SNL 50th Anniversary Cast Members Test Positive for COVID After Outbreak on Set

The 50th-anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live was a momentous occasion, bringing together some of the most iconic cast members, celebrities, 

and musical guests to commemorate the long-running sketch comedy show. 

However, in the days following the star-studded event, reports emerged that several attendees had tested positive for COVID-19, leading to concerns about an outbreak.

Steve Martin Confirms COVID Cases Among Cast Members

Comedy legend Steve Martin, who played a prominent role in the anniversary special, 

revealed on social media that his longtime collaborator and close friend Martin Short had tested positive for COVID-19. The announcement came with a lighthearted jab as Martin shared a photo of Short sharing a friendly kiss with fellow SNL alum Maya Rudolph during the special.

Accompanying the image, Martin captioned, “Maya had COVID. Marty has COVID. I wonder why? The SNL 50th COVID curse is real.”

Short’s diagnosis has forced Martin and Short to postpone their upcoming comedy tour dates in Durham and Knoxville. Martin assured fans that the shows would be rescheduled, joking, “I think we’ll be funnier then, anyway.”

Neither Short nor Rudolph has publicly commented on their positive test results since Martin’s post.

Fans React to COVID-19 Concerns

The news of the COVID outbreak among SNL cast members quickly sparked reactions online. Many fans expressed well wishes for Short and Rudolph, hoping for their swift recovery. Others pointed out the high-risk environment of the event, where hundreds of performers, crew members, and guests were packed into the small confines of SNL’s Studio 8H at Rockefeller Center.

One fan commented, “I thought about that while watching the show. There were too many people packed into that little studio. Masks are still important in those types of situations.” Another added, “Wishing Mr. Short a speedy recovery and that you don’t fall ill, Mr. Martin.”

Weekend Update Predicted the Outbreak

Ironically, the possibility of a COVID outbreak was seemingly foreshadowed during the special. During a segment of Weekend Update, co-anchor Colin Jost delivered a joke referencing a fictional “quad-demic.”

“Health experts are facing increased pressure this winter in the face of outbreaks of COVID, the flu, RSV, and norovirus, which they’re calling a quad-demic,” Jost quipped. “So we did the smart thing and packed every beloved entertainer over 60 into one tiny space.”

Given the current winter season and rising cases of respiratory illnesses, the packed event may have contributed to the rapid spread of COVID-19 among attendees.

A Night of Star-Studded Reunions and Memorable Moments

Despite the unfortunate outbreak, the SNL 50th-anniversary special was a massive success. The event featured appearances from beloved cast members, including Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Tracy Morgan, Kristen Wiig, Ana Gasteyer, and many others.

Maya Rudolph, who was a cast member from 1999 to 2007, reunited with Amy Poehler for their fan-favorite Bronx Beat sketch, delighting longtime viewers. Meanwhile, Martin and Short took part in a comedic moment where Short mistakenly believed he was co-hosting the special—only to be humorously “escorted” out of the studio by fake Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a nod to Short’s Canadian heritage.

The special also featured appearances by Hollywood stars such as Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, Aubrey Plaza, and musical performances from Miley Cyrus, Paul Simon, and Lady Gaga.

With an impressive 14.8 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, the special proved to be a major ratings win, solidifying SNL’s enduring legacy in comedy.

COVID-19 Cases Continue to Surface

While Martin confirmed Short and Rudolph’s diagnoses, there is growing speculation that other attendees may have also contracted the virus. In a separate social media post, SNL alum Laraine Newman shared a photo of flu medication with the caption “SNL50,” suggesting that she, too, may have fallen ill following the event.

Additionally, The View co-host Joy Behar recently revealed that Whoopi Goldberg, who attended the SNL 50th festivities, has been absent from the show after coming down with the flu. Behar warned viewers, “It’s going around, be careful.”

The Aftermath and Precautions Moving Forward

With several high-profile individuals testing positive, concerns have been raised about whether enough precautions were taken to prevent the spread of illness during the celebration. While the special was a significant moment in television history, it also served as a reminder that COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses continue to pose risks, particularly in large gatherings.

As more attendees monitor their health, it remains to be seen whether additional cases will be reported. For now, fans of SNL are hoping for the speedy recovery of those affected while reminiscing about the unforgettable moments from the milestone event.

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