John Mulaney Jokes That Only 2 SNL Hosts Have ‘Committed Murder’ – Here’s Who He Was Likely Referring To

John Mulaney, known for his sharp wit and dry humor, delivered a jaw-dropping moment during his opening monologue at Saturday Night Live’s 50th-anniversary special. 

While standing alongside comedy icon Steve Martin, Mulaney made an eyebrow-raising remark about the show’s long history of celebrity hosts.

“It amazes me that only two of them have committed murder,” Mulaney quipped, referencing the fact that SNL has had 894 hosts over five decades. 

The comment quickly sparked speculation about which two former hosts he was referring to, with many fans concluding that he meant O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake.

OJ Simpson and Robert Blake: The Likely Subjects of Mulaney’s Joke

While Mulaney did not explicitly name the individuals, the public’s knowledge of SNL’s history made the reference fairly clear. Both O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake, who hosted the show in 1978 and 1982 respectively, were at the center of two of the most infamous murder trials in American history.

OJ Simpson’s Murder Trial

O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star turned actor, became one of the most controversial figures in pop culture following the brutal 1994 murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The case captured the nation’s attention, with Simpson leading police on a now-infamous televised low-speed chase in his white Ford Bronco before being arrested.

Though he was charged with the murders, Simpson was acquitted in 1995 following a highly publicized trial. However, a civil court later found him liable for Goldman’s wrongful death and the battery of Brown, ordering him to pay $33.5 million in damages. Despite maintaining his innocence, the case remained a defining moment in his life. Simpson passed away in 2024 at the age of 76.

Robert Blake’s Legal Troubles

Robert Blake, a veteran actor best known for Baretta and In Cold Blood, was accused of murdering his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, in 2001. Bakley was shot outside a Los Angeles restaurant while sitting in Blake’s car, and he was charged with her murder.

After a lengthy trial, Blake was acquitted in 2005 due to a lack of physical evidence linking him to the crime. However, much like Simpson, he was later found liable in a civil lawsuit and was ordered to pay $30 million in damages to Bakley’s family. Blake passed away in 2023 at the age of 89.

Mulaney’s Joke Sparks Reactions

Mulaney’s offhand comment quickly became one of the standout moments from the anniversary special, with social media lighting up in response. Many fans found the joke darkly humorous, in line with SNL’s tradition of pushing comedic boundaries. Others were surprised by the remark, considering the gravity of the cases referenced.

One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “John Mulaney casually mentioning that only two SNL hosts have committed murder is exactly why I love him.” Another added, “It took me a second to realize who he was talking about, but wow, that’s one hell of a stat.”

Some viewers also speculated whether Mulaney’s joke had been pre-approved by SNL’s producers or if he had gone off-script. Regardless, the moment added to the night’s long list of viral highlights.

A Star-Studded Anniversary Event

Mulaney’s remark was just one of many memorable moments during the SNL 50th anniversary celebration. The special brought together some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, Aubrey Plaza, and musical guests Miley Cyrus, Paul Simon, and Lady Gaga.

One of the other major talking points of the evening was Ryan Reynolds’ surprise joke about his wife, Blake Lively, and her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. During a Q&A session with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, Reynolds was asked, “How’s it going?” to which he responded, “Great! Why, what have you heard?” Lively’s exaggerated look of shock suggested the moment was a planned gag, but given the serious nature of the legal case, it still caught many off guard.

SNL’s Legacy of Controversial Humor

Over its five-decade run, SNL has built a reputation for taking risks with its comedy. From political satire to pop culture commentary, the show has never shied away from making bold statements—often sparking debate in the process.

Mulaney’s joke about SNL’s past hosts fits into this tradition, reflecting his signature brand of observational humor while also highlighting a bizarre and unsettling piece of the show’s history. It served as yet another reminder that in the world of comedy, sometimes the most shocking punchlines come from real life.

As SNL moves forward into its next chapter, moments like these reinforce why it remains one of the most talked-about shows on television. Whether through lighthearted sketches or provocative humor, it continues to push the boundaries—just as it has for the past 50 years.

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