To Leslie Jones, her fellow SNL alum Kate McKinnon will always be a princess—but not in the way she originally thought.
Ahead of Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special Feb. 16, Kate and Leslie reminisced about the many memories they made while collaborating on the iconic sketch comedy show. And while their comedic chemistry has always been undeniable, it turns out Leslie only found out Kate’s true last name long into their friendship.
“She thought my name was Kate Middleton,” Kate—who was a regular on the show from 2012 to 2022—said on NBC’s SNL 50 red carpet, to which Leslie—who was on the show from 2014 to 2019—added, “And then I would be like well who’s Kate Middleton? And she was like, ‘A princess b--ch.’” (See all the stars on the red carpet here.)
But while the Barbie actress may not be the Princess of Wales, the former Supermarket Sweep host holds her in high esteem nonetheless, adding, “Not only are you a princess, you’re my queen.”
Indeed, Kate has earned her icon status by playing some of the show’s most iconic characters, from Hillary Clinton to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. As for how she prepared to take on these over-the-top roles?
“I feel like I need to do a lot of research on YouTube,” Kate recalled. “I don’t know how they did this show before YouTube.”
But there is one special character that the 41-year-old never got the honor of playing.
“I feel like the most iconic character of all that I have yet to play is Leslie Jones,” Kate joked. “I’m too short. That’s the problem.”
And after 10 wonderful years making history on Lorne Michael’s legendary show, Kate looks back on her time with nothing but pride.
"All I ever wanted to do in my whole life was be on Saturday Night Live," Kate said in a 2022 episode of Live With Kelly and Ryan. "So, I did, I loved it, I had the best decade, and then I was just like, my body was tired, and I felt like it was time."
To see all the cast members, hosts and guests that honored the show’s 50th anniversary on the red carpet, keep reading.
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Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Kim Kardashian
Miley Cyrus
Pete Davidson
Dakota Johnson
Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost
Jackie Sandler and Adam Sandler
Kenan Thompson
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
Sabrina Carpenter
Meryl Streep
Eddie Murphy
Emma Stone and Dave McCary
Alexander Edwards and Cher
Bad Bunny
Amy Poehler
Tina Fey
Maya Rudolph
Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry Teller
Drew Barrymore
Zahra Rock and Chris Rock
Will Ferrell
Chris Fischer and Amy Schumer
Chris Pine
Kate McKinnon
Sandra Oh
Lauren Miller and Seth Rogen
Nick Jonas
Aidy Bryant