Tom Hanks hosts 'SNL' in first gig after coronavirus diagnosis
Hollywood's everyman Tom Hanks is back in action! The veteran actor featured in the latest and pretty unique episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), which he hosted right from his home, more precisely his kitchen. SNL is a popular, decades-old late-night TV sketch comedy and variety series. The gig marks Hanks' return to work after his recovery from coronavirus. Here are more details.
'SNL's 45th season came to a halt due to pandemic
For the first time in its 45-year-long history, Saturday Night Live had no professionally crafted costumes, zero studio audience, and the cast members carried the show forward via video call from their respective homes. But it was still worth it! Notably, SNL's 45th season came to an abrupt halt in March, as did several other TV shows, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
I'm now America's dad more than ever, said Hanks
Hanks, who has appeared on SNL several times previously, kicked off the experimental episode, with a monologue where he joked about his own status as one of the first celebrities to reveal their coronavirus diagnosis. He said he is "America's dad" now more than ever. Explaining why, he added, "Since no one wants to be around me very long and I make people uncomfortable."
Hanks took the opportunity to thank doctors in Australia
Admittedly wearing a suit after over a month since his diagnosis, Hanks also thanked doctors in Australia where he underwent treatment for the virus. He also joked about the Aussie accent and noted that they use Celsius instead of Fahrenheit for recording temperature. Political impersonations for the special episode included those for Bernie Sanders, who recently dropped out of the presidential race.
The episode also paid tribute to late producer Hal Willner
The episode also paid tribute to SNL's long-time music producer Hal Willner, who recently passed away. Before summing his monologue, Hanks also offered a dose of optimism to the viewers. "Hey, stay safe. We are in this for the duration. And we will get through this together," he said. He then expressed gratitude to medical staff, essential workers and first responders across the globe.
Here is a short clip from the new 'SNL' episode
Hanks and his wife were diagnosed with COVID-19 last month
Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the COVID-19 in March. At that time, the power couple was in Australia where Hanks was filming an untitled Elvis Presley biopic. Fully recovered, they returned to the US two weeks after that. After the Hanks, other prominent celebrities like Idris Elba, Kristofer Hivju and Indira Varma also contracted the deadly infection.
