Leslie Jones, who was part of Saturday Night Live from 2014 to 2019, recently shared a no-holds-barred account of Woody Harrelson's early performance as a host in 2014. The comedian revealed that during rehearsals, the actor was clearly struggling. Speaking on First We Feast’s Slice Joint, Jones said, 'He was f---ing up so bad and we were like, “Oh, this is gonna be one of the worst shows ever.”' Her comments painted a picture of frustration and disbelief among the cast members.
Harrelson’s turn in the spotlight
However, the mood completely shifted when the show actually aired. Jones described how Harrelson transformed once the cameras started rolling. What had started with weak jokes and flubbed lines turned into an energetic and sharp performance that left the cast in awe. 'We were quick-changing, we’re like, “Woody, you’re f---ing killing it!”' she added, highlighting the contrast between his rehearsals and final delivery.
A question from Harrelson
Noticing the change in his reception, Harrelson asked Jones and the rest of the cast whether they had truly thought he would fail. The response was unfiltered and honest, as Jones confirmed their initial expectations. 'Yes, motherf---er, you were f---ing up! Yes!' she told him, clearly recalling the moment with amusement. The interaction revealed the surprising gap between Harrelson’s rehearsal performance and his on-air charisma.
Woody Harrelson, a member of SNL's exclusive Five-Timers Club, has hosted the show five times over the years. These include stints in 1989, 1992, 2014, 2019, and 2023. Jones’s anecdote, however, specifically refers to the 2014 appearance, as she left the show before the 2019 premiere. The moment underlines how live television can sometimes bring out the best in performers when the pressure is highest. Harrelson’s transformation from rehearsal to final taping proved that even seasoned actors may need to find their rhythm during the actual performance.
Leslie Jones has a history of candidly discussing her SNL experiences with fellow hosts. In November 2023, she expressed admiration for Margot Robbie, who hosted the show in 2016. Jones praised Robbie for agreeing to perform a particularly challenging and bizarre sketch that many other stars might have refused. On Vulture’s Good One podcast, Jones said, 'First of all, Margot, I will always f---ing love you just because of how you came into SNL.' She described the actress as bold and fearless, willing to do anything the writers requested. This included a sketch in which Robbie plays a librarian who slowly transforms into a grotesque character during a dramatic striptease.
Jones elaborated on the
Leslie Jones has a history of candidly discussing her SNL experiences with fellow hosts. In November 2023, she expressed admiration for Margot Robbie, who hosted the show in 2016. Jones praised Robbie for agreeing to perform a particularly challenging and bizarre sketch that many other stars might have refused. On Vulture’s Good One podcast, Jones said, 'First of all, Margot, I will always f---ing love you just because of how you came into SNL.' She described the actress as bold and fearless, willing to do anything the writers requested. This included a sketch in which Robbie plays a librarian who slowly transforms into a grotesque character during a dramatic striptease.
Jones elaborated on the
Leslie Jones has a history of candidly discussing her SNL experiences with fellow hosts. In November 2023, she expressed admiration for Margot Robbie, who hosted the show in 2016. Jones praised Robbie for agreeing to perform a particularly challenging and bizarre sketch that many other stars might have refused. On Vulture’s Good One podcast, Jones said, 'First of all, Margot, I will always f---ing love you just because of how you came into SNL.' She described the actress as bold and fearless, willing to do anything the writers requested. This included a sketch in which Robbie plays a librarian who slowly transforms into a grotesque character during a dramatic striptease.
Jones elaborated on the