‘SNL’ Host Martin Short Joins Five-Timers Club With Tom Hanks, Tina Fey And More
Last night on Saturday Night Live, host Martin Short was inducted into the coveted Five-Timers Club.
Tom Hanks kicked off the 2024 season finale of SNL to thunderous applause from the Studio 8H audience, barely managing to say, “Hello, I’m Tom Hanks,” before the crowd erupted. Seated in a leather chair and sporting his iconic Five-Timers Club jacket, Hanks explained the origins of the club:
“In December 1990, I created the SNL Five-Timers Club, an ingeniously lazy way to avoid writing a monologue. It has grown into one of the most exclusive clubs in the industry. And tonight, we are here to induct our newest member.”
Paul Rudd soon joined him on stage, cocktail in hand, and jokingly asked, “Hey, Tom, I gotta ask. Who the hell are you talking to here, pal?”
Hanks quipped back, “Oh, I’m sorry, I’ve done so many documentaries whenever I sit in a leather chair, I just naturally assume I’m in one.”
As the playful banter continued, Rudd motioned toward the door. “Well, should we let him inside? He’s been staying out there for twenty minutes!”
Hanks swung the door open, enthusiastically shouting, “Martin Short!” Short stepped in, feigning surprise. “Wow, oh my goodness! What a surprise that I’ve known about all week!” Short and Rudd then demonstrated the “Secret Five-Timers Club Handshake.”
Rudd inquired, “What do they call you, Marty or Martin?”
“Well, my friends all call me Marty, so you can call me Mr. Martin Short,” Short retorted with a grin.
Short was soon congratulated by Tina Fey, who appeared in her own Five-Timers jacket. “Marty, congratulations!” Fey exclaimed. Short responded with his signature wit: “You are one of the rarest things in Hollywood: a writer who’s attractive enough to be on camera.”
Bowen Yang, a current cast member, arrived carrying a tray of martinis. “May I offer you a signature cocktail: the Marty-tini?” Hanks announced. Rudd chimed in, “It’s just like you. Super sweet, and after a few sips, you’re like, ‘I get it.’”
“It’s often served with our Steve Martini,” added Hanks. “But tonight, we’re serving it solo.”
Short, referencing his co-star Steve Martin from Only Murders in the Building, quipped, “And I bet it’s even better on its own!”
The night’s surprises continued as Alec Baldwin, wearing a jacket emblazoned with the number 17, appeared. “That’s right, I’ve hosted 17 times,” Baldwin stated, adding with a smirk, “They call me when they need someone to play a Republican. Because of my face, my voice, and my strong Daddy vibes.”
Scarlett Johansson stormed in, slamming the door behind her and inadvertently leaving her husband, cast member Colin Jost, outside. Later, Kristen Wiig joined in, donning a bathrobe and cheekily claiming, “I’m not living here.”
Wiig turned to Short and joked, “I hope you’re not expecting a repeat of last year.” In classic Wiig humor, she launched into a fabricated story involving hot yoga, an affair, and voting for Trump. Short quickly shot back, “Don’t tell them that!” Wiig brushed it off, saying, “It’s okay, in this club, you can be completely honest!”
The group started sharing outlandish confessions, from Rudd poking fun at Ant-Man’s powers to Fey joking about flying drones over New Jersey. Johansson shouted, “I have Covid right now!” as Baldwin quietly admitted, “I have way too many children,” while puffing on a cigarette.
Melissa McCarthy and Emma Stone also made cameo appearances, with McCarthy adding slapstick flair by falling through a wall after pouring herself a drink. John Mulaney then strolled through the resulting hole, offering a quick congratulations.
Finally, Jimmy Fallon appeared to present Short with his Five-Timers jacket, joking that it was “exactly your size: a women’s small.” In a comically unrehearsed moment, Short wrestled with the jacket before the entire group gathered to shout, “Live, from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” kicking off the episode with musical guest Hozier.
