The 6 Youngest ‘Saturday Night Live’ Hosts in History—These Child Actors Stole the Show!

When we think of sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, the raunchy, adult-oriented humor makes it hard to believe that there was a time when literal children served as hosts. However, over the years, the series has certainly pushed the envelope and there have been several instances in which child actors took over hosting duties—with the youngest coming in at a mere 7 years old! Here, take a look at six of the youngest faces who have ever hosted Saturday Night Live. 

6. Lindsay Lohan, 2004

Lindsay Lohan was just shy of 18 years old when she stepped onto the set of Saturday Night Live, and at that point, her stardom was at an all-time high. Between 1998’s The Parent Trap, 2003’s Freaky Friday and 2004’s Mean Girls, it wasn’t a surprise that she took on hosting duties. In total, the actress has hosted the show four times, and with her stepping back into the acting world, who’s to say she won’t also be joining the Five-Timers Club?

5. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, 1986

Malcolm-Jamal Warner rose to fame when he played the part of Theodore Huxtable on The Cosby Show. At just 16 years old at the time of his Saturday Night Live appearance, he remains the fifth youngest host of the show to this day.

4. Jodie Foster, 1976

Jodie Foster was no stranger to more adult-oriented material, considering that when she hosted the show at just 14 years old, she was fresh off of the film Taxi Driver (1976) alongside Robert De Niro, in which she portrayed a young prostitute. This would be just one of many dark roles she would take on during her long and illustrious career, but when she stepped onto the Saturday Night Live set, she put all of that energy aside for an evening of laughs.

3. Fred Savage, 1990

Fred Savage brought smiles to The Wonder Years, and at 13, he stepped out onto Saturday Night Live as host. It’s hard to imagine a kid of his age could host so expertly, but his adorable charisma and confidence as a host make him a fan favorite.

2. Macaulay Culkin, 1991

The second youngest host of Saturday Night Live was just 11 years old, and Macaulay Culkin was riding the success of Home Alone (1990). The youngster showed off his comedic chops expertly, and his hosting gig is another one we love to look back on.

1. Drew Barrymore, 1982

Drew Barrymore stepped into Studio 8H to lead a 1982 episode of SNL at just 7 years old, and looking back at the adorable youngster taking the lead on this series just pulls on your heartstrings. In her monologue, she answered audience questions sporting a pair of pigtails, and it’s hard to watch without a smile on your face at her innocence and wit! Since her Saturday Night Live debut, the actress has hosted an additional four times, putting her in the revered Five-Timers Club!