Jimmy Fallon Recaps SNL's 40th Anniversary

Jimmy shares stories from his whirlwind, celeb-filled night honoring 40 years of Saturday Night Live.
Subscribe NOW to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: bit.ly/1nwT1aN
Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Weeknights 11:35/10:35c
Get more Jimmy Fallon:
Follow Jimmy: / jimmyfallon
Like Jimmy: / jimmyfallon
Get more The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon:
Follow The Tonight Show: / fallontonight
Like The Tonight Show: / fallontonight
The Tonight Show Tumblr: / fallontonight
Get more NBC:
NBC KZbin: bit.ly/1dM1qBH
Like NBC: / nbc
Follow NBC: / nbc
NBC Tumblr: / nbctv
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon features hilarious highlights from the show including: comedy sketches, music parodies, celebrity interviews, ridiculous games, and, of course, Jimmy's Thank You Notes and hashtags! You'll also find behind the scenes videos and other great web exclusives.
Jimmy Fallon Recaps SNL's 40th Anniversary
/ fallontonight

[@kellydavis6243]

To be at the SNL 40 after party, would probably have been the coolest thing ever.!

[@skyyper12]

It was crazy night for sure. Too bad Jimmy didn't mention the restroom line, That's where all the fun went down.

[@BrianRedbloodRoyalty]

Oh, it probably wasn't just a party, it was the "Afterparty Orgies", as Garth put it.

[@rochat]

DaRealBoondock you mean wigs....

[@BrianRedbloodRoyalty]

rochat Yes wigs, I'm sorry. Wigs.

[@JustNess78]

EVER! :)

[@CcBloom777]

I love when he tells stories, he's so good at it.

[@abrown9252]

Seriously! It's like he's any one of your buddies sitting in your living room just being himself.

[@DrewDPoole]

He should make it once a week segment! Story Time with Jimmy.

[@Princess4fh]

true

[@gearhead0800]

+Kimberly Fallon As always a name dropper to try to justify himself. Question: what does this guy do for a living?

[@ElNingyou]

Only Prince could be the climax of an extensive namedrop session like that. There wasn't even a joke or an amazing feat outside of what he normally does at the end. He just had to be there, and it was a story.

[@BethanyNash]

Obviously this is a great story, but honestly, I would listen to Jimmy tell any story about anything. He is so genuinely excited about everything he ever says that it's infectious. I love him.

[@rdgamers8695]

ikr!

[@raghadb2044]

ikr!😍

[@jarz9838]

I LOVE THAT ABOUT HIM. I do not understand when people hate him because “it's like watching a golden retriever interview someone”. Yeah sorry he isn't a bitter old shrew who can't enjoy life

[@thesilvershining]

Exactly, thank you! I love Jimmy's enthusiasm about everything, lol.

[@DeriumsCCGs]

He name drops a million people like it's nothing, but once it's time to mention Prince, even A list celebrities become humble fans. Prince was one of a kind, to live such a private life, yet be the top of the list everywhere, that's unachievable by anyone but him. Rest in peace, you God among humans.

[@amileecopeland]

You can have the biggest stars in the world and they still got starstruck over Prince. There was no one else on Earth like him.

[@Feintgames]

Yeah, well said. To be there must have just been the most amazing experience. Even though he's gone now, just hearing that story I get chills. Purple smoke. lol

[@akiraakai]

This is quite possibly the best comment I've ever read anywhere. No one could draw everyone's attention like Prince.

[@sdey893]

He's the best 💜!

[@WendellsCat]

A lot of people criticize Jimmy for fawning too much. What's the alternative? He could be a mean-spirited, cynical asshole who always cuts everyone down behind their back. I love the way he is. He does seem sincere, maybe people think he's faking it. I don't think so, I really think he's just got a real positive outlook. Why else would he laugh all the time? Hope he doesn't change.

[@emiliemanes5392]

People will complain about anything. Jimmy's best asset is his personality and love for people.

[@rafaidan]

@@emiliemanes5392 Seriously, when Jimmy isn’t too scripted, his actual personality is really entertaining, whether he’s cynical or enthusiastic

[@Scarletowl24]

The difference between Fallon and kimmel one is happy energy the other is insult jokes

[@dtstrain]

I love how he talks to the audience like he's just a normal guy who is your friend and telling you about something amazing that happened to him, and not one of the celebrities, which he is now as Tonight Show host lol. You can tell it still hasn't sunk in for him and he feels like he's in a dream. Likeable guy :)

[@Wilburgur]

Yeah, pretty sure this is the most amazing story I've ever heard.

