Maya Rudolph is set to make a grand return to the Studio 8H stage, marking a significant moment in her illustrious career. In a promotional clip for this week’s Saturday Night Live, the beloved actress emerges from an SNL closet after 17 years, ready to host the show alongside musical guest Vampire Weekend.
The promo begins with cast members Andrew Dismukes and Chloe Troast wandering the halls of 30 Rock, only to be startled by strange laughter emanating from a closet door. Upon opening it, they find a surprised Rudolph. “Oh, hello there. I wasn’t expecting visitors,” the SNL alum quips. When asked how long she’s been there, the 51-year-old humorously replies, “Since 2007,” referencing the year she ended her tenure at SNL.
Rudolph was a full-time cast member from 2000 to 2007 and has previously hosted the sketch show in 2012 and 2021. “I never left,” she continues in the promo. “Well, why would I leave? I have everything I need here. My books, my porridge, and my dear friend Kenny.” The comedic twist reveals that her “dear friend Kenny” is actually a mop with googly eyes.
As the reality of her hosting duties sets in, Rudolph asks for a moment to freshen up. Dismukes and Troast oblige, closing the door. Almost immediately, Rudolph reappears, now dressed and ready to take on her SNL hosting responsibilities. “Hey, guys. See you Saturday!” she cheerfully tells the startled duo.
Rudolph’s return to SNL is highly anticipated, with her third time hosting the show set to air on Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT on NBC. This episode promises to be a memorable one, showcasing Rudolph’s unique blend of humor and charisma.
In addition to her SNL duties, Rudolph has been making waves with her role in the Apple TV+ series “Loot.” The show, which has garnered significant attention, stars Rudolph as a fictional version of MacKenzie Scott, Jeff Bezos’s ex-wife. The premise revolves around a very public and humiliating divorce, leaving the protagonist wealthy but navigating a completely new world. Both women, Rudolph’s character and Scott, throw themselves into foundation work to make the world a better place despite their ex-husbands’ actions.
“Loot” is a hilarious yet touching tale, revealing a softer side of a characterized billionaire. The show explores themes of love and redemption, often hitting viewers with unexpected emotional moments. One such moment occurs in the final episode, where Rudolph’s character and an employee stroll through an art gallery she unwittingly owns. The employee’s admiration for a painting of a little bird serves as a poignant metaphor for fleeting beauty and grace.
Rudolph’s career has been marked by versatility and talent. She recently picked up her second Emmy of the week for her impression of California senator and Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris on SNL, in the category of Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. This followed her first-ever Emmy win for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance as the voice of Connie the Hormone Monstress on the animated Netflix series “Big Mouth.”
Rudolph’s achievements this year are a testament to her enduring appeal and talent. She had a total of three Emmy nominations, even competing with herself in the category of Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. Her role as a judge in NBC’s “The Good Place” earned her a double nomination in the same category as SNL, making Emmy history.
Reflecting on her “Good Place” character’s wardrobe, Rudolph revealed it was inspired by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “When you think of a judge, when you think of all-knowing, when you think of powerful, when you think of all good, yeah, we modeled her robe after RBG, so that was pretty cool,” she said.
A 1995 graduate of UCSC’s Porter College with a B.A. in Art (photography), Rudolph spent seven seasons on SNL, becoming widely known for her portrayals of Oprah Winfrey, Donatella Versace, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Jennifer Lopez, Maya Angelou, Tyra Banks, Tina Turner, Michelle Obama, and Beyoncé.
Before turning to comedy, Rudolph enjoyed a brief stint in the music industry. Her first band, Supersauce, was formed at UC Santa Cruz with fellow students, and she later sang and played keyboards with The Rentals, touring the United States and Europe. After leaving the band, Rudolph joined the legendary improv troupe, The Groundlings, before heading off to SNL.
Rudolph has since starred in several high-profile films, including “Grown-Ups,” “The Zookeeper,” and the international hit “Bridesmaids.” She has also lent her voice to animated films like “Shrek the Third” and “Big Hero 6.”
Her television work includes the CBS medical drama series “City of Angels” and “Chicago Hope.” She co-starred in the NBC sitcom “Up All Night” with Christina Applegate and Will Arnett and co-hosted the NBC variety series “Maya & Marty” with Martin Short.
Rudolph occasionally performs with “Princess,” the cover band she created with fellow UCSC alumna Gretchen Lieberum, through their mutual love of Prince’s music. Together, they have performed at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” and Yoshi’s in San Francisco.
As Maya Rudolph prepares to take on her new role as SNL host once again, fans eagerly await the laughter and joy she will undoubtedly bring to the stage. Her return is a celebration of her remarkable career and the indelible mark she has left on the world of comedy.
Source: NBC, Apple TV+, UCSC
