On Oct. 12, 1991, Kirstie Alley hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time. The experience included a sketch she’d later describe as the “most fun that I’ve ever had acting.”
Alley’s star was soaring at the time. She’d joined the cast of the hit sitcom Cheers in 1987, playing Rebecca Howe, the foil to Ted Danson’s Sam Malone. Her 1989 film Look Who’s Talking was a massive box office success, cementing Alley as a Hollywood A-lister. The actress’ SNL hosting duties got off to a strong start. The opening monologue featured surprise appearances by Cheers castmates Danson, Woody Harrelson, George Wendt and Kelsey Grammer, all of whom joined Alley in singing the sitcom’s beloved theme song. Still, the highlight of the night was yet to com.
After a fake commercial for Lonely Choice frozen dinners, the second sketch of the show was “Il Cantore.” In the scene, Alley and Kevin Nealon play a couple enjoying a night out at an Italian restaurant. The waitstaff - played by Dana Carvey, Rob Schneider, Chris Farley and Adam Sandler - are increasingly over-amorous with Alley, kissing, rubbing and even licking her.
