Longtime “Saturday Night Live” star Maya Rudolph, a beloved former cast member and multiple-time host herself, has opened up about her surprising top picks for celebrity hosts – professional athletes like Derek Jeter and Travis Kelce – and her reasoning offers a fascinating insight into the show’s dynamic.
For decades, Saturday Night Live has been a cornerstone of American comedy, and its celebrity hosts are integral to its weekly magic. From iconic actors to chart-topping musicians, the host sets the tone for each episode. However, one of SNL’s most beloved alums, Maya Rudolph, has recently shared a surprising take on who truly excels in the demanding live environment of Studio 8H: professional athletes.
The Unexpected Revelation from a Seasoned Veteran
Rudolph, a prolific cast member for seven years and a frequent guest host, shared her unexpected preference during an appearance on Kylie Kelce‘s podcast, “Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce.” The 53-year-old actress, known for her incredible versatility and memorable impressions, pinpointed a specific group that consistently impresses her.
“I’ve always said this, my favorite, favorite hosts whenever they were on SNL were always professional athletes, always,” Rudolph stated on the podcast, as reported by People. This statement offers a fascinating counterpoint to the common discussion around actors or comedians often returning to host.
Why Athletes Are Her MVPs of Comedy
Rudolph’s reasoning behind her admiration for athlete hosts is as insightful as it is surprising. She attributes their success to a combination of inherent qualities that translate remarkably well to live sketch comedy. “I think professional athletes are calm. They’re so used to performing live. So by the time they get to SNL, it’s like, alright and their bodies are so relaxed because they’ve worked out all morning,” she explained on the Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce podcast.
This perspective offers a unique angle to the ongoing debate about the value of celebrity hosts, a topic often explored within the fan community. While some argue that former cast members inherently make better hosts because “they get it,” Rudolph’s take highlights that the pressure of live performance is something athletes are uniquely prepared for, often bringing an unflappable demeanor that benefits the show.
Remembering Derek Jeter’s Iconic Stint
Among her top athlete hosts, Rudolph specifically called out legendary baseball player Derek Jeter. Jeter hosted Saturday Night Live in December 2001, and his appearance clearly left a lasting impression on Rudolph.
Rudolph recounted a particular sketch that solidified Jeter’s place as a favorite: “There was a sketch that my friend wrote where [Jeter] was wearing, where he came to a party with a perm, and he was just wearing a perm wig and it might be my favorite memory of that night.” This willingness to embrace the absurd and look foolish for comedy’s sake is precisely what makes for a truly memorable SNL host.
The Kelce Brothers: A New Generation of SNL-Ready Athletes
The conversation on Kylie Kelce’s podcast naturally turned to her brother-in-law, NFL star Travis Kelce, who successfully hosted SNL in March 2023. Kylie herself praised his performance, and Rudolph readily agreed, affirming that athletes often possess an innate comedic timing and fearlessness.
Rudolph noted that many athletes, like Jason Kelce who grew up loving Chris Farley, grew up watching and imitating comedy, explaining, “they’re funny.” This was further evidenced by Adam Sandler‘s praise for Travis Kelce‘s performance in “Happy Gilmore 2,” where Sandler remarked, “Travis and [Bad] Bunny are ridiculous in it… Every athlete kicks ass.”
Maya Rudolph’s Enduring SNL Legacy
Maya Rudolph herself is a testament to the versatility required to thrive at Saturday Night Live. Her seven-year tenure as a cast member (until 2007) and numerous returns as host have solidified her status as an SNL legend. She’s famous for a range of iconic impressions, from Whitney Houston to Beyoncé Knowles, the latter of which she recently revived for a hilariously spicy “Hot Ones” themed skit in May. She has also made her mark by repeatedly returning to host, often joking about being “the ghost of Studio 8H” due to her frequent surprise cameos.
Her comfort in her return to SNL is evident in recent promos, where she humorously emerged from a Studio 8H closet after “17 years,” ready to host for her third time. This deep connection to the show’s inner workings grants her a unique, insider’s perspective on what truly makes a host shine.
The Fan Community’s Take on Athlete Hosts
While Maya Rudolph’s preference for athlete hosts might be surprising to some, it resonates with many long-time SNL fans who appreciate the raw, unpolished energy that professional athletes often bring. Unlike seasoned actors who might be more concerned with maintaining a certain image, athletes often exhibit a refreshing willingness to be vulnerable and embrace the silliness of sketch comedy.
The “calm” and “live performance” aspects Rudolph highlights are often what create unexpected comedic gold. These hosts, free from typical acting pressures, can surprise audiences with their genuine reactions and commitment to the bits, making their episodes feel fresh and exciting. This aligns with the sentiment that the best celebrity hosts are those “willing to get outrageous and look foolish in the name of comedy.”
A Fresh Perspective on SNL’s Hosting Tradition
Maya Rudolph‘s insight into her favorite Saturday Night Live hosts challenges conventional wisdom and provides a fascinating lens through which to view the show’s enduring success. Her appreciation for the “calm” and “live performance” readiness of professional athletes like Derek Jeter and Travis Kelce underscores that true comedic talent isn’t always found where you expect it.
As SNL continues its celebrated run, Rudolph’s take serves as a reminder that some of the most memorable and effective hosts are those who bring an authentic, unburdened presence to Studio 8H, proving that sometimes, the biggest laughs come from the most unexpected places.
