Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp - SNL

[@SONICgokuverine]

“Will a fosse neck do it?” is an underrated line in SNL history.

[@BigHeadDeadass]

"Nooooo"

[@mikeg8276]

I lost my sh!t when she said that 😭

[@krisdevalle]

Tribute to Bob Fossey, the inspired choreographer for whom much of Wiigs mad dance is based on.

[@johndupree8805]

Aced Fosse to a T, and with a single dancer.

[@nico3108]

@@krisdevalleyes everyone knows that that’s why the joke is being pointed out

[@heath_far]

I ask myself several times a day “will a Fosse neck do it?”

[@garymeise673]

OMG, me, too!

[@shawndamccormick278]

@@garymeise673 don't forget , "chain, ball, kick, chain!" Remember that? 😉 💃💃

[@vandeolkon]

Haha!!

[@jaimexxo]

Omgggg yessss me too 😂😂😆

[@Iggystar71]

“Is it a foot tappah?” that’s me all the time!!

[@maelauren]

This is one of the most profound pieces of art I've ever experienced

[@chandlermathews2587]

Sal Paradise are you okay

[@CaptainSpalding72]

@@chandlermathews2587 no

[@percypape]

Amen. 100% comedy platinum

[@maelauren]

@@Gilliganfrog Hahaha! Love it!

[@maelauren]

Aw thanks for sticking up for me hahaha @Gilliganfrog

[@josephhoeffner5784]

I like that he's constantly reminding her that they're going to be late while himself not moving a single muscle.

[@user-wt6hw5mi5q]

😂😂😂

[@benjo_5]

Which husband is he supposed to be?

[@syddomann3054]

I say this as someone who adores Cats ((the stage show not the 2019 movie)), you'd probably do the same

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

Tbf, he offered to help at the start and she turned it down ;)

[@disliked1390]

he did dance at the end. He knew. He wanted to dance after his cigar and skip the show

[@phillycinephile8282]

Props to Jonah Hill for not breaking character and laughing. His straight-faced reaction implies that this is just another day with Liza, which makes Wiig's antics even funnier.

[@MikeLinPA]

Thanks, I was trying to figure out who that was. (He played perfectly opposite Kristen.)

[@rix_908]

he's perfect foil/straight man, honestly dont know how he didnt break character

[@ymd2516]

He didn’t break character but rumour has it he broke the chair. It’s more of a comment really…

[@MikeLinPA]

@@ymd2516 He is a big boy! From what I've seen, he seems to enjoy life! Food, laughs, fun. Can't hate him for that! (His cardiologist might want to have a word with him though... I hope he takes care of himself.)

[@ymd2516]

@@MikeLinPA I’ve heard his doctor isn’t a nice man. He once asked Jonah to open up and say “oink”

[@hugostiglitz3309]

Everything about this sketch is perfection. The writing, the acting, the timing, the music, the costumes. It makes NO sense, but there lies its genius!

[@hiko73]

She's trying to turn off a lamp, makes perfect sense. :)

[@VictorSilvestri]

It _does_ make sense if you're familiar with Liza Minnelli and Cabaret

[@assmane999]

Nicola Ní Lochlainn Liza is coked out of her mind and making a simple task seem like solving a rubix cube, and every moment is super over-dramatized

[@laco403]

It makes all the sense. Watch Cabaret.

[@littlecaladan]

It’s making fun of Liza Minnelli who was a famous performer and singer and actress (Judy Garland’s daughter) and also taking a loving irreverent jab at how long it takes people in musicals to do anything simple (like turning off a lamp) because they’re too busy signing and dancing. It’s multilevel Broadway humor that’s so incredibly brilliant and wonderful but they really needed an audience who understands those things

[@jauipop]

She really deserved the Emmy for her time during SNL.

[@dhruvbhatnagar4180]

Marcus Chan couldn't agree more. I love Kate but seriously Kristen deserved an Emmy every bit as much as her !

[@kkibela]

That's crazy she didn't get one.. Seriously

[@zenzenn9789]

She was robbed

[@northwest1683]

She isn't gay, so they chose Kate instead

[@Sumea_Saukko]

Nah she's cringy

[@aaroneusjames2342]

"don't make those little kitties wait. we're gonna miss Caaaattts."

