The Least Famous SNL Hosts: A Journey Through Unsung TV History

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has a rich history of hosting iconic figures from various fields, but some hosts have flown under the radar. This article delves into the journey of the least famous or well-known hosts to ever grace the small screen, revealing the intriguing stories behind these obscure figures.

The Least Renowned SNL Host: Ron Nessen

It is difficult to argue that the single least renowned SNL host in history was Ron Nessen. Even at the time of his hosting, no one knew who he was. Ron Nessen was a name that almost instantly vanished from the public eye, making him a forgotten chapter in SNL's annals of hosts.

The First Milestone: Miskel Spillman

Miskel Spillman holds the title of the second-oldest person to ever host Saturday Night Live, only surpassed by Betty White. However, Miskel was not a celebrity. She was an 80-year-old German immigrant and grandmother who, rather unexpectedly, won an "Anyone Can Host" contest.

Spillman's story is one of remarkable understatement. She had never been on TV before, had never been in a movie, and had never recorded an album. She literally was known to none of the audience. The fact that she hosted SNL in 1986 is a testament to the unique, and sometimes whimsical, nature of the show.

The Greatest Lesser-Knowns: A List of SNL Hosts Forgotten

The hostlist of SNL includes a range of famous names, but there are a few who are so obscure that they are barely remembered today. These individuals include:

Jimmy Breslin: A renowned American columnist known for his incisive commentary, Breslin hosted in 1977. Even if his name and role were mentioned, it would be rare to find someone today who could recall the details of his hosting. Jack Burns: A character actor who appeared in several TV shows and films, Burns hosted SNL in 1987. His hosting may have been more memorable than his subsequent career due to the sheer obscurity of his name. Robert Conrad: Film and television actor with a list of credits stretching back to the 1950s, Conrad was a stable member of the L.A. studio system. His hosting in 1972 might be the only thing to remember him by today. Peter Cook: A British actor and comedian who was a part of the famous British comedy troupe "Beyond the Fringe," Cook co-hosted in 1986 with Neil Innes. Cook's lesser-known status in the U.S. is surprising, given his prominence in Britain. Broderick Crawford: An American actor of the early to mid-20th century, known for roles in film and television. Crawford hosted in 1971, and while his performances were well-remembered, his hosting of SNL may not have left a lasting impression. Bob Uecker: Famously known for his role as Ron Popeil in a series of Oldsmobile commercials, Uecker hosted SNL in 1979. His hosting is often overshadowed by his more famous vocal work. Steve Forbes: The former Chairman of the Federal Reserve and the founder of Forbes magazine, Forbes was a political appointee for President Ronald Reagan. He hosted in 1981, and while his name and position were well-known, his hosting role is barely remembered. Buck Henry: An American actor, screenwriter, director, and producer, Henry was co-host in 1974. His role in films such as "Nude CAFO" and "Hardly Working" is more memorable than his SNL hosting. Yvonne Hudson: An American actress, Hudson was notable for her work in plays and TV series in the 1950s and 1960s. Hudson hosted in 1975, but her career is much more recognized than her SNL hosting. Susan Saint James: An American film and television actress, Saint James was known for her work in films such as "The Poseidon Adventure." She hosted in 1982, but her primary recognition comes from her acting roles rather than her hosting.

These individuals represent a fascinating slice of American media history, showcasing the wide range of talent that has been involved with SNL over its decades-long run. While some of these actors and comedians have cemented a place in the cultural consciousness, others remain largely forgotten, save for the brief moment they hosted the show.

SNL hosts are not just entertainers; they are also cultural barometers, reflecting the zeitgeist of their times. And for those who were not household names, their brief stint on the show serves as a curious footnote in the annals of late-night television history.

It is clear that while many SNL hosts have gone on to achieve lasting fame, not all are remembered for achieving the level of recognition they hoped for or, indeed, deserved. From Ron Nessen to Miskel Spillman and many others, the richness of SNL history is best viewed through the lens of those who may have been the least famous or well-known contributors to this beloved American institution.