Lonely Island Member Names the Only SNL Host He ‘Felt Very Uncomfortable Around’: ‘I Liked Almost Every Host’

Jorma Taccone, a member of the comedy trio The Lonely Island, has recently shared insights from his time at “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), including his experiences with various hosts. During a candid discussion on The Daily Beast’s Obsessed podcast, Taccone revealed his discomfort with actor Kevin Spacey, marking him as the standout exception among the generally positive hosting experiences on the long-running show.

In the podcast episode aired on April 24, the 49-year-old Taccone reflected on his early contributions to SNL, where he collaborated closely with fellow comedians Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer. Together, the trio played a key role in modernising the show, especially with the integration of viral sketches that captured the changing landscape of comedy in the digital age. Taccone expressed his overall enjoyment of working with most hosts that SNL welcomed over the years. However, he highlighted Spacey as a notable exception, stating, “I will say the one person who I wasn’t super geeked on at SNL— I’ve never said this before— is Kevin Spacey. Did not enjoy that and felt very uncomfortable around him.”

Kevin Spacey, once a highly sought-after actor with acclaimed performances in films such as “American Beauty” and “The Usual Suspects,” as well as his role in the Netflix series “House of Cards,” experienced a dramatic downfall after allegations of sexual misconduct emerged in 2017. Actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of inappropriate behaviour when Rapp was a minor. Following this allegation, Spacey was dismissed from his role in “House of Cards,” and multiple other accusations came to light, which Spacey has consistently denied. Despite a jury finding him not liable in a related civil case in 2021, the actor’s reputation has suffered irreparable damage.

Taccone’s revelations about Spacey come in the wake of broader discussions about the treatment of sexual misconduct in Hollywood. The allegations against the actor not only changed his career trajectory but also sparked conversations around accountability in the entertainment industry. Such topics have become increasingly prominent, particularly as more individuals feel empowered to share their experiences.

From his start in sketch comedy, Taccone has become known for his contributions to both television and film, particularly through The Lonely Island. Alongside Samberg and Schaffer, the trio has produced numerous memorable comedic pieces, influencing a generation of comedians and entertainers. Over the years, they have forged a unique space in the industry that celebrates both humour and creativity.

However, Taccone’s time in the spotlight hasn’t been without challenges. Last year, he was involved in a serious accident that left him reflecting on his life. In a separate podcast appearance on The Lonely Island & Seth Meyers, he discussed the harrowing experience of falling 20 feet from a ladder while decorating his farmhouse in Connecticut. This incident occurred on his daughter’s birthday, as he was attempting to add lights around the barn.

Despite the grim circumstances of his fall, Taccone expressed gratitude for being alive. “I was painting this barn, and then I was like, as a final touch, I should hang these lights that will go around the barn,” he recounted. He utilised a ladder that had been borrowed from a neighbour, who had issued a warning about its condition. Unfortunately, Taccone ignored the caution and suffered significant injuries, including a shattered pelvis and a detached sacrum.

His experience has reminded him of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Following surgery and rehabilitation, Taccone’s determination to recover has been evident, and he continues to express appreciation for the support he has received during his recovery.

Taccone’s reflections on his time at SNL serve not only as a glimpse into his personal experiences in the industry but also as a reminder of the complex relationship between art, ethics, and personal integrity. As he navigates both his recovery from injury and the broader conversations surrounding Hollywood and accountability, Taccone remains a notable figure in contemporary comedy. He continues to contribute to discussions on key issues while maintaining his creative pursuits, embodying the resilience and adaptability that characterise the best of the entertainment industry.