[@skyedavies1042]

THAT'S what he says. I honestly had no idea lol

[@lisas5211]

I DIED LOL

[@nittany272]

I say “you tell that to Debbie Reynolds” with absolutely zero context in normal conversation at least once a month.

[@CountryCowboy008]

What does it mean in this context tho?

[@nittany272]

@@CountryCowboy008 touché….

[@lisamh9037]

This just made me LOL

[@mockingbirdjane2289]

🤣🤣🤣

[@nickjunior88]

And this is why you’re Legend

[@RisIgrec]

I say "the heck with cats let's dance" at least once a week

[@hangoutwithme346]

Then you are living your best life.

[@seronoradopanergic5545]

I try to turn off all lamps with a Fosse neck, so I feel like we are kindred spirits.

[@headoverheels88]

Everyonce in a while, when I turned off a lamp, I say "WILL A FOSSE NECK DO IT?"

[@jsrgev]

My cat doesn't like when I say this.

[@johnnypal716]

My personal go to is “..this skinny lady!”

[@dratzlogic]

This is one of my favorite sketches. Kristen Wiig really shows her immense comedic talent, and Jonah Hill's characterization is perfect.

[@MATTHEWSCHUBRING]

I love how someone thought of including a faux Warhol portrait of Kristen (as Liza) on the wall!

[@itsgabbycameron]

i hope she got to keep it!

[@swansabijr]

"Ben Vereen, it's long!" I come back to this every few months when I need to remember that life is indeed worth living.

[@screamingmimi90]

❤

[@dannydougin3925]

ew

[@dacket1128]

Absolutely. followed immediately afterward by "It's like Tommy Tune, I'm not getting anywhere!" Underappreciated, great lines.

[@AcmeMonkeyCompany]

Jonah Hill also murders in this. Just the way his voice cracks when he says "What?" is hilarious

[@ixlnxs]

And he is so cuuuuute.

[@JenniferJuan]

“We’re gonna miss caaaaats!” has me in bits 😂

[@glitterymartini]

Okay thank you!! I always think he doesn’t get enough credit !!! He literally makes the sketch. So little said but so much impact

[@52648teedee]

💯

[@maiabones]

i say it like that whenever i'm confused about something. straight up lifted it from hill in this skit

[@vandeolkon]

Now I call all my floor lamps “skinny ladies” haha

[@danicox-dalessandro4965]

The scoundrel!

[@francinejones2524]

LMAO! 🤣

[@BernardProfitendieu]

No, you don't

[@nf3126]

@@BernardProfitendieuyes she does 😂

[@BernardProfitendieu]

@@nf3126 nope.

[@Wendededed]

I just gotta find the clicker that dims the whole shabang!

[@tiffanymoore1795]

@burteriksson really though

[@MySushiBear]

This is such a weird and simple premise and yet I can’t stop watching it.

[@tonynapolillo248]

Literally my son when I ask him to complete the simplest task.

[@MikeLinPA]

Hey! ADHD is real.

[@lainetz8555]

😂

[@ashleymeggan]

I swear to God.

[@PontyclunBosomPals]

Same with mine.

[@leighnilsen4090]

Ha Ha Ha

[@Stargeek2006]

"Is it a foot tapper, once, twice, threeeeeeeee" I actually became deceased

[@maiabones]

the way she almost corpses halfway through that bit fucking kills me

[@StarkIller-df7gw]

😂😂😂

[@Mel.U]

Can't overlook that laissez faire performance by Jonah subtle yet sublime

[@jacksonkloes4967]

it's honestly my favorite role that Jonah Hill has played

[@MultiZelda13]

Yes thank you. He's so laid back and it compliments wiig perfectly. I don't know he didn't crack

[@BigHeadDeadass]

Yeah he actually added a lot to the performance, not that Wiig's was bad but he managed to elevate it, which is impressive, especially by himself

[@oldvlognewtricks]

Louche as fuck

[@lasaboteuse]

we gotta scoooot Liza

[@kelkabot]

Not only does she get Liza's physicality, but the voice too! Genius! I love Kristen...she's a classic along the lines of Carol Burnett or Gilda Radner.

[@pwalsh793]

is there anything this woman can't do, Kristen wiig is awesome.