[@jackstaming]

This is the magic of Jimmy, he seems to always put these celebs at ease and they spontaneously get on stage with him or play silly games on the show. Love him.

[@carmodance]

i so wish the after party was filmed!

[@surajrupavate7749]

It is. There's parts of it available

[@joeyalejos5737]

@@surajrupavate7749 where

[@surajrupavate7749]

@@joeyalejos5737 On KZbin. Search for SNL 40th Anniversary Afterparty

[@JJameson06]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2G7p2ejZpxlfaM

[@samspamable]

After listening to this story, I seriously need to reevaluate my existence as a lesser mortal.

[@RealTalkWithSSG]

Same here... I feel so small. :(

[@nixieNICLA]

Tinka SGupta I wouldn't worry, they are just people at the end of the day. I'm sure you can make a big impact in your own way even if the whole world doesn't see it...

[@ShenMerrick]

Seriously? Why? These people are incredibly worthless. They contribute nothing to society and exist as puppets to push the propaganda of their far more powerful masters. Do not envy them, just do something that is actually admirable and respectable with your life and you will blow them out of the water.

[@maxpower1556]

***** Actually that's far from reality. These people are the 0.001% of humans that have achieved unbelievable wealth and recognition from all over the globe. There isn't any pathetic KZbin commenters that will grow up to accomplish an iota of their success. Accept me of course, because I'm good-looking. Good looking people go places.

[@ShenMerrick]

Max Power Well, as far as good looking goes, you keep telling yourself that. And as far as youtubers not being able to accomplish what these fools do...have you head of PewDiePie? Wake up and smell the bullcrap, these people sell themselves out to the industry and become puppets...that, or they have no career. Just look at the celebs who decide to speak out and break the mold...they disappear off the radar almost instantly.

[@allisonc1895]

I could have listened to an entire episode of everything that happen that night. I was glued to his story.

[@merrygoldfarb645]

When it comes to describing the feeling when Prince walks in the room, U, Mr. Fallon got it nailed every time. Nothing compares!

[@AlexanderEmmanual]

That sounds so amazing. Makes me wanna get famous enough just to be at the 50th.

[@poulomimaitra]

Same

[@nolanlind1932]

Same here.

[@GregLuft-ent]

Alex Sandalis It definitely sounds like a good time!

[@aaron99man]

***** Debbie Downer. ;)

[@annerchisline9641]

***** It was sad seeing how many didn't make it to the 40th.

[@KamKast]

Jimmy is a modern day story teller. He paints such an amazing picture with each story

[@BlackLilac43]

Came here just to listen to the Prince story. RIP Prince.

[@anisae.1674]

+Roseanne LoGuirato Sameeee!

[@arcaneth]

Only thing that could make me happy today

[@Sarakastiker]

+Roseanne LoGuirato Same

[@derekrogers5858]

Yup. Awesome story. With they had more footage of the after party

[@mirasia12]

Haha I know me too!!

[@joshuastein366]

That was one of the best stories I've ever heard! Just comes to show that SNL is one of the most impactful shows out there that has brought together so many different people at different points in the show's forty year run!

[@AKABoondock19]

I love Jimmy because he told this story like he was my buddy at this party.

[@555Gear]

Bill Murray already had a tambourine

[@GatgerGaming]

thats what I got out of that story too lol

[@abrown9252]

BYOT

[@freds5115]

Well, he was a looper for the Dali Lama you know!!

[@phillyfire99]

I can't help but laugh every time I see bill Murray all his movies characters should be named bill Murray he is just classic funny not like some of the comedians now a days line Dane cook ugh

[@DohelAsencio]

"Purple smoke comes up..." thats where i lost it because i pictured chapelle's prince floating towards the stage in a blouse.

[@rggast]

One of the greatest "had to be there" stories ever told. I love how it crecendos with Prince, RIP.

[@ghoppr71]

It's real cool to see Jimmy Fallon (who's famous in his own right) being starstruck. How cool to be able to jam with some legends... I mean, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Debbie Harry, PRINCE... WOW... What a night.

[@jasonkane7231]

I like Jimmy, he's more human than hosty :D it feels like just watching two peeps having a funny chat with him and not like a show :D

[@MelissaNgai]

Yeah i guess that's why he's so popular. He's bad at interviewing, but great at entertaining and being a good friend.

[@tashamhodama4207]

***** agreed. Fallon doesn't know how to interview. Feels like he's always impatient with the guest or just prefers to play games which is cool in its own way. I think Ferguson is the best late night interviewer

[@baronvonnembles]

Spilo Spud He's lousy at his job. He won't last ten years because he's a one trick pony.

