9 ‘Saturday Night Live’ Hosts That Were Unexpectedly Funny (PHOTOS)
Adam Driver
Seasons hosted: 41, 44, and 45
Memorable sketch: “Star Wars Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base”
While he may be perceived as an actor who plays serious roles (which he pokes fun at in his most recent monologue), Adam Driver has quickly become a hosting favorite. He’s not afraid to make a fool of himself and is always dedicated to the sketch.
Chance the Rapper
Seasons hosted: 43 and 45
Memorable sketch: “Sports Announcer”
After appearing twice on the show as a musical guest, Chance the Rapper now has two hilarious hosting gigs under his belt. Whether he’s playing a clueless sports reporter or a boy who hates Batman, his charisma and natural comedic talent make him a memorable host.
Natalie Portman
Seasons hosted: 31 and 43
Memorable sketch: “Natalie Raps”
Natalie Portman’s first appearance on the show back in 2006 made her SNL famous with the iconic Digital Short “Natalie Raps” with Andy Samberg. She cracked us up again during her second appearance in 2018 with the hilarious “Natalie’s Rap 2.” Let’s hope there’s a “Natalie’s Rap 3” in the near future!
Chadwick Boseman
Season hosted: 43
Memorable sketch: “Black Jeopardy with Chadwick Boseman”
Fresh off the success of Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman charmed audiences in his first SNL appearance. His most memorable sketch sees his Marvel character, T’Challa, hilariously attempt to succeed on the recurring game show sketch ”Black Jeopardy.”
Amy Adams
Seasons hosted: 33 and 40
Memorable sketch: “Girlfriends Talk Show with Amy Adams and One Direction“
Two-timer Amy Adams is one of the most underrated in the role. Her strong screen presence and comedic delivery prove she is a fantastic host that deserves more attention.
Ryan Gosling
Seasons hosted: 41 and 43
Memorable sketch: TIE — “Close Encounter” and “Papyrus”
Who knew Ryan Gosling was such a comedic talent? He had viewers laughing their hearts out with his hilarious delivery and tendency to break character. His inability to contain his laughter in the sketch “Close Encounter” has gone down as one of the funniest breaks in SNL history.
Andrew Garfield
Season hosted: 39
Memorable sketch: “The Beygency”
Andrew Garfield made his mark his first time as a host. He had several memorable moments, including his hilarious Justin Timberlake impression, poking fun at himself as Spider-Man, and as a man on the run for not liking the Beyoncé song, “Drunk in Love.”
Margot Robbie
Season hosted: 42
Memorable sketch: “Live Report”
Margot Robbie’s first time hosting certainly left a mark. The dramatic actress proved she has the comedic chops for the job in sketches such as “Live Report,” “The Librarian,” and “The Hunch Bunch.”
Peyton Manning
Season hosted: 32
Memorable sketch: “United Way”
Peyton Manning proved that athletes can be just as funny as actors his only time hosting. He surprised viewers with his comedic abilities, on display in the sketch “United Way.”
Saturday Night Live has had several memorable and hilarious hosts over the years. While everyone loves hosting legends, such as Tom Hanks or Steve Martin, some of the best appearances were from people viewers didn’t expect to have the comedic chops for the job.
Click through the gallery above for nine unexpectedly funny SNL hosts!
Saturday Night Live, Saturdays, 11:30/10:30c, NBC