[@somehorse]

paul anthony walsh I could never work with her. I'd be fired for laughing too much.

[@jackdouglas5860]

+paul anthony walsh Turn off a lamp

[@mazukiadnan6664]

same here!!

[@kaihocompany]

Act.

[@dharmallars]

yeah, kristen wiig cant act. thats why shes one of the most memorable and successful recent snl cast members and has had tons of starring roles since leaving and has been hailed for her impressions for years, because she cant act. lol.

[@broadwaymelody33]

This audience didn’t deserve this sketch.

[@TheLadyEve]

Truly. Her impression is great, but the whole concept needs to be applauded. And they both pretty much made it through the whole thing without cracking up, so that deserves an award.

[@maxalberts2003]

@Michael Persico Go somewhere else.

[@gag1411]

Agreed

[@frankmalinaro9700]

~~. this deserves the Raspberry Award --this took guts !

[@KenyonClemonsNY]

Brilliance!

[@1000huzzahs]

"I'm gettin' no where with this! It's like Tommy Tune!" Oh man what a reference

[@hannahs1683]

I finally caught that this watch through 😂

[@zachpayne3533]

When she's first getting up from the couch and doing that shoulder move as she rises...that's my favorite part haha

[@Sweetumskitty1789]

I never noticed it until you mentioned it, it’s iconic

[@erikahernandez8745]

Same😆

[@megandelamar6194]

"You tell that to Debbie Reynolds." "..... what?"

[@incoglido]

I feel like there's an inside joke here

[@thomasdelvin3683]

@@incoglido liza was prety off the chain especially off camera at parties

[@incoglido]

@@thomasdelvin3683 oh i'm sure, but i meant specifically with this and other references they seem to make. "Ben Vareen, its long" lol

[@PB-bv6ol]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@CountryCowboy008]

What does Debbie Reynolds have to do with it though? I've searched high and low and I didn't get anything lol

[@simpleton7]

I like that several people clapped when she managed to turn off the lamp.

[@adatewithkate]

Haha I didn't notice that until I read your comment! Now it's my favorite thing to point out when I force people to watch this.

[@JesPulido]

I imagine this is what Liza Minnelli's life is like ordinarily.

[@RickRobinCagnaan]

Wiig played both Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. No surprise that she got to play both Mom and Daughter.

[@terradusa4219]

Not since the brain encephalitis

[@fanfaretloudest]

Yep. Every day lol.

[@kjl9960]

@burteriksson that's Hollywood for you?! What books are you reading?

[@TS-qq7vr]

I picture Liza Minelli as Lucille Astero on Arrested Development.

[@billsfman]

This is exactly my type of humor, really off the wall and off-beat. Pure genius.

[@radawson1018]

Mine too…and Gawd how I miss Wiig and her genius on SNL.

[@ellestudio7182]

Omg that Fosse neck.This is genius. I hope Liza gets how very clever it is, even after all this time.

[@giuliaromano3174]

I just need to find the clicker or the switch that turns this whole coo-coo thing down!

[@quickfacts8943]

She was actually laughing for real many times. Omg I love her

[@annerako]

This is my favorite SNL sketch ever. Along with "Ann Margaret Tries to Throw a Wad of Paper into a Trash Can."

[@brucksz]

Did you watched marry poppins one or the national anthem .. they are amazing ;)

[@forasec]

is that a real skit? Ann M? I cant find it

[@guyincognito7165]

@@forasec www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/ann-margret/n13141

[@forasec]

@@guyincognito7165 THANKS BABE. X0X

[@vandeolkon]

guyincognito71 thank you! I’ve been looking for that!!! Too funny!

[@danielpeter5315]

“Ben Vereen it’s long”. One of the million underrated lines in the skit!!!

[@PC-wp9tj]

"I'm not getting anywhere with it; it's like Tommy Tune" was the savage throwaway

[@williamb4335]

Man she is so funny. Give her flowers now!!!! She is so underrated to me. She nailed it. You can tell she wanted to laugh herself a couple of times. Lol

[@Shmiguelly]

I don't understand this at all but I bloody love it.

