EDITION: U.S.
darrell hammond
Darrell Hammond Reflects on His Breakdown and Psychological Recovery (VIDEO)
by Stephanie Opella, posted Nov 4th 2011 7:00PM
Former 'Saturday Night Live' star Darrell Hammond can impersonate almost anybody, but Friday 'Today' (weekdays, 7am on NBC) he talked to Matt Lauer about how difficult it has been to be himself. In his new book 'God, If You're Not Up There, I'm F*cked' he writes about the effects of being abused by his mother both physically and mentally. "I lived a lot longer than I thought I was going to and I had a lot of good doctors and a lot of help," Hammond explained. Matt asked about the infamous incident when when Hammond was escorted out of 30 Rock in a straight jacket after having a psychotic episode. "Well, it was a rough patch of road ... but I don't want to behave as if life is a terrible thing," Hammond said. When Matt asked him if could enjoy life these days, Hammond said that the fear of going back to his dark psychological place is a constant struggle, even though it hasn't happened in a while.
Tina Fey Returns as Sarah Palin, Darrell Hammond is Donald Trump on 'SNL' (VIDEO)
by Jason Hughes, posted May 9th 2011 12:58AM
Tina Fey returned to the stage that made her famous when she hosted 'Saturday Night Live' (Sat., 11:30PM ET on NBC). She hinted about her most famous impression in the opening monologue, and then later she popped on those glasses and Sarah Palin was back!But Fey didn't return for this 'SNL' take on the recent Republican debate alone. She was joined on stage by impressionist Darrell Hammond doing his classic Donald Trump, as well as the usual cast playing some of the other Republican candidates. But it was Fey and Hammond who stole the show.
"I just hope tonight that the lamestream media won't twist my words by repeating them verbatim," Fey said in character. She took a moment to acknowledge the elimination of one of "the world's great villains," Katie Couric.
A.J. Cook Returning to 'Criminal Minds,' Chris Messina Joins 'Damages' and More
by Chris Harnick, posted Feb 1st 2011 11:45AM
A.J. Cook is heading back to 'Criminal Minds.'After being let go from the series, Cook will return to the CBS drama for one episode this spring.
According to TVLine, Cook will return to set this week.
Fans mounted online campaigns in support of Cook and her character, J.J., but the only result was a two-episode swan song earlier this season.
UPDATE: Cook took to Twitter to confirm the news. She's returning for Paget Brewster's final episode of the CBS series.
In other casting news ...
• 'Little Fockers' star Teri Polo has landed a TV role in ABC's 'Man Up!', a comedy about what it's like to live as a modern man. She'll play a "super-mom who is addicted to Facebook." She also scored the lead in the Hallmark movie 'A Taste of Romance.' [Deadline Hollywood]
• Chris Messina has joined the cast of DirecTV's 'Damages.' The 'Julie & Julia' actor will play a former soldier friend of Ellen Parsons who is recruited to work for a shadowy private security firm in Afghanistan. [Entertainment Weekly]
• Jane Lynch and Kiefer Sutherland will lend their voices to episodes in season 23 of 'The Simpsons.' Lynch will play Homer's new assistant -- who then takes his job. Sutherland will play a very Jack Bauer–esque character who heads to Springfield to escape his enemies. [TV Guide]
'SNL's' Presidential Reunion Video Hits Funny or Die
by Danny Gallagher, posted Mar 4th 2010 8:45PM
Nearly 30 years of one of American television's most storied and beloved traditions (i.e. portraying our presidents as moronic simpletons whose inability to tie their own shoes could send the country to Defcon 3) came to a glorious fountain of awesomeness at Funnyordie.com.
The website premiered a new public service announcement on federal finance laws directed by Ron Howard in the form of a very funny "Presidential Reunion" sketch that features the likes of Will Ferrell, Darrell Hammond, Dana Carvey, Dan Aykroyd and even Chevy Chase reviving their classic impressions of former presidents including (respectively) George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr., Jimmy Carter and (the most hilarious in my opinion) Gerald Ford who come together to help the beleaguered Barack Obama, played by Fred Armisen. Jim Carrey also stepped in the room to play Ronald Reagan probably because Randy Quaid is nuttier than a Payday bar these days.
The website premiered a new public service announcement on federal finance laws directed by Ron Howard in the form of a very funny "Presidential Reunion" sketch that features the likes of Will Ferrell, Darrell Hammond, Dana Carvey, Dan Aykroyd and even Chevy Chase reviving their classic impressions of former presidents including (respectively) George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr., Jimmy Carter and (the most hilarious in my opinion) Gerald Ford who come together to help the beleaguered Barack Obama, played by Fred Armisen. Jim Carrey also stepped in the room to play Ronald Reagan probably because Randy Quaid is nuttier than a Payday bar these days.
Review: Saturday Night Live - Sigourney Weaver/The Ting Tings
by Annie Wu, posted Jan 17th 2010 11:15AM

