Reese Witherspoon Reflects on Hosting SNL After 9/11

Reese Witherspoon, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films and series like The Morning Show, shared her thoughts on the immense pressure she felt while hosting the first episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) after the September 11 attacks. The episode aired on September 29, 2001, just weeks after the tragic events that shook the United States.

During an appearance on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Witherspoon, who was only 24 at the time, described the experience as overwhelming. “I would give that [hosting experience] zero stars. Do not recommend,” she candidly remarked. The weight of the responsibility to uplift a nation still reeling from grief was daunting for the young actress.

Witherspoon recounted how Lorne Michaels, the creator of SNL, urged her not to back out of the hosting gig. He believed that the show could play a crucial role in helping the public regain a sense of normalcy and national spirit. “He insisted that we needed to get back the national spirit,” she recalled, highlighting the challenging atmosphere surrounding the show’s return.

Reflecting on her age and the circumstances, Witherspoon stated, “It was just too much responsibility for a 24-year-old girl.” The actress, now 49, has since returned to the SNL stage, but she admitted it took her until 2015 to agree to host again. Her insights provide a glimpse into the unique challenges faced by entertainers in times of national crisis, as they balance their roles as performers with a heightened sense of social responsibility.

Witherspoon’s experience serves as a reminder of the delicate role that entertainment plays in society, especially during pivotal moments of collective grief and healing. SNL’s return to air after the 9/11 attacks marked a significant cultural moment, emphasizing the show’s long-standing tradition of addressing current events while providing a platform for comedy and resilience.