In the spring of 1991, the iconic Saturday Night Live crew was preparing for their next episode, but things quickly turned tense as actor Steven Seagal, set to host the show, grew increasingly upset during rehearsals.
The planned skit involved Seagal alongside Hans and Franz, portrayed by Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon, mocking him in a playful manner.
However, Seagal took offense to the idea that they would suggest Arnold Schwarzenegger could easily overpower him, leading him to demand a script revision that portrayed him more favorably.
This incident added to the long list of reasons why many consider Seagal to be the worst host in the history of SNL, a show that has seen its fair share of challenging hosts over its nearly 50-year run.
Despite its extensive episode count, SNL has encountered difficulties with hosts who struggle to adapt to the demands of live comedy.
From unenthusiastic athletes to controversial figures like Andrew “Dice” Clay, the show has had to navigate various challenges over the years.
Seagal stood out among these, having been introduced to Hollywood by agent Michael Ovitz and finding success in action films.
His stoic persona and claims of involvement in CIA operations only added to his enigmatic image.
Unlike other action stars who embraced self-parody, Seagal appeared to lack a sense of humor, making it challenging for the SNL cast to work with him effectively.
During the show's preparation week, Seagal's unfamiliarity with the program and resistance to certain sketches created tension behind the scenes.
His insistence on beating up characters in skits and proposing unconventional ideas further complicated the situation.
Despite attempts to salvage the episode, Seagal's lack of comedic timing and unwillingness to collaborate became apparent.
The episode featuring Seagal as host aired in April 1991, showcasing his awkward interactions with cast members and his rigid performances in various sketches.
Critics and viewers alike found the episode lacking in humor and entertainment value, with some comparing it to notoriously bad yet oddly compelling media.
Looking back on Seagal's time on SNL, cast members highlighted his inability to take jokes at his own expense and his tendency to criticize the writing staff, hindering the creative process and overall atmosphere of the show.
Seagal's contentious interactions with the SNL team extended beyond his hosting gig, with anecdotes of his behavior resurfacing in subsequent years.
His uncompromising attitude and lack of comedic sensibility left a lasting impression on those who worked with him, prompting discussions about the feasibility of hosting without a celebrity guest if the collaboration proved too challenging.
