American late night comedy show "Saturday Night Live" hits its 40th year anniversary on Feb. 15, Sunday with a three-and-a-half gala show that was fun filled and celebrity packed special episode featuring many Hollywood "SNL" graduates. The anniversary special showcased celebrities from young and new comers up to the Golden Girl Betty White who was the oldest host at 88 years old in 2010.
"SNL" have featured a lot of bankable stars and have been doing the same as to date. New York's Rockefeller Center overflowed with stars honoring the show that started it all. The red carpet was flooded with celebrities paying tribute to those who passed while at their prime which included John Belushi, Gilda Radner and Chris Farley, ABC News reported.
"SNL" has been pushing its boundaries for 40 years now and has had its share of catchphrases, iconic moments, controversial phases, and memorable characters.
Occasional host and Oscar award winner Robert De Niro said, ""SNL" broke all the rules of comedy."
Jack Nicholson said that "when 'SNL' started, the last helicopter had just flown out of Vietnam, Watergate was still fresh in everyone's minds, and New York was broke."
"SNL"'s most iconic sketches were relived during the show and some to mention were Wayne's World, Celebrity Jeopardy, and Bass-o-Matic.
The show's special was shown at "SNL"'s headquarters since its pioneer show in October 1975, at the New York's Studio 8H at NBC. It is the same studio where it begun and the same place where the anniversary episode was aired live from.
The black tie event was jam packed with "SNL" stars and alumni, around 80 personalities were listed at the event's guest list, according to The Star.
Former "SNL" member Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake hosted the 40th Anniversary gala show.