Actors Jack Black and Anya Taylor Joy recently spoke about their experiences of hosting the popular show Saturday Night Live. Both shared that while the opportunity is exciting, it also comes with a lot of pressure and nervousness.
Jack Black, who has hosted the show four times since 2002 and is set to return again, described the experience as both enjoyable and stressful. He said, “It is the best and scariest at the time same time,” and asked if Anya agreed with him.
Anya Taylor Joy, who hosted the show on May 22, 2021, said that she felt both excited and nervous during her time on the show. She explained that she was “terrified” and “thrilled” at the same time. She also said, “I cannot wait to do it again, because I’m hoping that Round 2 is not as scary,”
Jack Black responded by saying that it would not feel as scary the next time.
Anya also spoke about how watching the show while growing up shaped her expectations. Having spent her childhood in London and Buenos Aires, she said, “growing up without SNL, it being something that you could watch and only seeing it on YouTube videos, you really got the feeling that this is how you present yourself to America.”
Jack Black highlighted one particular moment that he finds the most stressful. He said it is the few seconds just before stepping onto the stage. According to him, “It’s all about those 10 seconds before you walk out onto the stage to introduce yourself and introduce the show. It’s crazy. That stress level goes through the roof.”
Anya agreed with him and added that the entire experience feels intense. She said, “those 10 seconds suck.”
She also shared a lighter moment about the backstage area, mentioning the messages written on the dressing room doors, which she remembers fondly.
Both actors also spoke about a staff member named Donna, who helps manage everything behind the scenes. Anya described her by saying, “Donna is the person who is putting you where you are meant to be. She is a magician. I don’t know how she does it.”
Jack Black added that Donna Richards, who has been working on the show since the 1990s, even helped him rest between rehearsals by giving him a pillow. He explained that the schedule during the week is very busy and leaves little time for sleep. He said, “Cause the whole week is a crazy schedule. You don’t have much time to sleep. God bless it, what an amazing experience.”
Jack Black is set to host Saturday Night Live again on April 4, with Jack White as the musical guest.