[@violeta585]

Mark Johnson''he's a one trick pony''?!?...that's exactly what he's NOT ...he does more stuff to entertain ppl than any other host. The only thing he needs to work on is his interviews (which are mostly ok & good, but he's had a few really bad ones that make a bigger impression) and even if he doesn't put any effort into it, just by doing it for another couple of years, he'll become better.

[@johnpatrickohagan135]

I love how Jimmy is a huge celebrity but is still starstruck like any of us would be in these situations

[@mousearebec]

I'm sure Mr Fallon has to pinch himself.... DAILY...... at what a ride he is on..... But his has earned it. And his story was actually interesting in the way he told it too........excellent

[@JonnBenny]

This is the best story I've ever heard. Damn you Fallon, you magnificent bastard.

[@teriyama]

Can't even begin to express how much I appreciated Jimmy sharing that story. We saw photos of the after party and it looked amazing. Jimmy just filled in the blanks. Very very cool the entertainment community can hang out like that.

[@kewlbns69]

one day this guy's memoire is gonna be a #1 best seller...only it'll be too big to fit on any bookshelf and amazon will charge you $50 to ship it.

[@violeta585]

Hopefully he's writing all of these stories down... Jimmy Fallon

[@kewlbns69]

Voicu Violeta well he's got a lot of them on tape so i think he'll be ok ;) lets hope there'll be an audio version read by morgan freeman :D

[@luf4rall]

That one time I went on a beer run with Kobe Bryant, that one time I was on a date with Nicole Kidman and didn't realize it...

[@MsShanerussell]

That's when a Kindle version comes in handy.

[@kewlbns69]

MsShanerussell not enough room in the cloud to fit it xD

[@funnyusername8635]

I love Jimmy's enthusiasm, it's so infectious! I wasn't even there, and I'm all pumped about the party.

[@jrox425]

I remember watching this episode of Jimmy when it first aired, and how I had the goosebumps listening to Jimmy tell this amazing recollection . I had to find this today after hearing the sad news of Prince. He is definitely in a peaceful place.

[@sensimania]

I remember watching this episode too. I have been looking for the episode (which possibly aired the same week).where he interviewed this guy (who did a little dance coming out) and he also described his time at the afterparty. I remember him saying that he kept Jimmy's wife company, and she said "omg we have to get a drink to Jimmy", so they made their way to the front to give Jimmy that drink etc. I just remember the look on Jimmy's face while the dude was telling that story and he looked like he wanted to punch him for some reason. I cant remember who the dude was though 🤔. He kinda looked like Andy Cohen, but it wasn't him.

[@AlysonErikson]

You are the nicest, most versatile actor/musician/hosts ever and you deserve all the great things in your life! Keep making us feel like we're right there with our best friends as they talk and share their stories. You're awesome.

[@XxDanny80xX]

Yea came here to listen to the prince story again best stories ever R.I.P prince

[@kdevore83]

me toooooooo. I LOVE this story

[@ElevateConcepts]

I love how excited and grateful he is about the whole experience. It's like his sense of awe and wonder of being a celebrity and around them has never worn off. I don't think it ever will. Love ya' Jimmy!

[@YourPeakPhysique]

I love how excited he is about everything and that he really is amazed by it all. You'd think that because he meets celebs on a daily basis and that he's a celeb himself this would be a "normal" evening for him. I smiled during the entire video! He's just so enthusiastic and appreciative. Thanks for sharing Jimmy!

[@tm502010]

He has such lovable, dorky fan stories about Prince. Yet, history has now shown that he MCed the definitive early SNL tribute, live last weekend. A sad way to get your name tied with Prince forever. You can tell he's a true fan.

[@eileenpizarro8905]

PRINCE is the definition of special. RIP.

[@5schrank]

This is so cute. Jimmy Fallon is so funny and so down to earth. I just love him so much.

[@OmniphonProductions]

The thing that makes this so great is that Jimmy is ONE OF THEM, but you can see he's still genuinely star struck.

[@TogetherAtLast]

that prince floating bit kills me

[@TheJacobGuerra]

The way jimmy is telling this story is what is getting me star struck at home.

[@2011super]

CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE ANIMATE THIS!? especially the prince part.

[@lindsliin]

Jimmy is awesome! So humble and just a great guy.

