Fresh off his recent return to Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin is getting a headstart on his birthday message to Lorne Michaels.
The actor was spotted on the streets of New York City roping a fan into a video message for Michaels.
In a video posted by celebrity photojournalist Mickey Blank—aka @MickMickNYC—Baldwin is seen surrounded by fans taking photos and videos of the actor. But Baldwin records a video of his own, cordially coaching a fan through a scripted video he’s seemingly planning on showing to Michaels.
Baldwin’s premise is a simple one: showing that even someone from another country knows Lorne Michaels’ name.
“I’m going to ask you a question, and you’re going to say ‘I don’t know,’” Baldwin explains to a spectator from Ireland named Bridget. “And then I’m going to say, ‘Who created Saturday Night Live?’ And you’re gonna say ‘Lorne Michaels.’”
“This is for his birthday,” he explains to Bridget.
While it may not a bit that’s creative enough to survive an SNL dress rehearsal, the video of Baldwin’s interaction is worth the watch for another reason. The simple back-and-forth requires three whole takes to capture.
Baldwin cameoed on the October 19 episode of SNL, opening the Michael Keaton-hosted show with an impression of Fox News anchor Brett Baier in the cold open. While he’s always been a frequent guest at the show and maintained a heavy presence during the first Trump presidency, his most recent cameo marked only his second time on the program since 2020.
Michaels will celebrate a milestone birthday on November 17, turning 80 years old. In fact, he’ll be in the middle of producing a brand new SNL episode when the clock strikes twelve. Musician Charli XCX will be performing double duty as host and musical guest.
