By Jessica Wang

At the star-studded SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night anniversary special held in New York City, actor Jason Momoa experienced a series of surreal encounters with some of Hollywood’s most iconic figures. During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Momoa enthusiastically recounted his interactions with Meryl Streep, Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray, moments that left him in awe and disbelief.​

A Dance with Meryl Streep

Momoa, known for his roles in Aquaman and Game of Thrones, described himself as a “fanboy” when he spotted Meryl Streep at the event. He approached her, and to his astonishment, Streep greeted him by name. “I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I love you so much,‘” Momoa recalled, overwhelmed by the recognition. The encounter escalated into an impromptu dance, a moment Momoa cherishes deeply. He admitted to being so exhilarated that he couldn’t remember the song they danced to, only that he was thrilled Streep knew his name. ​

Meeting Comedy Legends: Chevy Chase and Bill Murray

The evening continued with more memorable interactions. Backstage, a woman recognized Momoa as “Aquaman” and called over Chevy Chase and Bill Murray for a photo. Momoa stood between the two comedy legends, feeling a mix of excitement and disbelief. He humorously noted that both Chase and Murray seemed unaware of who he was, but he didn’t mind, as he was thrilled to capture the moment. ​

Sharing the Experience

Following the event, Momoa shared his excitement on social media. He posted a series of photos on Instagram, including snapshots with Streep, Chase, and Murray, as well as other celebrities like Cher and Kristen Wiig. In his caption, Momoa expressed profound gratitude, describing the three days surrounding the event as “magical” and referring to Saturday Night Live as the “greatest show of all time.” ​

Reflecting on the SNL50 Celebration

The SNL50 special was a grand celebration of five decades of the iconic sketch comedy show. Hosted by Steve Martin, the event featured a blend of nostalgic sketches, musical performances, and appearances by past and present cast members, as well as special guests. Highlights included a “Black Jeopardy” segment featuring Kenan Thompson, Leslie Jones, and Tom Hanks, and a musical performance by Miley Cyrus. ​

Momoa’s experiences at the event underscore the show’s enduring legacy and its ability to bring together a diverse array of talent. His candid recounting of these encounters offers a glimpse into the genuine admiration and excitement that even established actors feel when meeting their idols.

In sharing his stories, Momoa not only highlights his own humility and enthusiasm but also pays tribute to the artists who have inspired him. His reflections serve as a reminder of the profound impact that iconic figures like Streep, Chase, and Murray have had on the entertainment industry and on individuals pursuing their own creative paths.​

As Momoa continues to navigate his successful career, these cherished moments at SNL50 stand as testament to the joy and inspiration that come from connecting with one’s heroes, even in the most unexpected settings.