[@robinklaus4363]

Jimmy is as real as it gets. I absolutely love his enthusiasm in this, he's like a little kid on Christmas. I would have given my left arm to be at this party. :-)

[@gailglenn1659]

I love Jimmy Fallon and I m scanning the internet with every and anything about Prince .I'm so glad I had a chance to go to every concert he did in Memphis. Rest in Peace .Doves are crying and so am I.

[@Stanleydragonjr]

Ok ,I'll say it again...how amazing is Jimmy ,what did we do before him,we are lucky and I am so happy to at least get to witness his charm and talent ,thank you

[@mariovh]

Jimmy was building up because nobody really meant anything until the Master came up and took over so the Party really could start ..His name is Prince 💜💜💜

[@vaibhavguptawho]

Jimmy looks so genuinely happy. :)

[@ZipA838]

No one can tell a story like Jimmy. 😊

[@Mrcfrickie]

Wow!! What a night! All those famous people. Jimmy has partied with just about everyone! He is great, I hope he has a long successful career.

[@juliancisthebest]

It's so cute that Jimmy's still so appreciative to have been a part of SNL. And I love that he mentioned Ariana :)

[@TogetherAtLast]

JIMMY KILLS ME. "PURPLE SMOKE. FLOATING. FLOATING. JET PACKS."

[@VideoNozoki]

What a nice, sincere story. Thanks Jimmy, your enthusiasm for life is infectious.

[@congchuatrini]

That was such a great Prince story thank you for sharing it with us. 💙✨

[@portaparty]

Jimmy Fallon will go down as one of the top hosts of ALL TIME. I watch every word this guy says. Such a great guy!!

[@EshaMistry]

Of course Prince parted the crowd and floated in! :(

[@karitamcmiller6378]

of course

[@OmKhadijah]

Esha Samant with purple smoke 💨 I can see it.. R.I.P.

[@22angd]

He has got to be one of the best story tellers!

[@MKGIRL24]

The 40th SNL was awesome loved it. Jimmy and Justin's cold open was epic :)

[@Gabriel_Moline]

I can watch this over and over again. Just a brilliant clip of the recount of something so amazing, and someone so deserving, while also including as many people as possible. ... Thanks, Mr. Jimmy. Mr. Fallon. Or dare I?..The Prince whisper, Er....

[@dons1932]

Jimmy is such a renaissance man as far as an entertainer goes. I wanna get famous just to get on his show to tell him that. He's such a great guy. Bloody hilarious.

[@stephanieprovost7312]

He's such a dork, i love him

[@tikiitii]

I wish I was Jimmy Fallon. He has the coolest experiences.

[@nickgomez93]

That whole story was fucking amazing! when jimmy fallon is an old man imagine how many great memories hes going to be able to look back on

[@grahamclarke6170]

such an awesome story - almost like the best dream ever. Well done Mr Fallon

[@SeanBradyMcCarthy]

I love your authenticity in this storytelling session Jimmy. That story of that night will stand the test of time.

[@jaynine65]

Jimmy deserves all that joy! Wow, to be there to see all of that would have been amazing! So glad he shared the story!

[@B95_P]

If there is ever a way to die and come back as somebody else, I want to be Jimmy Fallon.

[@prankfiles]

You are fast , Jimmy! Love this!

[@trollingyoutube70]

I just watched your Stepdad video and I cant stop Fu*king laughing!!!

[@fadhilramadhani1847]

oh my god, that group of people! seinfeld, paul, lorne, jimmy, justin, jack, chris and eddie. I would have died if i were around them.

[@azamora230]

Greatest moment in comedy history. To have all that comedic talent under one roof and to share and bond the way they did is historic. That was lightening in a bottle.

[@ericn.wilson2345]

Jimmy Fallon: our guy on the inside.

[@avakate7747]

OMG, I get chills when he just says Prince! How f-ing amazing!

[@CODASHAVA]

Great stories! To have all those people in the same room, jamming, joking and having fun would be a once in a lifetime experience. I love how the younger generation respectfully infused themselves with the older generations - truly remarkable.

[@dapsontp]

This sounds like an out of body experience/ dream/trance experience. This is great!!! Jimmy Fallon is the best host ever

[@EvelynRobinson22]

I love how excited he is! Sounds like an amazing party, so jealous lol

[@droxid666]

It's so awesome it sounds like a fanfic, lol!!!

[@JemmaSara]

i love listening to Jimmy tell stories, he gets so excited :) i can only imagine how amazing that after party must've been!!

[@Greenfknarrow]

this sounds like the most badass party ever

[@Greenfknarrow]

it makes it even cooler that hes so excited about it its aweome

[@youmongrel]

chase isbell Well Jimmy is basically what happens when someone's every childhood dream comes true.

