'SNL' stage fright: 10 celebs who revealed feeling nervous and scared before hosting show
10 celebrities who have revealed battling stage fright before hosting 'SNL'
Hosting 'Saturday Night Live' ('SNL') is a dream for many celebrities, but stepping onto the iconic stage comes with its own set of jitters. Despite their fame and experience, numerous stars have openly admitted to battling stage fright before hosting the legendary comedy show. Here are 10 celebrities who have candidly revealed their nerves and fears before taking the 'SNL' spotlight.
1. Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal delivered his debut 'Saturday Night Live' monologue on February 4, 2023, coinciding with the anniversary of his mother's death. In a later interview with Esquire, he revealed feeling intense fear about hosting the show, even resorting to talking to his late mother for comfort amidst the anxiety and fear of failure.
2. Andrew Garfield
In 2014, speaking to PopSugar before his hosting stint on 'Saturday Night Live', Andrew Garfield expressed a mix of excitement and panic, admitting to feeling deeply anxious and even contemplating jumping out of a window due to nerves.
3. Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish hosted the December 2021 holiday episode of 'Saturday Night Live', revealing later in an interview on Howard Stern's radio show that she experienced intense anxiety in preparation for the show and admitted to crying every day leading up to the performance.
4. James McAvoy
When questioned about his feelings before hosting 'Saturday Night Live' in 2019 during an interview with Access Hollywood, James McAvoy expressed genuine nervousness, confessing, "Terrified. I might need to go to the bathroom right now."
5. John Mulaney
In a 2019 interview with NPR, John Mulaney admitted feeling "absolutely terrified" during his first time hosting 'Saturday Night Live' in 2018, likening the experience to playing basketball in front of family. He also revealed he struggled with the possible perception of being a fraud among those who knew him well.
6. Kristen Stewart
In 2017, Kristen Stewart candidly confessed to Jimmy Fallon on his talk show that she had avoided hosting 'Saturday Night Live' for six years out of fear. She admitted to being a "total wuss" but recognized the importance of facing her fears and embracing failure as a path to growth, as per E! Online.
7. Lindsay Lohan
In a 2022 interview with Vogue, Lindsay Lohan reflected on her nerves before hosting 'Saturday Night Live' for the first time in 2004, stating, "It's always so nerve-wracking... And then it becomes more comfortable after, but this time I was really nervous."
8. Austin Butler
In a recent Elle interview, Austin Butler recalled seeking advice from his 'Dune: Part Two' co-stars Timothee Chalamet and Christopher Walken due to nerves before hosting 'Saturday Night Live' for the first time in 2023. Walken simply advised, "Just read the cue cards."
9. Timothee Chalamet
During a conversation with Elle, Timothee Chalamet shared his nervousness about hosting 'Saturday Night Live' for the second time in 2023. He mentioned finding a note from Woody Harrelson backstage that read, "I'm terrified right now," which reassured him, realizing he wasn't alone in feeling anxious.
10. Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney, who hosted 'Saturday Night Live' on March 2 earlier this year, shared her reflections on the experience during an SXSW panel weeks later. "It was terrifying; my mouth dried up," she recounted, expressing panic attacks at the thought, as per PEOPLE.
