Amy Poehler just spilled the beans on Meryl Streep’s laser-focused preparation for Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special—and it’s blowing fans’ minds.
In a recent interview, Poehler, a former SNL star and comedy icon, admitted she’d “never seen anything like” Streep’s rehearsal process backstage at the star-studded event. “Meryl treated a sketch like it was Sophie’s Choice,” Poehler joked. “She’d run lines, tweak delivery, and drill every gesture until it was flawless. I’ve done a lot of SNL, but I’ve never rehearsed as hard as she did in this one moment.”
The legendary Meryl Streep, a three-time Oscar winner, made a rare SNL appearance for the milestone episode, which aired in February 2024 and featured surprise cameos from decades of alumni. While Streep’s comedy chops aren’t new—she’s hosted the show multiple times—Poehler claims the actor approached the gig with “next-level intensity.”
“She’d rewrite punchlines on the spot, ask for extra camera blocking, and even quiz writers about character motivations,” Poehler revealed. “At one point, I thought, ‘Is she prepping for a Broadway play or a 4-minute sketch?!’ But that’s Meryl. She doesn’t do half-measures.”
Fans know Streep’s dedication well—from mastering accents to enduring grueling physical roles—but Poehler’s behind-the-scenes stories highlight how the actor’s work ethic transcends genres. “Comedy’s tough because timing is everything,” Poehler added. “Meryl treated it like a science. By showtime, she was so locked in, the rest of us just strapped in and enjoyed the ride.”
The SNL50 special broke viewership records, with Streep’s sketch becoming an instant viral clip. Social media erupted with praise, with one fan tweeting, “Meryl could read a grocery list and make it Oscar-worthy—but watching her crush comedy? Chef’s kiss.”
Poehler, who reunited with Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph for the special, joked that Streep’s focus was “humbling” for the SNL vets. “We’re all pros, but Meryl’s in her own universe. I left that night thinking, ‘Okay, maybe I should try rehearsing…ever.’”
Could this mean Streep’s eyeing more comedy? Poehler teased, “Don’t be surprised if she steals your job next.”
SNL’s 50th-anniversary special is now streaming on Peacock.