[@PurpleMusicPrincePianoCovers]

Dearly annebriated lol, gotta love Prince's sense of humor.

[@guccilutherking333]

"I was here when this all happened" - Brian Williams

[@stanleyshady9465]

I could listen to Jimmy tell SNL stories all day

[@TokyoKazama]

That sounded like an awesome night. I would love to have seen some footage though.

[@Diva380]

There are comments here posting a link to some of the afterparty footage on the Variety website. There are also videos on Questlove's Twitter page.

[@TokyoKazama]

***** Cheers, I appreciate it friend.

[@Diva380]

TokyoKazama Welcome!

[@Sandave88]

www.incmedia.org

[@tubelev]

www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/snl-40-afterparty-prince-taylor-773997 there you go

[@gailleopold1727]

You are such a great entertainer Jimmy - so happy that you had that amazing experience! You deserve it man!

[@carlya7616]

it's crazy how much an effect SNL has on my family. I'm 14 years old and I grew up with those people. So many of our family's catchphrases come from SNL. Watching some of the classics like Barry Gibb Talk Show, Stefon, Seth Meyers weekend updates, and the people like Chris Farley and David Spade, Jimmy, Andy Samberg, Justin Timberlake, Bill Hader, Will Ferrell etc. it's just amazing! I'm so proud to be in this family that's been influenced unbelievably my SNL.

[@HeyThereGlalie]

Lorne Michaels... the guy is a legend! No one brings together a group that large with a roster made up of some of the most known and credited celebrities we have today. "SNL's Dream Team."

[@howfow]

Sounds like the after-party would have made good tv too... I loved the reunion show; the memorial for those gone really hit me because they were like old friends....Gilda still makes me tear up. I have watched SNL from 1975 to now...

[@Bolgernow]

The creative love, no better drug, no higher place. Glad for you guys!

[@MrHeLLHoRZeGaming]

Jimmy, you are a legend, you can make anyone feel at home. That story that you told was just amazing, it would be cool if you had video of the night, cheers all the way from Australia.

[@annerchisline9641]

First thing I thought of when he was talking about his old act and the real-life guys there in front of him, was that it was a book-end of some sort for his life thus far. That weekend topped it off nicely. Thanks for sharing!

[@DRBOOMpsn]

Once in a lifetime opportunity good for you sir🎸🎹🎷🎼🎶🎵🎤

[@muskylemon2310]

Brian Williams was there.

[@rochat]

He taught Prince everything he knows.

[@mikeiswhite3]

He got there by shot down helicopter

[@nworster623]

mikeiswhite3 haha lol. I love topical humor- that was good.

[@brayancalle1807]

I was there too just watching the ensemble cast was amazing. To know that I was able to see the show is something I will cherish forev.. Oh I'm sorry I misremembered

[@Dave....]

He birthed everyone of those celebrities.

[@leewilliams3759]

Fantastic story, sounds like a wonderful evening!

[@TogetherAtLast]

Lmao, I love how he prefaced the story by "there's gonna be a lot of name dropping."

[@galeno07]

Anyone else wondering "... what was Jimmy's wife doing during all that?, was she just sitting in a corner, waiting?" XD

[@violeta585]

She's been a movie & TV producer for ~15y (partnered w/ BFF Drew Barrymore) & she's been w/ Jimmy for ~10y & she even appeared on SNL a few times when Drew hosted...so she knows ppl.

[@blondejenius8422]

Neto del Toro Bet she gladly wished her husband an awesome time with Prince....like a true classy wife would!

[@jenaosa1224]

That Bill Murray head tilt was spot on.

[@Marc-wv1pr]

I watch this clip every few months, and each time, it has the same effect! Such a great story!

[@jenelleturner6524]

I am so happy for you Jimmy Fallon what awesome energy! Peace and love...

[@jenniferjahns4006]

I wished someone could've taped that. It'd be a Nielson top ten!!

[@christina0927]

jimmy would be so fun to party with, he's WILD

[@taleytaleytaley]

Rest in Peace, Prince. What a legend.

[@DivaDreamWeaver]

we finally get to see it Jimmy! and you were WASTEDDD!!! 😂

[@Princess4fh]

hahahaha yess

[@hyperdunk5]

Lol yeah he was messed up

[@Princess4fh]

***** no he isn't

[@Princess4fh]

***** Do you believe everything in the media?

[@Princess4fh]

***** Not everyone tells the truth, you know.