(S35E12) First of all, Sigourney Weaver looks incredible. Believe it or not, she turns 61 this year, so that's something to think about as we slowly weep into our young but round, Cheetos-stained fingers. Secondly, Weaver managed to play a variety of characters that explored a wide range of wackiness, all without humiliating herself (it was a dangerous moment during that "Fifty and Freaky" sketch but we all knew Weaver's still a classy lady).
The writing was pretty consistent and suited Weaver well, and it was fun to see her do so many goofy things. It's not often Saturday Night Live brings in someone that of her status. Let's be honest here.
Saturday Night Live: Ryan Reynolds/Lady Gaga
by Annie Wu, posted Oct 4th 2009 2:38PM

(S35E02) After that Jenny Slate f-bomb nonsense and Megan Fox's not terribly original hot girl material from the season premiere, it was exciting to see a really solid episode (and a star-studded one, at that). Ryan Reynolds did a fantastic job as host (snaps for his wavering voice during the porcelain fountains sketch and accent in SYTYCD), though he didn't have any major stand-out roles. Did I miss the memo that Lady Gaga wasn't just musical guest but co-host as well? Such a role is normally left up to Ryan Reynolds' giant biceps.
It's been a while since we've seen such consistently enjoyable writing in an episode. Usually, there's a distinct lull during the course of the 90 minutes, but I didn't feel it this time. Hopefully, this is a good indication of the rest of the season.
Saturday Night Live: Will Ferell/Green Day (season finale)
by Annie Wu, posted May 17th 2009 12:40PM

(S34E23) Wow. Way to go, Will Ferrell. Maybe they should just bring back Saturday Night Live alumni for season finales from now on, because this episode was spectacular. Ferrell brought back some old favorites and a slew of famous faces, from the familiar to the inexplicable, including Amy Poehler, Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway and Artie Lange. Here are some video highlights from the evening (Hulu vids are US only. Sorry, kids... you can also watch these videos at NBC's website).
Saturday Night Live: Zac Efron/Yeah Yeah Yeahs - VIDEOS
by Annie Wu, posted Apr 12th 2009 12:35PM

(S34E21) When it came to everything unrelated to jazz hands, my expectations for Zac Efron were pretty low. Then again, there was part of me that kept thinking back to Justin Timberlake's first time hosting; he was just another song-and-dance good guy but the enthusiasm and craziness he brought to his performances blew everyone away. Okay, so Efron didn't do as well as Timberlake, but as the evening progressed, Efron seemed to get a little more comfortable and delivered a not-too-cingeworthy performance. Consider that a massive victory.
Here are some video highlights from the evening.
Saturday Night Live: Tracy Morgan/Kelly Clarkson - VIDEOS
by Annie Wu, posted Mar 15th 2009 12:45PM

(S34E19) It's a great, big homecoming party for Tracy Morgan and he brought enough jaunty delivery for us all. I'll admit, if anyone else were to try and pull off this type of delivery, I'd be pretty annoyed. However, it's Tracy Morgan and he's got this choppy, unrealistic speech down to an art. It has become him, I guess. This episode had a few strong moments here and there, but overall, it was an "all right" episode. At least we got to revisit some old favorites from Tracy Morgan's featured player days.
Now, check out some video highlights from the evening. Also, note to self: I will stop typing "Tracy Jordan", I will stop typing "Tracy Jordan"...
Saturday Night Live: Alec Baldwin/The Jonas Brothers - VIDEOS
by Annie Wu, posted Feb 15th 2009 2:29PM

(S34E16) It was pretty obvious there was going to be at least two sketches with the Jonas Brothers. I called it! I mean, no one apart from the people in my apartment know I called it, but that doesn't change the facts or my sad sense of accomplishment. I had to tune out once they started singing (sorry, 15 year-old girls), but their skits were all right. Alec Baldwin did a fine job of hosting as well, though there weren't any particularly striking sketches. I suppose after doing something like "Schwetty Balls", just about everything else will pale in comparison.
Saturday Night Live: Bradley Cooper/TV On The Radio - VIDEOS
by Annie Wu, posted Feb 8th 2009 5:02PM

