Bill Hader has recently opened up about the real reason behind his absence from the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary show, citing his struggles with anxiety as the primary factor. In a candid conversation on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” Hader shared how his anxiety prevented him from participating in the special event, despite initial reports of a scheduling conflict.
During the show, Hader revealed that Andy Samberg had approached him with an idea for a digital short about anxiety at “SNL.” Despite Samberg’s enthusiasm, Hader hesitated to take part in the sketch, citing his own anxiety as the reason. As a result, Bowen Yang ended up taking on the role originally intended for Hader, delivering a stellar performance in his place.
Reflecting on his time on the iconic sketch comedy show, Hader admitted to feeling shaky and anxious throughout his tenure as a cast member from 2005 to 2013. Despite returning to host the show twice, Hader has been vocal about the impact of his mental health struggles on his experience at “SNL.”
Meyers, who co-wrote the “SNL50” special, expressed his support for Hader’s decision to skip the event, jokingly pointing out that Hader had also recently battled shingles, a condition often triggered by stress and anxiety. Hader humorously remarked that appearing on the anniversary show would have given him “double shingles,” highlighting the physical toll that stress can take on one’s health.
Sharing more about his health struggles during his time at “SNL,” Hader recounted experiencing migraines and even temporary vision loss. He recalled a particularly challenging moment on the Christmas show during his first season when he faced a migraine aura right before going on stage for a sketch with Johnny Knoxville and Neil Young, relying on his castmate Jason Sudeikis for support.
Since leaving “SNL,” Hader has found success as the co-creator and star of the acclaimed HBO series “Barry.” Looking ahead, he is set to voice the iconic character Cat in the Hat in a 2026 animated reboot, showcasing his versatility as a performer beyond the confines of live television.
In conclusion, Bill Hader’s candid revelations about his struggles with anxiety shed light on the challenges he faced during his time at “SNL” and beyond. His openness about mental health serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing self-care and seeking support when needed, even in the high-pressure world of show business.