[@kodiejc4202]

Liza Minnelli is a broadway musical star, this is making fun of the way she acts on stage, and making fun of how people take forever to do things in musical because they're too busy singing or dancing.. It's fricken hilarious XD

[@kodiejc4202]

Kristen Wiig is so on point

[@emilyh9698]

Kodie Jc yes and liza minnelli was also know for being drunk all the time... love that skit

[@claudettedalton3281]

thats how liza acts on stage.............get it!

[@ixlnxs]

I suppose there's also a lot of subcultural references. "Ask Debbie Reynolds about that!" Huh?

[@emtgirl6610]

"Kick, ball, chain, remember?....Atlantic City....I choked on a shrimp"..... Bwahahahahaa!!!!!

[@timdacey4520]

and her legs on sofa spread open...so funny..i revisit this skit to lol a few times a week

[@duhbest5690]

Hahahahahhaha I'm thinking it might be in a box in a middle of a caarrrrr

[@Ciclopea2]

Wow how brilliant is she, SNL was lucky to have her :)

[@raym.778]

She was literally the only reason I even started watching SNL. She was consistently hilarious each and every night. She was definitely one of the most talented people to ever be apart of that cast.

[@bradmodd7856]

Now she lives in a cave somewhere....it is too bad they fired her

[@RMTbeccalemire]

They way she embodies characters is so perfect

[@thegreatwizardess]

When my boyfriend asks me to turn off the lamp, I try and recite everything from this scene as much as I can remember. Asking if a fosse neck will do it is my favourite.

[@yourprogramisyourticket3545]

"Not my house. Not my lamp." I can watch this over and over.

[@cloudwatcher608]

That’s a good life philosophy, as a matter of fact.

[@hugostiglitz3309]

idk why "'Cause you're walking in PLAAAAAAAAAACE" sends me every time 😂

[@jdturingkai564]

Nicola Ní Lochlainn it’s that voice he uses! It’s half old weirdo and half Tony Soprano’s mother. Amazing work by him.

[@MrAdryan1603]

@@jdturingkai564 I've seen this so many times and I totally just heard a bit of Tony Soprano's mother in there lmao

[@kambermusic]

Why are SNL audiences so weak? This was hilarious I was crying

[@lisawhite-pagano3455]

I think they either have to be at least 45 years old or just know a lot about older Hollywood and Broadway to get most of the references.

[@allison9090]

Yeah I bet almost no one in the audience even knows who Liza is and so cant appreciate how spot on this is.

[@mekrystle]

Probably one of those sketches towards the end of the night when the audience loses their enthusiasm. But there's so many gems there...like when Kate McKinnon does that aged old movie star in an interview with other #metoo actresses.

[@zman8184]

I think they already saw it during the dress rehearsal.

[@headoverheels88]

TBF, I feel like this was only written for theater kids and acerbic gay men. And even that venn diagram overlaps a lot :P With that said, I ugly laughed. "WILL A FOSSE NECK DO IT?!"

[@54raynor]

Every once in awhile, there comes along a sketch that nobody else could possibly make work. This is one of those sketches.

[@Dbdbe1]

This never ever ever gets old. Beyond classic

[@fozzybear8878]

Kristen has such good rhythm and is so much fun!

[@gutz1981]

You can usually tell how versatile an actor is when they host SNL and are comfortable in playing the odd parts written for them and they play them with ease. Much like Jonah Hill here.

[@kareemabdelhakam3640]

gutz1981 Amen

[@graeme4prez]

He’s a chubby mess.

[@bearheart2009]

His contribution here was minimal to say the least. Kristen completely stole it.

[@Nirvanist100]

Well, to be fair it's hard to find a sketch where Kristen Wiig doesn't upstage everyone else, because of her over-the-top characters and her monstruous talent. Especially for a host, and not a regular cast member, I'd say Jonah Hill did fairly well

[@shiihranimao3567]

True True

[@kolbyjackcorgi]

This is hilarious. Hands down one of my fav SNL skits. Almost feels like an inside joke if youre familiar with Liza. Go watch some of her early stuff. She was a damn good entertainer.

[@ISEEKSPACE]

Mine too! 😂

[@seventiesmemories5116]

brilliant - and the title graphic is a hilarious play on the Cabaret movie album graphics. Wonder if Liza ever saw this, and what she thought - I'm sure she thought it was hysterical.

[@marlonb.8243]

She's brilliant, capturing the manic nature of Liza and making it funny.

