During Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special, comedian John Mulaney made a statement that had audiences wondering whether it was a joke or a shocking truth:
“Over the course of 50 years, 894 people have hosted Saturday Night Live, and it amazes me that only two of them have committed murder.”
While the SNL50 special was packed with deep-cut references and rapid-fire jokes, this one-liner stood out. But as surprising as it may seem, Mulaney wasn’t joking—two former SNL hosts have, in fact, been charged with murder.
Who Are the Two SNL Hosts Accused of Murder?
1. O.J. Simpson
Who He Was:
- A legendary NFL player, sports broadcaster, and actor.
- Hosted SNL during its third season on February 25, 1978.
Murder Case (1994-1995):
- Charged with the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson (his ex-wife) and Ron Goldman in June 1994.
- The trial captivated the world, becoming one of the most famous legal cases in history.
- Acquitted in 1995, though later found liable for their deaths in a 1997 civil lawsuit.
2. Robert Blake
Who He Was:
- Known for starring in Baretta and films like In Cold Blood.
- Hosted SNL during its eighth season on November 13, 1982.
Murder Case (2001-2005):
- Charged with the 2001 murder of his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, who was shot outside a restaurant.
- His stuntmen testified that Blake tried to hire them to kill Bakley.
- Acquitted in 2005, though later found liable in a wrongful death lawsuit.
SNL’s Long History of Controversial Hosts
With nearly 900 hosts in SNL history, it’s surprising that only two have been charged with murder. However, SNL has had its fair share of problematic and controversial hosts, including:
Notorious SNL Hosts:
- Steven Seagal (1991) – Lorne Michaels called him the “worst host ever.”
- Donald Trump (2015) – Highly divisive political figure.
- Elon Musk (2021) – Mixed reception due to his awkward performance.
- Milton Berle (1979) – Banned after ignoring direction and clashing with cast members.
While not all SNL hosts have been accused of crimes, some have certainly left their mark for all the wrong reasons.
