Saturday night live is known for parodying some of the most famous figures in history, often without their permission. As for student Andy Samberg, he wanted to make sure “Weird Al” Yankovic wouldn’t be surprised by the sketch.
Yankovic, best known for his comedic parodies of songs such as “Polka Face” (“Poker Face” by Lady Gaga) and “Amish Paradise” (Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”), attended the 2024 Children’s Hospital Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 5 in honor of patients and staff.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Yankovic revealed that Samberg called him to confirm his impression.
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Andy Samberg at the screening of the film “Lee” in New York in September 2024.
Arturo Holmes/WireImage
“Andy actually called me before the show and said, ‘Hey man, I’m doing an impression of you and I hope it’s— I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s fine, whatever you want to do.’
Samberg, who is a longtime friend of the legendary comedian and parodist, portrayed him in 2012. Saturday night live sketch.
Yankovic also admitted that he was never invited to be involved Saturday night livehe would jump at the chance to host. “I ask myself, ‘Why haven’t I done this yet?’ and that’s one of them,” he said. “But you know that, you know it could still happen. Who knows?”
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As for whether he will be the host or the musical guest, Yankovic has the upper hand. “I think I’d rather be a host than a musical guest, because if you host, you have more permission to mess up,” he explained to PEOPLE. “And as a musical guest, if you get one note wrong, you’re a failure.”
While doing double duty as host and musical guest seems daunting, Paul Simon, the late Kris Kristofferson, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton and more recently Dua Lipa are just a few of the many musical guests who have joined the fun.
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“Weird Al” Yankovic at the 2024 CHLA Gala in Los Angeles on October 5, 2024.
Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty
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Yankovic has a special relationship with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, telling PEOPLE, “My wife and I have been huge supporters of Children’s Hospital LA for many years. In fact, my wife pampers herself every Thursday night, spending her evenings at Children’s Hospital LA – in, and she is trained and vetted, and works with young babies and children who need extra support.”
The 2024 Children’s Hospital gala was hosted by Jon Cryer and Lisa Joyner. Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance while Prince Harry was out of the country. Also present were Jamie Lee Curtis, Kaley Cuoco, Colin Hanks, Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney, Sky and Mark Hoppus and Demi Lovato, who performed a medley of her hits.
While Yankovic was at the Children’s Hospital gala, Samberg brought back his comedy musical group The Lonely Island after six years for a sketch on SNL.
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Source: HIS Education