10 iconic actors who have never hosted SNL

For almost half a century, Saturday Night Live has served as a springboard for iconic sketches, unforgettable characters, and some of television's most iconic celebrity moments. From artists attempting comedy for the first time to Hollywood stars taking a leap of faith into live sketch mayhem, hosting SNL has been regarded as a pop culture benchmark.

But surprisingly, a number of Hollywood's largest and most legendary stars have never appeared on stage as hosts. Whether for personal preference, conflicts with schedules, or merely being forgotten, these actors, despite their popularity and cultural impact, remain absent from SNL's extensive roster of guest hosts.

In an era where stars tend to use SNL as a platform to flaunt their comedic side or reintroduce themselves to the masses, it's surprising that icons such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, and Tom Cruise have never made that jump. Some have made cameo appearances, while others have been mercilessly parodied, but a full hosting stint remains untapped. This list scrutinizes 10 legends whose lack of presence on SNL's main stage still amazes viewers and critics everywhere, attesting to the fact that even the greatest ones haven't done it all.

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Iconic actors who have never hosted SNL

1) Leonardo DiCaprio

Even as one of Hollywood's greatest actors, Leonardo DiCaprio has never hosted Saturday Night Live. It's surprising, given his lengthy career and cultural impact, from Titanic to Killers of the Flower Moon. Although he did make a cameo appearance alongside Jonah Hill during Hill's 2014 monologue, Leo has never hosted himself. Some think his distaste for live shows and comedy parts could be the reason.DiCaprio's inclusion might bring both giggles and meaningful dialogue, making the audience all the more excited to have him host one day.

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2) Angelina Jolie

A veteran of strong screen presence and philanthropic endeavors, Angelina Jolie is a glaring exception to SNL's roster of hosting alumni. Though she's parodied in sketches frequently enough, she has never appeared on Studio 8H's stage herself. Jolie's busy schedule has repeatedly been filled with directing, producing, and serving as a UN ambassador, potentially putting comedy jobs on the back burner. Despite her recent appearance in Eternals and increased power, both in terms of fashion and worldwide issues, SNL has not yet booked her. In light of her seldom-seen comedic ability and massive star power, her hosting debut might be one of the most buzzworthy episodes if ever she agrees.

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3) Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt has gone for a dip into SNL, most notably playing Dr. Anthony Fauci during the 2020 at-home shows, but he's never formally hosted the show. As unexpected as it is, given his decades-long A-list fame and charm, Pitt appears to enjoy keeping things low-key when it comes to live comedy. His latest movies, such as Babylon and Bullet Train, flaunt his underappreciated comedic timing, sparking renewed enthusiasm from fans who hope he'll finally host. Though he's appeared in cameos and made fun of himself, a complete hosting stint would provide a rare opportunity to witness Pitt without filters, and SNL enthusiasts are still waiting.

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4) Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise has leapt from airplanes and held on for dear life beside jets, but he's never taken on the live mayhem of SNL. With a resume full of iconic performances in Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire, it's unbelievable that he's never hosted. Cruise's studiously constructed public persona and focus on stunt-ridden blockbusters could be to blame. But with Top Gun: Maverick's success and a recent unexpected resurgence in self-aware humor on press tours, now would be an ideal time for Cruise to take on live comedy. Fans still dream of seeing him make jokes safely on firm ground.

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5) Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence's down-to-earth charm and clever interviews are a match made in heaven for SNL, but she's never hosted. She popped up in a sketch during one episode, she visited as a guest of musical guest, but that's it. The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook cemented her status as a household name, and her off-screen personality is frequently comedy gold. Most recently, her comeback to screens with raunchy comedy No Hard Feelings demonstrated her comedy strength, generating fresh speculation on when she will finally host. Lawrence possesses the sort of down-to-earth, off-the-cuff energy that could just as well illuminate Studio 8H, if only given the opportunity.

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6) Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp's lack of presence on SNL's host roster is nearly puzzling given his decades of pop culture reign and knack for falling into crazed characters. Famous for offbeat characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow and Edward Scissorhands, Depp would be a natural fit for sketch comedy. He's been caricatured dozens of times on SNL, but never hosted himself. His court fights and press attention perhaps discouraged networks in recent years, even as he inched his way back into Hollywood through Jeanne du Barry and other independent endeavors. Nevertheless, most think a surprise hosting stint can be a prominent and compelling re-entry moment.

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7) Meryl Streep

With three Academy Awards and a standing as one of the greatest actors alive, Meryl Streep would appear to be a fantasy SNL host. But she's never done it. Even after displaying comedic chops in The Devil Wears Prada, Mamma Mia!, and even the farcical Don't Look Up, Streep has avoided hosting. Her hectic schedule and presence might have kept her at bay, but her occasional deadpan wit in interviews demonstrates she'd be a hit. With her latest Emmy-nominated turn in Only Murders in the Building, fans are clamoring louder than ever for her to bring her legendary energy to Studio 8H.

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8) Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. is the sole individual on this list to have actually been an SNL cast member, but ironically, never come back as a host. One of the show's notorious 1985-86 season stars, Downey's early attempt at comedy did not last long. Since then, he's had one of Hollywood's most incredible comebacks, becoming a worldwide phenomenon as Iron Man. Although his a history with the program, SNL has not returned him to host, not even after the Marvel craze. Now that he's gained critical acclaim for Oppenheimer, fans are wishing for a full-circle moment again where RDJ gets back his SNL glory this time, without any issues.

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9) Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts' megawatt smile has captivated audiences for decades, but she's never hosted SNL. From Pretty Woman to Erin Brockovich to her more recent television successes, such as Gaslit and Leave the World Behind, Roberts has remained continually current. She's been spoofed on SNL, and once stopped by unannounced as a surprise guest, but a full-scale hosting engagement has never occurred. With her bright energy and unexpected sense of humor, Julia would be a natural choice. As she goes on to mix and match film and streaming projects, fans continue to hope that she'll eventually agree to dip her toes into sketch comedy on her own terms.

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10) Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood is a giant of American film director, actor, and icon, but hosting SNL has never been listed on his resume. His stern, stoic on-screen presence doesn't instinctively yell sketch comedy, but that would make it all the more compelling. In an era of surprise celebrity moments, Eastwood making fun of his own legacy would be legendary. Although he's slowed down lately, he also directed Cry Macho and keeps making surprise public appearances. While it's unlikely at this stage, fans can't help but wonder how a very occasional comedic stint by Eastwood would become an instant SNL history.

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Conclusion

As Saturday Night Live evolves every season, the lack of these legendary actors is more prominent and interesting. Whether because of full schedules, individual wishes, or maybe just never being asked, their failure to host has only generated further curiosity for them. With the show always looking to surprise its audience, there's still hope that some of these stars will one day take the stage at Studio 8H. Until then, fans can only imagine the sketches, monologues, and unforgettable moments we’ve missed and continue wishing for that unexpected “Live from New York” moment.