Scarlett Johansson, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films like “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit,” recently opened up about a unique fear she has developed due to her husband Colin Jost’s involvement with “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). During an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Johansson revealed her apprehension towards a particular SNL tradition that has become a source of anxiety for her.
Johansson is married to Colin Jost, who co-hosts the “Weekend Update” segment on SNL alongside Michael Che. One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of this segment for Johansson is the annual joke swap between Jost and Che. In this tradition, the two comedians write jokes for each other to read live on air, often without prior knowledge of the content. This setup frequently leads to Jost delivering jokes that are intentionally designed to be awkward or offensive, sometimes even involving Johansson herself.
During her interview with Kelly Clarkson, Johansson humorously described her experience with the joke swap as so stressful that she “blacks out” during that part of the show. She joked about needing to go into “witness protection” after the segment airs, highlighting the intensity of her discomfort. Johansson admitted that she doesn’t remember much from those moments, indicating just how overwhelming the experience can be for her.
One particular instance that stood out was when Che made Jost read a joke about OpenAI’s voice feature, which was inspired by Johansson’s AI character in the film “Her.” The joke went, “ChatGPT has released a new voice assistant feature inspired by Scarlett Johansson’s AI character in ‘Her,’ which I’ve never bothered to watch, because without that body, what’s the point of listening?” Johansson recalled this joke as a “tame version” compared to others, but still found it painful and difficult to endure.
Johansson’s candidness about her fear of the joke swap segment sheds light on the personal challenges she faces due to her husband’s comedic career. Despite being a seasoned actress accustomed to the public eye, the unpredictability and potential for embarrassment in these jokes create a unique form of anxiety for her. She described the segment as “brutal” and noted that it seems to get worse each year, making it a recurring source of dread.
The actress’s vulnerability in sharing this fear adds a relatable dimension to her public persona. It also highlights the often-overlooked impact that the entertainment industry can have on the personal lives of those involved. Johansson’s experience serves as a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the pressures and anxieties that come with their professional and personal lives intersecting in unexpected ways.
In addition to discussing her fear of the SNL joke swap, Johansson also expressed her gratitude for her husband, Colin Jost. She acknowledged the support and understanding he provides, even as he participates in the very tradition that causes her so much stress. This dynamic between the couple underscores the complexities of balancing personal relationships with demanding careers in the entertainment industry.
Johansson’s revelation about her fear of the SNL joke swap tradition offers a glimpse into the less glamorous side of being married to a comedian. It also serves as a testament to her resilience and ability to find humor in challenging situations. As she continues to navigate her career and personal life, Johansson’s openness about her experiences provides valuable insight into the realities faced by those in the spotlight.
Source: USA TODAY, Deadline
