Meryl Streep tried something new for Saturday Night Live‘s 50th Anniversary Special, as she did her first-ever SNL sketch. The milestone event celebrated 50 years of the legendary late-night show, and Streep gave a highlight with her acting.
It was a star-studded affair with cameos from past and current cast members, A-list Hollywood stars, and musical acts. Streep, who attended the event with close friend and collaborator Martin Short, not only took part in the main ceremony but was also seen enjoying herself at the SNL 50 Concert.
What was Meryl Streep’s ‘SNL’ debut about?
For her inaugural SNL stint, Meryl Streep played Colleen Rafferty Sr., the mother of Kate McKinnon’s Colleen Rafferty. The sketch also included Jon Hamm as an officer in the Space Force and Aidy Bryant as a physician. It followed the typical three abductees recounting their strange alien encounter to government agents, played by McKinnon, Woody Harrelson, and Pedro Pascal.
While two of the abductees reported awestruck, near-spiritual experiences, McKinnon’s character reported something much cruder. However, Streep’s character broke in this time, saying that she had also been abducted. She almost broke character several times as the absurdity of the scene increased.
Meryl Streep’s Hollywood career
With a career spanning more than four decades, Meryl Streep is the record holder for most Academy Award nominations, 21 of which she has won three for Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, and The Iron Lady. Her versatility has been seen across all genres, from The Bridges of Madison County to Mamma Mia! and the frosty authority of The Devil Wears Prada.
In addition to her Oscar awards, Streep has earned nine Golden Globe Awards and three Emmy Awards. In her upcoming project, she will reprise her role in the highly anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. She is also currently a part of the cast of Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez in the popular Hulu show.