Morgan Freeman’s enduring aspiration to host Saturday Night Live is one of the few ambitions remaining in his celebrated acting career, setting the stage for him to possibly make SNL history. The Morgan Freeman SNL hosting dream remains unrealized, even as the veteran actor, who turns 90 in 2027, continues to appear onscreen in numerous films and a recent television show.
Morgan Freeman’s Remaining Career Goals
As most people age, regrets tend to matter less, but that does not mean they disappear altogether—something Morgan Freeman, who has acted since the early 1960s, understands well. Though he has always been upfront about his motivation for choosing roles—financial incentive—Freeman has occasionally reflected on missed opportunities despite his status as an Academy Award-winning star and his universally recognizable voice.
Among Freeman’s “if only” moments are the roles he did not get to play, such as portraying the famed lawman Bass Reeves in a feature film, or attempting the formidable character of King Lear from William Shakespeare’s works, even though past Shakespearean performances were not his favorite experiences. Another lingering frustration is his never sharing the screen with Meryl Streep, despite working with a plethora of esteemed actors throughout his career.
The Unfulfilled SNL Hosting Dream
Freeman’s list of career ambitions is brief, due in part to his legacy of classic films cherished across generations by audiences, but a striking omission is his absence as a Saturday Night Live host. While Freeman has frequently been a subject of impersonation on SNL, and did make a cameo as himself during a sketch aired on October 2, 2010, he has never led the broadcast as guest host.
The combination of Freeman’s celebrated sense of humor and his distinctive, resonant voice would arguably make him an ideal fit for the variety show’s opening monologue—a prospect seen by many as an obvious win. Despite this, Lorne Michaels and the show’s producers have yet to invite Freeman, leaving an unexplained gap in the show’s long guest-hosting tradition.
Support From Woody Harrelson and the SNL “Five-Timers Club”
Woody Harrelson, Freeman’s co-star in the Now You See Me franchise and a “Five-Timers Club” alumnus, expressed to USA Today his enthusiasm about the possibility of the “sonorous star” hosting an episode. Freeman agreed with Harrelson, stating,
“I wouldn’t mind hosting it all,”
Morgan Freeman, Actor. He added,
“As a matter of fact, it would be a feather in the ol’ cap.”
Morgan Freeman, Actor.
Despite his interest, Freeman acknowledged with some resignation that the opportunity may never come, commenting that it does not seem to be “in the works.” This sense of acceptance suggests that while the dream remains significant, the passage of time has made it less likely.
Historic Implications If Freeman Hosts SNL
If SNL were to invite Freeman to host, he would establish a unique legacy for himself within the show’s storied history. Betty White currently holds the record as the oldest SNL host, taking the stage at 88 years and three months in May 2010. Should Freeman receive the honor, he would surpass White, demonstrating both the continued relevance of his career and the dedication of older actors in the entertainment industry.
The interest in Morgan Freeman’s SNL hosting dream continues among fans and peers alike, with many recognizing that his hosting could leave an indelible mark—not just for its entertainment value, but also for its cultural significance within television history. Whether SNL’s decision-makers will act on this hope remains uncertain, yet the anticipation endures as Freeman’s milestone birthday approaches.
