Anthony Michael Hall Reflects On Controversial ‘SNL’ Season And Finds Closure After Decades

Anthony Michael Hall was on SNL in 1985, following his success in National Lampoon’s Vacation, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Weird Science. His season, which has come to be known as the “weird year,” featured a roster of familiar faces such as Dennis Miller, Joan Cusack, Jon Lovitz, Randy Quaid, and Robert Downey Jr.

Though the cast was talented, the season did not do well. It was heavily panned and threatened the existence of the show, and due to the cold reception, Hall steers clear of that time in his career. He never watched the episodes because of the popular impression that it was the worst season of SNL.

Anthony Michael Hall said watching his ‘SNL’ season was therapeutic for him

After years of indecision, he finally reconnected with Laila Nabulsi, an associate producer who had helped persuade him to come on the show. The two had a conversation, remembering the times they’d shared, laughing and talking about the chaos of that season. Conversing with her made him realize that he had more positive memories than he’d expected.

That conversation compelled Hall to do what he had not done in nearly 40 years — watching all his episodes of SNL one after another. He felt relieved seeing himself in action again  and was able to let go of years of low self-esteem and negativity.

Anthony Michael Hall says going to ‘SNL 50’ was a ‘fulfilling experience’

Returning to Saturday Night Live for its 50th-anniversary celebration was another moment of closure for Hall. Being at Studio 8H again helped Hall to remember and relish his connection to the show.

He was struck by the surreal experience, taking joy in the progress of SNL across generations. He also admitted how happy he is to be married, as he could watch the events unfold through the eye of his wife Lucia Oskerova.