Reflecting on her six seasons as a cast member of the legendary comedy show, Molly Shannon shares fond memories of working alongside some of Hollywood's biggest stars. In a recent interview celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary, Shannon reminisced about the easygoing nature of Jennifer Aniston and the unique experiences with other celebrity hosts. The actress also touched upon Aniston’s past invitation to audition for SNL, which she declined due to concerns about the show's environment at the time.

Aniston’s Relaxed Demeanor Leaves an Impression

Shannon vividly remembers the grace and professionalism of Jennifer Aniston during her hosting stints. Aniston, known for her role in the hit series Friends, appeared twice on SNL, once in 1999 and again in 2004. Shannon noted that Aniston wore a significant piece of jewelry during her first appearance, a diamond and platinum ring, symbolizing her engagement to Brad Pitt at the time. Despite the star power, Aniston remained approachable and calm throughout the process, leaving a lasting impression on Shannon and the rest of the cast.

During her appearances, Aniston exuded a laid-back yet professional attitude. Shannon admired how effortlessly Aniston handled the fast-paced environment of live television. Her demeanor was both reassuring and inspiring to the cast, making the experience memorable. Aniston’s ability to balance her fame with humility set her apart from other guests. Additionally, the ring she wore during her debut added a personal touch, reflecting her life off-screen. This blend of professionalism and personality made Aniston’s hosting gigs stand out among many others.

Celebrity Hosts and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Beyond Aniston, Shannon shared anecdotes about working with various celebrity hosts, including Cameron Diaz. Diaz’s rehearsal habits left a humorous mark on Shannon, who observed the actress consuming numerous salads. This observation led to a lighthearted moment where Shannon humorously expressed her desire to emulate Diaz’s eating habits. Such moments highlight the camaraderie and fun behind the scenes of SNL.

Shannon also delved into Aniston’s earlier interactions with SNL. Initially invited to audition for the show, Aniston ultimately decided against it due to concerns about the perceived “boys club” atmosphere. During a meeting with Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, Aniston voiced her thoughts on the lack of female representation. She advocated for better treatment of women within the show, expressing hopes for a more inclusive environment. Reflecting on this decision years later, Aniston acknowledged her youthful perspective but stood by her belief in advocating for gender equality in entertainment.