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Martha Stewart’s Missed Opportunity to Host SNL
Martha Stewart recently shared an intriguing story about a significant career opportunity that was thwarted by her parole officer. Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, she opened up about her desire to host Saturday Night Live (SNL) and the circumstances that prevented her from doing so in 2005.
<pDuring her appearance, Stewart recounted how, shortly after her release from Alderson Federal Prison, she was approached to host the iconic late-night show. However, her parole officer refused to allow her the time away to fulfill this opportunity. “I wanted to and they asked me as I was coming out of Alderson — that camp that I was in for a while — and my parole officer wouldn’t give me the time to do it,” she explained.
Stewart was sentenced to five months in prison after being convicted on charges related to the sale of her shares in ImClone Systems in 2001. Her legal troubles revolved around conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements, and other allegations that captivated the public during her trial.
Following her release, Stewart endured a two-year supervised release, during which she was allowed limited time outside her home, restricted to just eight hours daily. She recalled the constraints with a mixture of humor and frustration, indicating that her parole officer’s disapproval still stings today. “I still have his name and his number. I’m so p*****… Maybe someday,” she quipped, expressing her continued aspiration to host the show.
Despite not being able to host SNL, Stewart managed to revitalize her career post-incarceration. She resumed her role on Martha Stewart Living, launched her cooking show, The Martha Stewart Show, and expanded her brand with various lifestyle products and publications, including her book The Martha Rules. More recently, she was featured in the Netflix documentary Martha, released in 2024.
Stewart’s passion for SNL remains evident, as she enthusiastically discussed her status as one of the most impersonated figures on the show. When Fallon noted this fact, she expressed admiration for those who have imitated her, particularly singling out David Spade as her favorite impersonator. Stewart remarked, “I love it! Imitation is the highest form of flattery.”
While her failed hosting opportunity may still linger in her mind, Martha Stewart continues to remain a prominent figure in popular culture, proving that setbacks can lead to new beginnings and remarkable comebacks.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Weeknights, 11:35/10:35c, NBC
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