Tom Hanks has lengthy been a staple of “Saturday Evening Dwell,” having hosted the present 10 occasions and made numerous shock appearances, together with a memorable cameo in December 2024. His frequent involvement has earned him a coveted spot within the legendary 5-Timers Membership, an elite group of celebrities who’ve hosted “SNL” no less than 5 occasions.
To have fun the present’s monumental fiftieth anniversary, “SNL” hosted a star-studded occasion at New York’s Radio Metropolis Music Corridor on Valentine’s Day. The night time introduced collectively among the largest names within the present’s historical past, together with Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and extra.
Nevertheless, it was Tom Hanks and his spouse, Rita Wilson, who stole the highlight, although not for the explanation followers may need anticipated.
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Tom Hanks Walks Out Of ‘SNL’ fiftieth Anniversary Celebration
The couple made headlines after they “stormed out” of the “SNL” fiftieth anniversary live performance in a hilarious comedic bit that had the viewers laughing.
The second unfolded when host Jimmy Fallon addressed the group, clarifying that the three-hour occasion wouldn’t embody any awards.
“Apparently, there’s been some confusion. That is only a live performance. We’re not giving out any awards tonight,” Fallon introduced. “So I simply need to guarantee that everybody is aware of that.”
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Digital camera Catches Hanks And Wilson Leaving The Set

As quickly as Fallon completed talking, cameras captured Hanks and Wilson dramatically getting up from their seats and making their means towards the again of the auditorium.
In a now-viral clip, Wilson could possibly be seen wagging her finger on the digital camera as the 2 playfully exited the venue.
“Tom? Rita?” Fallon known as out, maintaining the joke. “We misplaced Tom Hanks and Rita. Sorry. It wasn’t their fault.”
Followers of the present flooded social media with reactions, together with one consumer who wrote, “Wow! Tom Hanks simply stormed out of ‘SNL'” as another person stated, “Not Tom Hanks leaving ‘SNL’ mid-show [laughing face emoji].”
One other requested, “Was that Hanks transfer scripted?”
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Why Did Tom Hanks Go away Abruptly?
In response to the Mirror, Tom and Rita’s exit was a scripted spoof, nodding to Tom’s lengthy historical past with “Saturday Evening Dwell” since first internet hosting it again in 1985.
Hanks has often spoken about his deep connection to the present, most not too long ago in Peacock’s documentary collection “SNL50: Past Saturday Evening.” Within the collection, he mirrored on his experiences, calling “SNL” “the one most enjoyable factor that has occurred in my profession.”
Sharing his admiration for the inventive course of behind the legendary present, Hanks stated, “The truth that they only put their head down and plowed via it was really a little bit of a life lesson for me. Don’t learn the dangerous critiques as a result of somebody out there may be simply going to hate your guts.”
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He went on to specific simply how a lot “SNL” meant to him. “The cliché of claiming it was a dream come true doesn’t do it justice,” he stated. “It’s a fantasy made actual.”
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A Look Again At Tom Hanks’ Iconic Halloween Sketch

One among Tom Hanks’ most iconic “SNL” moments got here in 2016 when he launched the weird but hilarious character David S. Pumpkins within the Halloween-themed sketch “Haunted Elevator.”
Wearing a pumpkin go well with and flanked by two skeleton dancers, the character rapidly turned a popular culture sensation, even resulting in a 2017 animated Halloween particular.
Tom Hanks Has Made A number of Cameos On ‘SNL’

Even when not internet hosting, Tom Hanks has made a number of memorable shock appearances on “SNL.”
Probably the most notable got here in 2019, when he took half in Eddie Murphy’s long-awaited return episode after a 35-year absence. The particular night time featured a parade of stars, with Hanks becoming a member of the celebration alongside different Hollywood icons.
In 2015, Hanks additionally performed a serious function within the “SNL fortieth Anniversary” particular, a star-studded occasion that honored 4 many years of the legendary sketch present. His presence, together with different “SNL” veterans and Hollywood elites, helped make the night time an unforgettable tribute to the present’s historical past.
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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, “SNL” needed to adapt to distant manufacturing, and Hanks was chosen to ship the very first “At House” monologue for the present’s digital episodes. His speech helped set the tone for a brand new, unprecedented format, because the forged and crew navigated performing sketches from their very own houses.