In a recent interview, Bill Hader opened up about his struggles with anxiety and how it impacted his absence from the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special.
Bill Hader Opens Up About Anxiety and SNL50 Absence
Bill Hader was among the few Saturday Night Live alumni who did not attend the show’s 50th anniversary special earlier this year.
Anxiety as a Factor
During an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, Hader and fellow SNL alum Meyers discussed how Hader’s anxiety, which he has openly acknowledged, was the reason for his absence.
“You were very open and honest after you left SNL, about the anxiety you had when you were working there,” Meyers remarked. “People were obviously disappointed you weren’t coming, but that was the reason. I celebrated your choice.”
Digital Short on Anxiety
The SNL50 special even featured a digital short addressing the prevalence of anxiety among cast members, which Hader was invited to participate in.
“Andy [Samberg] called me and said, ‘Hey, we’re doing this short about anxiety, and I’m calling you,’” Hader recounted. “When he told me about it, I was like, ‘I don’t know if I want to do that.’ He asked, ‘Why?’ and I replied, ‘Because I’m anxious!’”
Hader humorously imitated Samberg’s attempts to persuade him to join the project.
Reflections on SNL
Looking back at his time on SNL, Hader noted how Meyers and Amy Poehler appeared unfazed by anxiety.
“You and [Amy] Poehler were just, like, ice in your veins,” he said. “You guys went out there, and I was trembling with anxiety. I remember something went wrong, and you just shrugged it off.”
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Ongoing Struggles with Anxiety
Hader has been candid about his anxiety, which led to panic attacks during his time on SNL. He further discussed this in a 2022 Hollywood Reporter cover story.
“Anxiety is always fighting those voices in your head saying, ‘Here’s all the bad things that are going to happen,’” he explained. “Strangely, I struggle more with daily tasks than with running a TV show.”
Health Issues Related to Stress
On Late Night, Hader revealed that his anxiety may have contributed to his recent battle with shingles.
“Yeah, from stress,” Hader laughed. “I asked what causes this, and the doctor said, ‘Anxiety! That’s probably why you had shingles.’”
He described the painful symptoms he experienced, including a backache and a “crazy rash.”
Joking About His Health
Hader and Meyers humorously discussed Hader’s “relentless maladies,” including an eye issue that prevented him from attending the 2025 Golden Globes.
“My eye exploded,” Hader joked, laughing at the absurdity. “I had to get a shot in my eye.”
Hader also mentioned being included in Wong’s Emmy-nominated Single Lady special, joking about learning about her past relationships in a public setting.
