Whoopi Goldberg, the legendary actress, comedian, and co-host of The View, recently opened up about why she has never taken on the role of host for Saturday Night Live (SNL), 

despite being invited to do so. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter while on the red carpet for SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special on February 16, 

Goldberg candidly explained her reasoning.

Why Whoopi Goldberg Never Hosted SNL

Goldberg revealed that while she was indeed approached to host the long-running NBC sketch comedy show, 

she ultimately decided against it because of the time commitment required.

“It required a week,” Goldberg shared. “It requires that you sit with people and write sketches, and I didn’t have really the time and I didn’t want to do that. 

I’d been doing that for years, so I just wanted to work on my own.”

Her remarks suggest that, at the time, she preferred focusing on projects that allowed her more creative freedom rather than immersing herself in the intense collaboration that SNL demands.

Goldberg’s Previous Appearances on SNL

Though she never hosted SNL, Goldberg has appeared on the show on multiple occasions. She recalled her 2013 experience, telling The Hollywood Reporter that she was invited by pop superstar Justin Bieber to introduce him on the show.

“Justin Bieber asked me to intro him,” she said. “And that’s how I got here.”

According to The New York Post, during that episode, Bieber, who was 18 at the time, serenaded Goldberg with a rendition of his hit song “One Less Lonely Girl.”

However, her history with the show goes back much further. Both Newsweek and The Daily Beast report that Goldberg also made an appearance on SNL in 1986, although she did not host.

Reiterating Her Stance to Page Six

In a separate conversation with Page Six, Goldberg reinforced her stance on why she never took on the hosting role. She made it clear that she simply wasn’t interested in doing what the gig required.

“Because you need to have a lot more going on when you come and do this than I was ready to deal with,” she admitted. “You have to work with lots of other people, and I was okay in my life. But I introduced Justin Bieber, and that’s how I got here.”

Whoopi Goldberg’s Impact on SNL

Although Goldberg never hosted SNL, she has remained a well-known figure in the comedy world, often referenced on the show. Former SNL star Leslie Jones, who has impersonated Goldberg multiple times on the show, recently discussed this with Goldberg on the February 12 episode of The View.

Goldberg acknowledged that watching Jones and fellow SNL star Kenan Thompson portray her on the show felt surreal.

“It’s like looking at myself twice,” she remarked.

Jones, in turn, assured Goldberg that Thompson truly enjoyed playing her. “He loved it, he loved it! He actually loved playing you.”

Goldberg’s Legacy in Comedy

Despite never hosting SNL, Goldberg has long been a trailblazer in the comedy industry. From her early days performing stand-up to becoming one of the few EGOT winners (having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), her influence in the entertainment world is undeniable.

Her decision to steer clear of SNL hosting duties was a personal one, but it hasn’t diminished her presence in the industry. With a career spanning decades and her continued role as a prominent voice on The View, Goldberg remains a powerhouse in entertainment.

While fans may never get to see her take the SNL stage as a host, her past appearances and influence on the show are undeniable. And as SNL continues to honor its legacy with special milestones like its 50th anniversary, Goldberg’s connection to the show remains a memorable part of its history.

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