Actor Bill Hader refused to participate in the 'SNL50' sketch due to his anxiety, revealing that his anxiety issues frequently result in physical ailments such as shingles, migraines, and vision loss.
Bill Hader, the beloved comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) cast member, was noticeably absent from the SNL 50th anniversary show. Contrary to speculation, Hader's absence was not due to a scheduling conflict but rather a battle with anxiety and a bout of shingles.
Hader, who was a cast member on SNL from 2005 to 2013, has been open about the impact of his mental health on his SNL experience. In a candid conversation with Seth Meyers, he revealed that he grappled with significant anxiety during the anniversary show, which made it difficult for him to attend. Hader described feeling shaky and very anxious, contrasting with other performers who remained calm despite mishaps on live TV.
Hader's anxiety struggles were not a new phenomenon. He often experienced migraines and even had a vision problem during an SNL sketch with Johnny Knoxville and Neil Young. He also joked that his shingles, which he referred to as "fire blisters," were caused by stress.
Despite these challenges, Hader has returned to host SNL twice since leaving the show. He also found success in co-creating and starring in the acclaimed HBO dark comedy "Barry" after SNL.
In the SNL50 special, Hader's role in a digital short was filled by Bowen Yang. Hader was approached by Andy Samberg for the digital short about everyone at SNL having anxiety. Yang's performance in the digital short was praised by Hader himself.
Meyers supported Hader's decision to abstain from the SNL50 special due to his shingles. Hader expressed hesitation about being in the sketch, citing his anxiety. Despite his absence, Hader's impact on SNL remains undeniable.
Looking forward, Hader will voice the Cat in the Hat in a 2026 animated reboot. With his openness about mental health issues and his continued success in the entertainment industry, Hader continues to inspire and entertain audiences alike.
Science has shown that anxiety can lead to physical health issues, such as the shingles that Hader experienced. His eye health was also affected during an SNL sketch, with migraines and vision problems. Hader's mental health struggles have not hindered his success, as he has continued to excel in health and wellness through therapies and treatments. Despite neurological disorders like anxiety, Hader has successfully managed to host SNL again and create prominent works such as "Barry".