[@michaelhoward7009]

Jonah doesn’t get the props he deserved for this skit- perfect. One of my favorites.

[@Dbdbe1]

He’s a genius.

[@mgblue]

Will a Fosse neck do it LOL

[@MrNR96]

hahahaha was hoping to find someone commenting this here!!

[@mgblue]

haha gets me every time

[@stevencgr]

try telling that to Debbie Reynolds!

[@rumblefish9]

She needs to do this character with Christina Applegate's Fosse dance instructor

[@omorado]

🤣🤣🤣

[@cuttie16fanaticno1]

the fosse neck did it....it really did HAHA

[@AliceDoskocil]

If you’re not revisiting this sketch once a month, get your life together 🙌🏽

[@londoncalling151]

This is oddly true!!!!!!!!

[@gag1411]

Indeed

[@Eyedeeclare]

Perfect advice

[@theschwartz3]

I watch this at least once a week to get ne through all this covid crap

[@marilyn562]

Absolutely right!👏

[@user-ld7kz]

I'm oddly addicted to this sketch I don't laugh at it anymore its just really entertaining and almost hypnotic to watch

[@Geldachron]

You can throw any role or character at Kristen and she'll kill it!

[@LewisBavin]

As a brit I've never seen SNL before, I've just started binge watcing clips. I'm not a fan of most of the humor but I love anything Kristen is in. This whole scene had me in stiches, shes a very intelligent and talented gal.

[@zackparsons3937]

Don't make those little kitties wait, we're gonna miss Cats!!

[@BlinkyB23]

..."skinny lady" how I will refer to floor lamps going forward.

[@alexandrospatsikos2549]

no matter how bad my day could be, this sketch will always make me laugh! it's like the ultimate medicine for joy!

[@joaquinvargas3915]

This performance is damn funny and nuanced, all the little movements and gestures, cultural references. Everything.

[@Gilliganfrog]

She's a one-woman show, unbelievable. And she must memorize MANY of her lines, unlike most SNL performers. It's what gives her the physical freedom to do all this other crazy shit that has me laughing til I cry.

[@jimkocherful]

I was wondering about all the crazy terms she has for lamps and their parts. That it had to be written in advance, but she delivered it all so effortlessly. And I think she is using the teleprompter to keep on track, but I think you are right about her memorizing here, I don't know how else she could have done it. It's a joy for me to watch 🙂

[@no_peace]

Ben Vereen, it's long

[@blalako]

everything is working for me in this sketch. Jonah Hill is fantastic in this, he complements Kristen Wiig so well! and Ms Wiig, need I say more, so so addictive!

[@joibenjamin2223]

That kick-ball-change towards the sofa was hilarious 😂😂😂

[@WakandaSykes]

omg, Kristen's commitment to the bit, hahaha

[@BoeingBonkers737]

I have never laughed so much at SNL before. This is the funniest thing I have ever seen.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

I didn't laugh once and I did get the reference to the coke addict. I'm not sure exactly what I missed.

[@brianthedesertbum]

"I'm not getting anywhere with it. It's like Tommy Tune!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@imaginationunreal]

Funny how that slid by...The audience didn't get it at all.

[@lukev7]

this skit fundamentally changed me

[@susanna9310]

the “what?” with the voice crack absolutely killed me after you tell that to debbie reynolds

[@ISEEKSPACE]

I come here every so often when I'm having a bad day.

[@MusikIsLyfe17]

I’m so glad this exists on the internet forever where I can watch it anytime I want. And I watch it almost daily.

[@JeromeGentes]

Kristen almost breaks at 2:11 but holds it together. Comic genius, this whole sketch.

[@unclejohnthezef]

This is literally the funniest performance I've ever seen from this show, I love Kristen Wiig's acting with a passion.

[@Sophie-nz9fz]

WHY DOES NO ONE EVER TALK ABOUT THIS

[@nspector]

Sophie Really! Well, I'm talking about it right now. (Not on here, on Twitter with the person who posted it there.)

[@c.s.7266]

Lmao! This is hands down one of my absolute favorite snl skits ever.

[@beeceedee5505]

My friends and I reenact this bit when we’re drunk

[@shawndamccormick278]

@@nspector that's what I was just thinking. All these years later and going.