(S34E15) Bradley Cooper, who are you and what are you doing on Saturday Night Live? I IMDb'd him before watching the episode and despite having seen many of his projects, I still couldn't attach him to anything. Is he best known for something? Or is He's Just Not That Into You his big break-out? Well, regardless, his performance in this episode wasn't mind-blowing, but at least it wasn't cringe-worthy either (exceptions can be considered for the Christian Bale sketch). The writers didn't give him anything terribly exciting and in the end we were left with a pretty forgettable episode. Here are some video highlights.
Saturday Night Live: Neil Patrick Harris/Taylor Swift - VIDEOS
by Annie Wu, posted Jan 11th 2009 1:29PM

(S34E12) It's just as we thought, everyone: Neil Patrick Harris is awesome. Why did it take SNL so long to bring in NPH? It seems cruel, almost, to make us wait like this. Even though the sketches this week were not particularly spectacular or groundbreaking, NPH's delivery and enthusiasm made the ride really fun. Unless his backstage demands and antics were too crazy for the SNL gang to handle, there's no reason to hold back on multiple returns.
Saturday Night Live: Hugh Laurie/Kanye West - VIDEOS
by Annie Wu, posted Dec 14th 2008 1:22PM

(S34E11) Can you hear the ladies and British comedy fans screaming? It's Hugh Laurie! The writing this week was stronger than usual, but I could not help but feel like they didn't use Hugh Laurie enough. When you get someone like that on the show, you better make sure the audience is sick of seeing him by the end of the episode. That said, Mr. Laurie did beautifully with what he was given and he's well on his way to becoming a regular host. Check out these video highlights from the episode.
Saturday Night Live: John Malkovich/T.I. - VIDEOS
by Annie Wu, posted Dec 7th 2008 11:48AM

(S34E10) The majority of this episode was pretty good. John Malkovich didn't contain the same contagious energy as other hosts this season, like Anne Hathaway or Tim McGraw, but infused the episode with his own... Malkovich-ness. Anyone that has seen his work knows what I'm talking about. I especially liked it when he introduced the musical guest(s), because it was hilariously obvious that he's never heard of any of these guys. Speaking of the musical guests, does T.I. really have a song about waving Gucci scarves in the air instead of dancing at the club? I feel like that's more of a surefire way to get shot at a club than carrying a gun in your sweatpants.
Saturday Night Live: Paul Rudd/Beyonce - VIDEOS
by Annie Wu, posted Nov 16th 2008 1:20PM

(S34E08) This episode was warmed up like biscuits. Dance biscuits. I swear to God, I will find a way to work that into a conversation some time in the near future. This was certainly the strongest episode of the season, as the writers didn't seem quite so afraid to have fun with the more pointless or tasteless jokes. Sometimes, they try to do something bizarre but stop just short of a satisfying pay-off, leaving a palpable awkwardness. In this episode, they really pulled through and, thanks to some special appearances (hello, Justin Timberlake), gave Mr. Paul Rudd a very memorable episode. Check out some highlights from the episode.
TV Squad Hot Topics
Most Popular Articles
From Our Partners
- 'Parks and Recreation': Bradley Whitford guests in 'West Wing'-referencing episode
- Becki Newton, 'How I Met Your Mother' creators join forces for FOX comedy pilot
- TV ratings: 'Grimm' and 'Shark Tank' rise, CBS stays on top Friday
- John Goodman, Roseanne Barr reunite in NBC pilot 'Downwardly Mobile'
- 'The Vampire Diaries' recap: In which Elena is starting to get on our nerves
- More From Zap2it
- Walking Dead Preview: 'Barnageddon' Aftermath Will Intensify the Fight for Leadership
- CSI: NY Exclusive: Jaime Ray Newman Returns!
- James Wolk Enters Political Fray, Joins USA Network's D.C.-Based Drama Series
- Ratings: Shark Tank Makes a Splash, Fringe Matches Low, Supernatural Dips and Grimm Gains
- Shameless' Justin Chatwin Previews Steve's Quest to Win Back Fiona and His 'Sticky' Mess
- More From TVLine
- Original Walking Dead Illustrator Sues Series' Creator Over Pay
- James Wolk Signs On to USA's Political Animals
- Watch This Shaky Footage of In-Store-Only Breaking Dawn 2 Sneak Peek
- Today, The Phantom of the Opera to Break the 10,000-Show Mark
- Now Saoirse Ronan Will Play Snow White (Sort Of)
- More from Vulture
