Real reason why Bill Hader was mysteriously absent from ‘SNL50’ as disappointed fans say ‘we miss you’

NEW YORK, NEW YORK: 'Saturday Night Live' celebrated its 50th anniversary special at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City, New York on Sunday, February 16, with much pomp and glory. However, one of the most beloved 'SNL' staples, Bill Hader was missing from the fete. 

As it became clear that Hader, 46, who was with the show for eight years, and made his last appearance in 2019, wasn’t appearing for the anniversary special, fans were left disheartened and took to social media to voice their concerns. Hader played the legendary standout character, Stefon.

However, according to reports, the fan-favorite actor had a “long-standing scheduling conflict” for which he declined to appear at the 'SNL50'.

Bill Hader canceled 'SNL50' appearance due to scheduling conflict

A source close to Bill Hader shared with The US Sun that his not showing up at 'SNL50: Anniversary Special' had to do with a scheduling conflict.

“Bill has a long-standing scheduling conflict,” shared the source without elaborating on what the “conflict” is.

Nevertheless, the source also dismissed the rumor about Hader’s alleged estrangement with the show creator, Lorne Michaels, having anything to do with his absence. 

Moreover, Puck News reporter Matthew Belloni reported that Hader, who was extremely famous for his portrayal of Stefon, responded to his invitation with “a polite decline", per People.

Some fans also started digging up the reason for Hader's no-show at 'SNL50', with a section of them postulating that his self-professed stage fright could also be responsible for his absence. 

During an interview with Variety in 2019, Hader shared the difficulties he had to face while in 'SNL'. 

“When I was on 'SNL', I was a bit of a basket case. It could not have been easy on my wife at the time,” revealed the comedian, before noting, “I was so consumed with work and anxiety.”

He continued, “Sometimes I felt like people thought, ‘Oh, he’s just wanting attention or something.’ It was like, ‘No, man, I’m legit. I’m freaking out right now.’”

Bill Hader's fans upset over his 'SNL50' absence

Fans were saddened by the fact that Bill Hader could not make it to 'SNL50: Anniversary Special'.

One said on X, "Ok not gonna lie, it feels wrong watching the SNL 50th anniversary without Bill Hader #SNL50."

"Right??? Polite no thanks ? Why Bill Why we miss you," shared someone else. 

Another lamented, "I missed Bill Hader, Dan Akroyd and Dana Carvy."

A fan said, "Nah, how are you going to celebrate SNL 50 weekend update without Stefon. That’s a crime. Where tf is Bill Hader."

Another said, "I wanted him on it too, but i wasn't surprised he wasn't there. He's always had crazy stage fright. Puked before every single show."

"He apparently has a lot of anxiety about the show," explained another fan, before adding, "Not that he has a negative view of it, he just did not want to be there."

"He chose not to be there, but even if he was there, They did Stefon for the 40th. I don’t believe they did any repeat sketches. He would have done something else," shared someone else.

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