Bill Hader, Dan Aykroyd Missing from SNL 50th Special

During the SNL 50th Anniversary Special on February 16, notable absences included former cast members Bill Hader and Dan Aykroyd, prompting curiosity among fans. Hader's team clarified that he had a 'longstanding scheduling conflict' that prevented his attendance, although he appeared in a Volkswagen commercial with Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen. Aykroyd, who acknowledged the anniversary on social media, did not mention his absence at the event. Other missing cast members included Dana Carvey and NBC executive Dick Ebersol, who was unable to attend due to health issues. The event saw over 180 cast members and A-listers celebrating the show's legacy, yet the absence of these iconic figures was notable. Reflecting on the event, Jon Lovitz and Anthony Michael Hall expressed their emotional connection to SNL and wished Robert Downey Jr. could have participated in the festivities.