An SNL legend watched the 50 year anniversary celebration without an invitation, and the omission hurt. SNL50: The Anniversary Special paraded Steve Martin, Paul Simon, and a teary Adam Sandler before nearly 15 million viewers. The laughter was thunderous, but silence marked where this SNL legend should have stood.

Chevy Chase spoke out about his upsetting exclusion from SNL50: The Anniversary Special in his documentary I’m Chevy Chase, and You’re Not, according to People. There were many versions of the SNL skit that left people out, too, but that did not mean it would not hurt.

"They should've had me on that stage. It hurt." Chevy Chase said this while reflecting on the February broadcast.

Garrett Morris and Laraine Newman appeared during the live show’s highlights, including Adam Sandler’s tribute song. While watching the special, Chevy Chase had one question in mind.

"Why was Bill Murray there, and why was I not? I don't have an answer for that." Chevy Chase asked this in his documentary I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, as per People. He added that he brought it up in a text to Lorne Michaels, but previously took it back; now he does not.

The documentary revealed that bits originally planned for Chevy Chase were canceled at the last minute. Jayni Chase explained that assurances had existed until the day of the broadcast. While the anniversary celebrated Weekend Update and Kenan Thompson’s Black Jeopardy, his absence left a gap.

Chevy Chase was not the only fan favorite that was absent from the anniversary celebration that night.

SNL celebrities that were absent from the anniversary celebration

Dan Aykroyd, the only living member of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Player not in attendance, watched SNL50: The Anniversary Special from home with his children. He shared a supportive message on social media, calling the event "historical."

Bill Hader, one of the most beloved modern-era SNL stars, declined his invitation due to a longstanding schedule conflict and ongoing struggles with live-performance anxiety, as he revealed in Late Night with Seth Meyers. Although, he did appear in a pre-recorded commercial reprising his role from The Californians.

Dana Carvey missed the special while suffering from a severe case of the flu, as reported by The Post, despite frequent guest appearances during Season 50 impersonating Joe Biden. Colin Quinn could not attend because of a previously booked stand-up performance in North Carolina on the same night.

Other notable absentees included Robert Downey Jr., Joan Cusack, Chris Redd, Dennis Miller, Randy Quaid, and influential NBC executive Dick Ebersol. Frequent hosts such as Justin Timberlake, John Goodman, Jim Carrey, Christopher Walken, and Melissa McCarthy were also missing from the historic celebration.

Do you think Chevy Chase should not have been excluded from SNL50: The Anniversary Special? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Iffat Siddiqui

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui