Ayo Edebiri Makes History and Gets Emotional During SNL Hosting Debut
The Bear Star Ayo EdeBiri Gets Choked Up During 1st SNL Hosting Gig, Questions Nikki Haley in Surprise Cameo
Saturday Night Live witnessed a historic and emotional night on February 3rd, 2024, with Ayo Edebiri, star of the acclaimed FX series “The Bear,” making her debut as host. Edebiri, the first Black woman born and raised in Boston to ever host SNL, not only delivered a hilarious monologue but also surprised the audience with a pointed parody involving Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley.
Choked Up with Excitement:
Edebiri’s emotional moment came during her opening monologue. As she acknowledged her Boston roots, her voice wavered slightly, and she became visibly choked up. “Three days into February and I’m already making Black history,” she joked, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd. This genuine display of emotion resonated with viewers and set the tone for a memorable evening.
Taking Aim at Haley:
The evening’s surprise came during a town hall sketch featuring James Austin Johnson impersonating Donald Trump. As Trump jokingly dodged questions from various characters, a woman emerged, played by Edebiri, demanding, “Why won’t you debate Nikki Haley?” This witty reference poked fun at Haley’s refusal to engage in debates during the 2024 Republican primaries. The real Haley then unexpectedly appeared, responding with a playful, “Yep, I probably should have said that the first time,” referencing an incident where she failed to mention slavery as a cause of the Civil War during a town hall meeting.
Critical Reception:
Edebiri’s performance received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Her comedic timing, sharp wit, and engaging personality shone through, making her a natural fit for the SNL stage. The Haley cameo, while unexpected, added a layer of political satire that further highlighted Edebiri’s ability to blend humor with social commentary.
Beyond SNL:
Edebiri’s successful SNL hosting gig further solidifies her rising star status. Beyond her acting prowess, she’s also known for her outspoken personality and advocacy for marginalized groups. This memorable appearance demonstrates her versatility and potential to become a major force in the entertainment industry.
Looking Ahead:
Edebiri’s SNL hosting gig marks a significant moment for representation both on the show and in the entertainment industry as a whole. As she continues to navigate her career, it’s clear that she has a voice that resonates with audiences and a talent that promises to entertain for years to come.
Is Ayo Edebiri Nigerian?
Edebiri was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 3, 1995, to a Barbadian mother and Nigerian father. She is an only child, and she was raised in the Dorchester neighborhood. Her family is Pentecostal, and she regularly attended church services with her parents.
What did Ayo Edebiri say on a podcast?
Edebiri was featured in a 2020 episode of “Scam Goddess,” in which host Laci Mosley said that Lopez’s “whole career is one long scam” and that the singer is unaware of people’s critiques of her. Edebiri replied: “Well, that’s the thing — she thinks she’s on multiple tracks, but it’s not her.
What has Ayo Edebiri written for?
Additionally, her wit and strong voice also found her writing credits as she worked on shows such as The Rundown with Robin Theda and NBC’s Sunnyside. Edebiri’s contribution as a writer also earned a nomination for Writers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Comedy for her work on Hulu’s What We Do in the Shadows.
Where is Ayo Edebiri from?
“I was born and raised in Boston, which makes me the first Black woman to ever admit that. Three days into February and I’m already making Black history,” she joked. Elsewhere in her monologue she explained the preparation that had gone into her role on The Bear.