‘Saturday Night Live’ turns 40: time to reminisce

The 40th Anniversary special of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) was aired on Feb 15., so during this sick season, while you lay in bed feelin’ a fever coming on, honor SNL by picking up your favorite electronic device and watch some of the show’s best skits.

To help you, here is a list of my favorite skits, actors, and hosts from SNL.

“Shy Ronnie” is the first skit that deserves attention. It takes place in a classroom with Rihanna and Andy Samberg singing a duet. If you want a laugh, “Shy Ronnie” is a must. Next I would suggest the “Gilly” episodes.” Played by Kristen Wiig, Gilly is a grade-school student who explodes her teacher with a bomb, and is the basic terrible student.

A classic from SNL is “Chip and Dale’s,” an audition where angelic chubby Chris Farley and smokin’ hot Patrick Swayze show off their “sexy” dance moves. And last, but not least, I would suggest “More Cowbell” featuring Will Ferrell, in a sweater way too small for him, and Christopher Walken. This skit shows the beauty of the cowbell as a musical instrument.

As for actors and characters, SNL has progressed, for better or worse, through the years. Most actors have used SNL as a stepping stone to further their acting careers. Same as comedians such as Eddie Murphy, who began on SNL in 1981 then continued to act in some of my favorite films like “Shrek” (playing the voice of Donkey) and “The Nutty Professor.”

Next, there is Mike Myers, who started in 1989 and is the mastermind behind the voice of “Shrek” and the iconic face of “Austin Powers.” Myers plays Wayne Campbell (of “Wayne’s World,” of course), along with many other fun characters on SNL.

My favorite actor/comedian by far is none other than “Big Daddy” Adam Sandler himself who started in 1990. He doesn’t need words because he’s the idol of my heart.

Some honorable mentions besides Sandler are Farley, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Samberg, and Ferrell with that cowbell who comes close to taking the show, and is always willing to wear inappropriate clothing. This huge man is a ridiculous, show-stopping gag.

Betty White will forever be the Number One host, regardless of whether or not NBC favors Steve Martin. White takes first place, for God’s sake. She’s 93 and still kicking. Alec Baldwin is also impressive for making a total of 16 appearances on the show.

For all the ladies dying to see some man-meat, though, watch the five episodes hosted by Justin Timberlake, who also appeared as a musician and guest actor, making SNL all the more worth watching. My other favorites were Candice Bergen, who plays a really good villain in “Miss Congeniality.”  Steve Martin made it to the list, being the iconic “King Tut.” Last, Walken makes a top-notch music producer with a love for cowbell.

So, there you have it: The Saturday Night Live best. Now you realize what your fever really is: “a fever for more cowbell.”