Julia Louis-Dreyfus to host SNL next week

Most people don't think of Julia Louis-Dreyfus as an SNL alumnus; sure, it's been mentioned here and there, and she did participate in the various show retrospectives that aired last year. But, unlike Will Ferrel, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, and any number of big names that came from the show, when you hear JLD's name, the first thing you think of is Seinfeld, not SNL.

That might be because Julia wasn't used all that much during her time on the show, which was from 1982 to 1985. That was especially true in the classic "Short - Crystal - Guest - Shearer" season of 1984-1985, as the star power of that year overwhelmed whatever semi-known cast member was left over from previous years. Pre-Seinfeld, JLD was probably on the SNL fame meter somewhere around the Melanie Hutsell level.

But because JLD's on a full-court press to promote her new show, The New Adventures of Old Christine, I guess she decided it was time for her to visit the place where she got her TV start. (By the way, that full-court press of promotion will not include TV Squad, as she turned down my request for an interview. That's OK, Julia... I can never be angry with you.) She'll be hosting SNL next Saturday, May 13. It'll be her first time on the show since she was a cast member. The musical guest, for the record 7th time, will be Paul Simon, who will be promoting his new album, Surprise.

[via The Futon Critic; Photo: AP]