Ahead of the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special, Jon Lovitz and Anthony Michael Hall shared their thoughts with PEOPLE on the show’s infamous 1985-1986 season, which featured a young Robert Downey Jr. and was often described as the show's "weird" period. Reflecting on their time at Saturday Night Live, the actors opened up about the challenges and highlights of that unique season.
"The press really went after it from the start," Lovitz, 67, recalled about the polarizing season. "But when you look at it, you had so many talented people, and there were some great sketches. Yet, they never wrote about that part."
"It wasn’t as weird as people made it out to be," he continued. "The cast was finding its rhythm." Lovitz went on to praise Downey Jr., calling him "brilliant" at just 20 years old, as well as Hall and Joan Cusack, both of whom he described as equally talented.
Reflecting on the SNL 50th celebrations, Lovitz said he was "honored" and "thrilled" to be part of the milestone event. "It’s very emotional to see everyone again," he added. "This is probably the best weekend of my life." Hall, 56, echoed those feelings, calling the reunion "exciting" and "surreal."
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The 1985-1986 season, which featured actors like Joan Cusack, Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey Jr., and others, is often remembered for its short run and the pressure surrounding it. Despite this, Hall wished that Downey Jr. could have joined in the anniversary festivities. "I wish Downey was here to celebrate with us," Hall said. "I think he’s been busy."
Although his time on SNL was brief, Downey Jr. reflected fondly on his experience. "I learned so much in that year about what I wasn’t. But there’s no more exciting 90 minutes than that, whether you’re good or not," he shared in the SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night docuseries.
Lovitz also reminisced about how SNL completely transformed his life. "My first year on the show was crazy," he said. "It gave me a life beyond what I ever dreamed of. I was in the Groundlings Theater hoping for work, but never thinking I’d be on Saturday Night Live." Lovitz, still in awe, added, "I can’t believe I was part of it. It gave me everything—my career, my future."
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