Josh O’Connor Opens Up About Hosting ‘SNL’ and His Parents’ Priceless Reaction

Actor Josh O’Connor is preparing to take on one of the most high-profile roles in entertainment—hosting Saturday Night Live—but the milestone didn’t land quite as he expected when he shared the news with his parents. The Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery star told Entertainment Tonight that his parents had no idea what he was talking about when he announced he would be leading an upcoming episode of the legendary NBC sketch show.

O’Connor recalled the moment with humor:

“I was like, ‘Mom and dad, I’ve got some pretty exciting news,’” he said. “And they were like, ‘What?’ And I was like, ‘I’m hosting SNL.’”

Rather than celebrating, his parents were completely confused. According to O’Connor, they responded:

“At your house?”

The 35-year-old actor laughed while retelling the story, admitting that his parents were unfamiliar with the cultural significance of the long-running series.

‘I’m Scared… but It’s the Greatest Honor’

Despite the humorous reaction, O’Connor said he is fully aware of the weight of the opportunity—and he’s feeling the pressure. With just over two weeks until the Dec. 13 episode, the Crown star admitted he’s nervous but excited.

“It’s like the greatest honor to be asked to do it,” he told ET. “I’m just so excited to be there and have my friends and family there. It will be really special.”

To prepare, he has reached out to friends who previously hosted the show for advice, and says their encouragement helped calm his nerves.

Hosting With Musical Guest Lily Allen

O’Connor will host the Dec. 13 episode alongside musical guest Lily Allen, marking her first appearance on SNL since 2007, when she performed her hit singles “Smile” and “LDN.”

Allen’s return and O’Connor’s first-time hosting spot are part of a star-packed December lineup, which also includes Melissa McCarthy and Ariana Grande in upcoming episodes.

A Huge Year for O’Connor

The actor continues to earn praise for his rapidly expanding career. Fresh off a critically acclaimed performance in Challengers and several major film releases this fall, he now stars in Rian Johnson’s highly anticipated Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery alongside Daniel Craig.

For many fans, his SNL hosting gig marks a defining moment in his ascent into Hollywood A-list territory—whether his parents realize it or not.

Saturday Night Live airs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with full episodes streaming next day on Peacock.