[@barbaracollins5605]

Watch her do ann margaret!!!

[@bmorebob6624]

This has become one of my top 5 favorite SNL skits of all time

[@SheriffOutlaw]

Broadway and Liza Minelli would be so proud 🤣 This sketch still makes me laugh in ways I can't even explain!

[@krystleurban7345]

This skit has been a running joke between my husband and me for years. It popped up in my recommendations and I laughed just as hard as I did when this first aired. 😂 Kristen Wiig is a gift.

[@thetravelgaygent]

BEN VEREEN THIS CHORD IS LONG. THIS IS THE MOST UNDERRATED SKETCH OMG

[@VideoAmericanStyle]

I love when she almost breaks at 2:20. It shows how much fun they're really having in this sketch.

[@GraemeGunn]

This must be the best sketch ever. Lol I keep coming back to it Come on Liza, we gotta goooo

[@brt5273]

"I found the cord! I just gotta pull it outta the wall! Ohhhh look how long this cord is! Ben Vereen it's long!" I'm dyin

[@BStop22]

"Chain, ball, kick, chain..." CLASSIC!!

[@roberthaworth9097]

This is almost like a execise they'd have you do as part of an audition for an improv comedy company. Give you something totally mundane to do and one line of setup, and see how you could punch up the situation/how long you could usefully extend the action in a funny way.

[@nspector]

+Robert Haworth Wow, if someone could improvise this, it'd be unreal.

[@petrifiedviewer]

My first time auditioning for an improv show, I bombed because I was so young and thought I could do anything but I couldn't do this exercise. Humiliated myself and signed up for improv classes immediately the next day

[@_wegota2319_]

This is incredible. This is how I'm going to turn off lamps in my house from now on

[@nspector]

+jmurphy432 Ahahaha, how's that working out for you?? :p

[@_wegota2319_]

@@nspector well the electricity bill is a little higher hahaha

[@nspector]

@@_wegota2319_ Ahh, a small price to pay!

[@c.s.7266]

Lol!

[@Moonzari]

I keep coming back to this video from time to time and I get something new out of it every time.

[@TheJaker5]

One of my favorite sketches from Wiig

[@StatementEnds]

This is my favorite SNL skit of all time.

[@ericjamieson]

"Ben Vereen!" is such a great exclamation, and it works anywhere. "Ben Vereen, it's hot today!"

[@timdacey4520]

Eric J....i am gong to start circulating that...morrow will be in the 90s....and im using that line.....

[@MikeLinPA]

Yeah, but when you say "it's long!", the reference takes on a whole new meaning.

[@ToddLamming]

I had to pause it and have a moment. I was in a fit and crying it got me so good!!!!!!

[@beentherebefore050]

I'm an old Liza fan, and Kristen absolutely nailed her movements; brilliant

[@ellystripes]

Been feeling anxious lately and needed a good dose of comic relief. Kristen is the only one to turn to! Have watched this sketch for years, never fails to crack me up.

[@BStop22]

And I end up watching this again & die laughing. Just realizing she’s cracking herself up throughout... 😂

[@StMaryMagdaleneClitheroe]

Every time I watch this it makes me laugh

[@Yellowducky665]

This has to be one of the best skits in SNL history

[@c.s.7266]

Agreed

[@adamscarpetta9543]

This is so weird, so random, and just so nutty it's perfection.

[@MegaBecks1981]

This reminds me of the classic sketches from SNL’s early years in the 70s. 😂

[@simonjenkin]

3:33 has anyone ever looked happier than jonah hill and kristen wiig do dancing together at the end of this sketch? i don't think so

[@YangBalanceYin]

Honestly that slow stand up with the shoulders bobbing kills me.

[@IlaughedIcried]

"Ben Vereen, it's long!" LOLOL I will never not laugh at this sketch, and I've watched it at least 10 times.

[@sevendegrees]

This is still the most amazing thing I’ve ever watched!

[@televisiondevil5235]

That is some of the most genius physical comedy ever perpetrated.

[@Mikeyt369]

One of the funniest bits ever. "...look how long the cord is...Ben Vereen it's long...I'm not gettin' anywhere with it, it's like Tommy Tune!" I had to go get some air after this Wiig masterpiece.