In a poignant moment during its latest broadcast, the long-running sketch show Saturday Night Live paid tribute to the late film director Rob Reiner, who was found dead alongside his wife last week.
A Sombre Tribute to a Comedy Pioneer
The tribute aired during the episode hosted by pop star Ariana Grande, with music legend Cher as the musical guest. Before the show's traditional goodnight segment, a memorial card featuring a photograph of Reiner from his time on the programme was displayed on screen.
Reiner holds a significant place in SNL history, having hosted the third-ever episode on 25 October 1975. He is also credited as the first host to actively participate in the live comedy sketches, a format now standard for the show. His then-wife, actress Penny Marshall, joined him in sketches such as the infamous 'The Bees'.
The original cast for that historic episode included comedy legends John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Michael O'Donoghue, and Gilda Radner. Notably, the episode had no official musical guest; instead, John Belushi performed an impersonation of Joe Cocker singing "With a Little Help From My Friends".
The Tragic Circumstances
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered deceased at their Los Angeles home last Sunday. Their daughter, Romy Reiner, made the discovery. Their youngest son, Nick Reiner, was arrested hours later and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the charges could carry a maximum sentence of life in prison or the death penalty. The investigation into the tragic event is ongoing.
Bowen Yang's Emotional Farewell
Saturday's broadcast was also a significant send-off for cast member Bowen Yang, marking the end of his seven-year tenure on the show. His final sketch saw him play a Delta One Lounge employee working his last shift on Christmas Eve, a clear parallel to his own departure.
In an emotional scene, Yang fought back tears as his character lamented leaving his beloved egg-nog stand. Host Ariana Grande played his elderly wife, visiting him on his final day. The sketch culminated in a moving duet of Charles Brown's "Please Come Home for Christmas", during which Yang broke down.
"I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here, and I just wanted to enjoy it for a little bit longer," Yang's character said to Grande. "Especially the people. I've loved every single person who works here."
Yang joined SNL as a writer in 2018 before being promoted to the featured cast the following year. He became known for memorable characters, including parodies of viral baby hippo Moo Deng, an overzealous spin instructor, and British pop star Charli XCX.
Saturday Night Live will return with new episodes on 17 January, featuring host Finn Wolfhard and musical guest A$AP Rocky.
