The "COVID Curse" On SNL's 50th: Rudolph And Short's Absence

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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The "COVID Curse" Strikes SNL's 50th: Rudolph and Short's Absence Casts a Shadow

NEW YORK, NY – NBC’s celebratory 50th-anniversary special of Saturday Night Live (SNL), which aired on February 15, 2020, was overshadowed by a significant absence: two of the show’s most beloved and iconic alumni, Chris Farley and Mike Myers, were notably absent from the festivities. While many former cast members participated, the lack of these two comedic titans fueled speculation and disappointment among long-time viewers. While no official reason was given for their absence at the time, the prevailing narrative surrounding the event suggests the "COVID curse" played a significant, albeit indirect, role.

The year 2020 marked the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on global events. While the official anniversary special aired before widespread lockdowns and restrictions in the US, the pandemic's nascent stages were already causing disruptions and uncertainty. Though neither Farley nor Myers’ absence was explicitly linked to COVID-19 concerns at the time, the evolving situation likely contributed to the challenges of coordinating such a large-scale production involving numerous individuals from diverse locations. The logistical hurdles and health anxieties inherent in bringing together so many people from various points in their careers could well have factored into their decisions to not attend.

The absence of Chris Farley, who passed away in 1997, is obviously due to his untimely death and is not related to the pandemic. However, the absence of Mike Myers, who is still alive and active in the entertainment industry, is more noteworthy. Speculation at the time centered around scheduling conflicts, creative differences, or possibly personal reasons. However, given the context of the pandemic’s emergence, it’s plausible that concerns related to travel, health protocols, and the potential risk of exposure played a role in his decision, even if it was not publicly acknowledged.

The SNL 50th anniversary special was a star-studded affair, featuring appearances from Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and numerous other notable alumni. However, the absence of Farley and Myers, two personalities deeply ingrained in the show’s history and comedic legacy, left a noticeable void in the celebration. Their contributions shaped the show’s identity and continue to resonate with fans today. Their absence served as a poignant reminder of the show's long and complex history, as well as the unpredictable nature of live events. While the pandemic's effects were not directly stated as the reason for these absences, the timing and circumstances strongly suggest it played a significant, albeit indirect, role in shaping the narrative surrounding the special. The event served as a microcosm of the larger disruptions the pandemic would soon unleash on the world.

The lack of official explanation surrounding Myers' absence continues to fuel online discussions among dedicated SNL fans. The event, intended as a joyful celebration, became, for some, a melancholic reflection on the unpredictable nature of both life and large-scale events. The specter of the COVID-19 pandemic, though still in its early stages, already cast a long shadow over the festivities. The "COVID curse" may not have directly caused the absences, but it certainly contributed to the complicated backdrop against which the 50th-anniversary special unfolded.