Jack Black Reveals Lorne Michaels' 1976 Health Warning for Desi Arnaz on SNL

Jack Black recently recounted a cautionary story shared by Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels during his April 2025 hosting stint. Michaels, concerned by Black's physically intense opening monologue, compared him to Desi Arnaz, who hosted SNL in 1976 and famously performed his 'Babalú' number despite visibly struggling and showing signs of physical distress. Arnaz's performance alarmed Michaels to the point he feared for Arnaz's life and cut to commercial when Arnaz's lips turned blue. Black was taken aback by the story, interpreting it as a subtle warning from Michaels about the physical toll of performing on live television. The anecdote highlights both Michaels' protective nature towards his hosts and the demanding nature of SNL performances. Despite the warning, Black delivered an energetic performance reminiscent of Arnaz’s iconic style, demonstrating his enduring vitality at age 55.