Read these awesome thank-you notes sent to 'SNL' head Lorne Michaels by celebrities after he put them on the show
If you're an actor, musician, or politician, getting to host, or even just make a brief appearance, in an episode of "Saturday Night Live" can be a career highlight.
In exchange for a little bit of time on America's most famous sketch show, celebrities who appear on the show often send producer Lorne Michaels thank-you cards. Many of these cards can be seen on display at "Saturday Night Live: The Exhibition," which can be seen at 417 Fifth Avenue in New York City.
P. Diddy has a drawing of himself on his stationary.
To Lorne,
Thank you for all of your help! God Bless, Puff Daddy 98
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has been on "SNL" several times. His most recent appearence was in 2010, where he also did a sketch with Andy Samberg.
Oprah wrote a lengthy letter on simple stationary.
Lorne,
Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your inspired staff.
It was exhilarating! I'll never forget this experience or you.
I do love the way you walk into a room.
Sincerely,
Oprah
Oprah hosted "SNL" on April 12, 1986 with musical guest Joe Jackson. This was about two months after she was nominated for an Oscar for "The Color Purple."
Mayor Rudy Giuliani sent Lorne a personal note.
Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani appeared multiple times on "Saturday Night Live," perhaps most memorably in the show's first taping following September 11.
Besides that serious moment, Giuliani was known for bringing a lot of humor to "SNL," having appeared on the show several times. He was not afraid to make himself look ridiculous. In one sketch, he boxed Will Ferrell, who was playing Attorney General Janet Reno.
The late Phil Hartman was grateful for "the opportunity to serve."
Dear Lorne,
It was not without its blood, sweat, and tears; but the thrills and the glory remain prominent in my mind.
Thanks for the opportunity to serve.
Forever yours,
Phil
Hartman was a cast member from 1986 through 1994. During that time, he created such classic characters as Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and did an uncanny Bill Clinton impression.
Jimmy Fallon thanked Lorne Michaels after his audition.
Lorne,
I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to test for SNL. It was very exciting for me. I hope you have a great season.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Fallon
P.S. Happy Halloween!
Fallon always seems like the most polite guy in the room, so it is no surprise that he would write Lorne a personal thank you after his audition. During his audition, Fallon made Lorne laugh with his spot-on Adam Sandler impression. The very serious Lorne is typically known for keeping a straight face during auditions. Fallon later did the impression on the show during a Celebrity Jeopardy sketch.
This also might have been practice for the Thank You Notes segment that Fallon did on "Late Night" and still does on "The Tonight Show."