Why Tom Hanks ‘Stormed Out’ Of 'Saturday Night Live' 50th Anniversary Event

Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, who stole the 'SNL 50' spotlight, though not for the reason fans might have expected.

Feb 17, 2025 - 22:47
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Why Tom Hanks ‘Stormed Out’ Of 'Saturday Night Live' 50th Anniversary Event
Tom Hanks at 92nd Academy Awards
Lumeimages / MEGA

Tom Hanks has long been a staple of "Saturday Night Live," having hosted the show 10 times and made countless surprise appearances, including a memorable cameo in December 2024. His frequent involvement has earned him a coveted spot in the legendary Five-Timers Club, an elite group of celebrities who have hosted "SNL" at least five times.

To celebrate the show’s monumental 50th anniversary, "SNL" hosted a star-studded event at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on Valentine’s Day. The night brought together some of the biggest names in the show’s history, including Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and more.

However, it was Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, who stole the spotlight, though not for the reason fans might have expected.

Tom Hanks Walks Out Of 'SNL' 50th Anniversary Celebration

Tom Hanks at 'Asteroid City' New York Premiere
Steven Bergman/AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

The couple made headlines after they “stormed out” of the "SNL" 50th anniversary concert in a hilarious comedic bit that had the audience laughing.

The moment unfolded when host Jimmy Fallon addressed the crowd, clarifying that the three-hour event would not include any awards.

“Apparently, there’s been some confusion. This is just a concert. We’re not giving out any awards tonight,” Fallon announced. “So I just want to make sure that everyone knows that.”

Camera Catches Hanks And Wilson Leaving The Set

Tom Hanks at 2024 AFI Fest

Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int'l. / MEGA

As soon as Fallon finished speaking, cameras captured Hanks and Wilson dramatically getting up from their seats and making their way toward the back of the auditorium.

In a now-viral clip, Wilson could be seen wagging her finger at the camera as the two playfully exited the venue.

“Tom? Rita?” Fallon called out, keeping up the joke. “We lost Tom Hanks and Rita. Sorry. It wasn’t their fault.”

Fans of the show flooded social media with reactions, including one user who wrote, "Wow! Tom Hanks just stormed out of 'SNL'" as someone else said, "Not Tom Hanks leaving 'SNL' mid-show [laughing face emoji]."

Another asked, "Was that Hanks move scripted?"

Why Did Tom Hanks Leave Abruptly?