Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, sparked a viral moment during the SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert on Friday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The pair’s playful exit from the event, which took place on Valentine’s Day, has since become a hot topic of conversation online.
Hanks, 68, who is a frequent guest on Saturday Night Live, made his debut as host back in 1985. Over the years, he has become an integral part of the SNL family,
having hosted 10 times and earning a spot in the prestigious Five-Timers Club.
The 50th anniversary concert was packed with famous faces, including Pete Davidson, Adam Sandler, Scarlett Johansson, Pedro Pascal, and Anya Taylor-Joy, among others.
As the event unfolded, host Jimmy Fallon delivered an announcement that seemed to leave some attendees in surprise.
He clarified that the concert was not an award show, and no prizes would be distributed during the evening. “Apparently, there’s been some confusion,” Fallon said.
“This is just a concert. We’re not giving out any awards tonight. So I just want to make sure that everyone knows that.”
It was at this moment that the camera cut to Hanks and Wilson, seated in the crowd, as they stood up in unison and began making their way out of the venue. The act was perfectly timed for comedic effect, and the crowd erupted into laughter. Wilson, with a mischievous look on her face, shook her finger playfully at Fallon as she exited the scene alongside her husband.
Fallon, ever the professional, quickly reacted by addressing the audience. “Tom? Rita?” he called out, feigning confusion. “We lost Tom Hanks and Rita. Sorry. It wasn’t their fault.” The brief but hilarious bit was a testament to the couple’s sense of humor and love for SNL’s comedic spirit.
Tom Hanks, a frequent collaborator with SNL over the years, was no stranger to stepping into spontaneous, funny moments. He had originally hosted the show during its 11th season when he was just 29 years old, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship with the sketch comedy show. Reflecting on his early days with SNL in the docuseries SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, Hanks admitted that hosting the show back then was “the single most exciting thing that has happened in my career.”
Known for his memorable appearances, including his induction into the Five-Timers Club in 1990, Hanks continues to have a beloved presence in the SNL universe. The actor has often appeared alongside fellow stars like Adam Sandler, with whom he shared many laughs, and has made cameo appearances in more recent episodes, including a 2023 holiday special with Martin Short.
While Hanks and Wilson stole the spotlight for their comedic exit, the evening also featured a slew of star-studded performances. Miley Cyrus kicked off her set with “Flowers,” a Grammy-winning hit, and threw a playful shout-out to her friends in the audience, including Paul Rudd and Adam Sandler. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga teamed up with Andy Samberg for a performance of Shallow, which included a humorous moment when Samberg missed a cue, prompting Gaga to stop the performance and suggest they switch gears with a different song, leading to an impromptu performance of D**k in a Box—a famous SNL sketch from 2009.
Cher dazzled the crowd with her performance of “If I Could Turn Back Time,” donning a sparkling semi-sheer jumpsuit that left onlookers in awe. Other stars in attendance included Kevin Costner and Billy Crystal, who couldn’t hide their admiration for the legendary performer.
The event also featured performances by an eclectic mix of artists including Post Malone, Jelly Roll, the Backstreet Boys, Arcade Fire, Brandi Carlile, and many others. As the concert marked the anniversary of SNL, fans were treated to a musical celebration that was as much a testament to the show’s lasting cultural impact as it was a tribute to its rich history.
For those unable to attend the concert, there will be a chance to relive the festivities when a special airs on Sunday, February 16, giving fans a glimpse into the unforgettable moments that occurred during the anniversary celebration.
In the end, while the night was full of stellar performances and hilarious antics, it was Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s comedic walkout that has taken the internet by storm, reminding fans of their charm and undeniable presence in the entertainment world.
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