Not too long ago, Saturday Night Live rolled out its May schedule, and it's shaping up to be must-watch month: Chris Pine, Melissa McCarthy, Katy Perry, and LCD Soundsystem are among those stopping by the famed sketch comedy series. But amidst its regular star-studded lineup, one guest will also be hitting a major milestone. His hosting gig on May 20 will add The Rock to the SNL five-timers club, an elite troop of performers who have helmed the show at least five times.
If you're well-versed in SNL history, you already know that this is a thing. As reported by Vulture, it's been in place since 1990, when Steve Martin, Paul Simon, and Elliott Gould inducted Tom Hanks into their exclusive group. According to Sports Illustrated, only 17 people can count themselves as members, and The Rock is ecstatic to be joining their coveted ranks. "I started my career 20 [years] ago in NYC and from that vey first night, the city embraced me as a son," he wrote on Instagram. "This SNL is special. I'm coming home to make history."
In honor of the Rock's big moment, let's take a look back at just a few of the five-timer club's biggest names.
Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin has hosted SNL a record-breaking 17 times, so it's fair to say he's the five-timer club's Commander-in-Chief.
Justin Timberlake
Timberlake comes in at an even five. He made the cut with his most recent stint in 2013. "Some of my favorite sketches are the ones that turn a mirror on what happened this week that's so ridiculous," Timberlake said of his time on SNL in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "And when it gets nailed, like, really well, you know, I almost think it's like responsibility, in a way."
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore pulls double weight as the youngest host in SNL history. She was 7 years old when she first hosted in 1982, and has since returned five more times.
Bill Murray
Bill Murray nabbed his fifth turn on SNL in 1999, but sadly hasn't hosted since.
Danny DeVito
Like Timberlake and Murray, Danny DeVito also comes in at a solid five times.
Congrats to the Rock! You're clearly in good company.
