the segment.
#9: “Weekend Update: James Carville On Gun Control”
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Turning into the political strategist, Bill Hader transforms James Carville into a cartoonish guest on “Weekend Update.” The character makes fun of his own appearance and even throws in some extra mannerisms for good measure. It’s fun to watch, but really hard to keep a straight face during the craziest moments. Seth Meyers easily breaks multiple times trying to keep Carville on track. Hader takes the role even further as he uses his surroundings and even brushes up against his co-star. Naturally, this gets Meyers giggling again in a great showcase for a hilarious performance.
#8: “Weekend Update: Seth’s Farewell”
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As if to return the favor of sending Stefon off in style, Bill Hader came back in character to help celebrate Seth Meyers’ final “Weekend Update” appearance. The entire segment is filled with laughs, tears, and respect as multiple people show up to honor the long-time host. Hader, as Stefon, gets perhaps the largest reaction as everyone tries not to cry. With the likes of Cecily Strong and Amy Poehler there to help, Hader gives his friend one last salute in the Stefon role. It’s a moment that’s less about laughs and more about the raw emotion of the scene.
#7: “Kissing Family: Brecken Brings His Boyfriend Home”
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For anyone that knows about this family, they’ll likely remember how affectionate they are. This sketch is no different as a reunion prompts lots of kisses and other ridiculous behavior. Fred Armisen’s character tries to make a speech, but accidentally hits his scene partner Bill Hader with his hand. The mistake and Hader’s reaction get Armisen to giggle as he tries to finish his monologue. With the laughter starting, it’s almost impossible to recover for the remainder of the sketch. The last string of kisses makes the co-stars laugh again as they come face to face once more.
#6: “Weekend Update: Stefon on St. Patrick's Day”
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On certain occasions, Bill Hader has returned to host “SNL” and reprised his role as Stefon. This also means that he has new “Weekend Update” presenters to work alongside. For this version of the skit, the crazy correspondent bounces jokes off of Michael Che and Colin Jost. Roasting the two with off-color lines, the character makes them laugh with his absurd humor. Hader proves that he can also work with anyone while in the classic wardrobe and haircut. Making his co-stars chuckle at his odd club details, the comedian never ceases to make everyone around him happier.
#5: “Hollywood Dish with Scarlett Johansson”
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Making fun of press junkets, “Hollywood Dish” puts Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig together as a pair of eager journalists. They question Scarlett Johansson with a number of softball questions until they try to get more juicy details out of her. With each question, the duo’s reaction also becomes more and more crazy. This prompts Hader to do a spit take directly into Wiig’s face. Naturally, this breaks her up before she has to deliver her next line. There’s also a bowl on her head that makes it even harder for the comedian to keep her cool. Considering how messy this scene gets, it’s not difficult to imagine that even a veteran would break under the circumstances.
#4: “Renaldo and Alexi”
This might be the most famous trainwreck from Bill Hader’s time on the show. Never making it to air, this dress rehearsal performance is a beautiful encapsulation of his chemistry with Fred Armisen. They both play doormen with outrageous accents that love to chat up the residents. When Armisen tries to tell a story, he starts to break down with laughter. This quickly derails the sketch and keeps both performers chuckling for most of the runtime. Hader doesn’t fare well with his own Christmas tale either, almost breaking Vanessa Bayer along with his other scene partners. Even if there aren’t a ton of jokes, there’s definitely a wild energy that’s contagious enough to get both guys to crack up.
#3: “Girlfriends Game Night”
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What should’ve been a normal game night turns into a wonderfully awkward discussion about pregnancy. You couldn’t ask for a better premise, but somehow the writers make it even better with the inclusion of Bill Hader’s character. The older man Horace has a wheelchair and seems to run into everything. Making for a beautiful disaster, the chair sets up an accidental gag where Hader wheels into the table and his co-stars. The furniture and performers start moving across the set as they stifle their laughter. Hiding behind an amused Cecily Strong, Hader can’t contain himself as he realizes his mistake.
#2: “Weekend Update: Stefon on Spring Break”
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During his earliest years as Stefon, Bill Hader developed great chemistry with “Weekend Update” host Seth Meyers. This back-and-forth makes for some killer reactions from both performers. Trying to help people on spring break, the character goes off on some typically hilarious jokes that include a reference to the film “Precious.” Hader’s reaction to the line is enough for him and Meyers to cover their mouths. Considering that the words often get changed at the last minute, it’s safe to assume that this helped to cause both comedians to lose it. It’s also such a chaotic script that it’s amazing they even make it through the segment without falling over laughing.
#1: “The Californians: Karina Returns”
Top 10 Times Bill Hader Broke Character on SNL
In one of the most popular segments from his tenure on “SNL,” Bill Hader always shined as one of the soap stars on “The Californians.” He also found plenty of time to break and make others do the same. Starting with a ridiculous plot, this particular version concerns Kristen Wiig’s character returning and revealing her true self. A series of crazy voices and pronunciations follow as Hader can’t keep it together. This sends his co-stars into a fit of laughter. Not only does Wiig lose it, but Fred Armisen also cracks under the absurdity of this story. The entire scene plays out like an inside joke with friends who can’t stop giggling.
