Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson “Storm Out” of SNL Anniversary Event
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson made quite the dramatic exit at the star-studded Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary concert—but don’t worry, it was all in good fun!
The beloved Hollywood power couple, both longtime SNL supporters, left the audience in stitches when they jokingly walked out of the event after host Jimmy Fallon made a surprising announcement.
Tom and Rita’s Hilarious Walkout
The big moment happened at Radio City Music Hall in New York, where Fallon, acting as the night’s emcee, took the stage to clear up a misunderstanding.
“Apparently, there’s been some confusion. This is just a concert. We’re not giving out any awards tonight. So I just want to make sure that everyone knows that,” Fallon said.
The moment Fallon broke the news, Hanks and Wilson were caught on camera standing up from their seats, dramatically shaking their heads, and making their way toward the exit. Wilson even threw in a finger wag at the camera, making sure everyone knew just how “upset” they were.
“Tom? Rita?” Fallon quipped, playing along. “We lost Tom Hanks and Rita. Sorry. It wasn’t their fault.” The bit got a huge laugh from the crowd, proving once again why Hanks is a fan favorite whenever he steps into the SNL spotlight.
Tom’s Legendary SNL Legacy
Hanks is no stranger to Saturday Night Live. The two-time Oscar winner has hosted the legendary show 10 times and has made numerous cameos over the years, earning his place in the exclusive Five-Timers Club—a badge of honor reserved for stars who have hosted SNL at least five times. Its other famous members include Drew Barrymore, Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
A Night Packed With SNL Legends
The 50th-anniversary event was nothing short of iconic, featuring appearances from some of the show’s biggest names. Tracy Morgan, Pete Davidson, Maya Rudolph, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Eddie Murphy, and Amy Poehler were just some of the SNL alums who hit the stage.
Other fan-favorites included Chris Rock, Fred Armisen, Jason Sudeikis, Kenan Thompson, Seth Meyers, and Tina Fey. However, fans couldn’t help but notice that Bill Hader was missing from the lineup, leading to speculation about why the Barry star wasn’t there.
The special also featured celebrity guest hosts who have left their mark on the show over the years, including Steve Martin, Scarlett Johanson, Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, Martin Short, Kim Kardashian, John Mulaney, Dave Chappelle, Adam Driver, and—of course—Tom Hanks himself.
Going Strong After 50 Years
SNL has come a long way since its very first season in 1975, when the original cast—dubbed the Not Ready for Prime Time Players—introduced America to comedy icons like Dan Akroyd, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase.
Though some legendary cast members are no longer with us, the show’s legacy remains as strong as ever. And with moments like Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s playful “walkout,” it’s clear that the SNL spirit of comedy and satire is alive and well.
