The Unforgettable 7: Tom Hanks' Most Iconic And Controversial SNL Skits, Ranked
Tom Hanks is a titan of Hollywood, yet for millions of fans, his most bizarre and beloved work happens not on the big screen, but on the tiny stage of Studio 8H. As of the current date, December 19, 2025, Hanks continues to be one of Saturday Night Live's most revered hosts, a true member of the elite "Five-Timers Club" whose characters have transcended the show to become cultural phenomena.
The enduring popularity of a Tom Hanks SNL skit lies in his total commitment to the absurd, whether he's playing a man who forgets everything immediately or a bizarre, dancing Halloween figure. From his debut in 1985 to his most recent cameos in 2024, his appearances are always guaranteed to deliver some of the show's most memorable and, occasionally, most controversial moments.
Tom Hanks: A Saturday Night Live Biography and Profile
Tom Hanks, born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks on July 9, 1956, is an American actor and filmmaker celebrated for his versatility across both dramatic and comedic roles. His relationship with Saturday Night Live is storied, cementing his status as one of the show's most successful and frequent hosts.
- Full Name: Thomas Jeffrey Hanks
- Born: July 9, 1956 (Age 69 as of 2025)
- Debut SNL Host Date: December 14, 1985
- Five-Timers Club Induction: December 8, 1990
- Total Hosting Appearances: 10 times (as of his last hosting gig)
- Notable SNL Characters: David S. Pumpkins, Mr. Short-Term Memory, Doug (from Black Jeopardy), Barry, Jeff Morrow.
- Latest SNL Appearance: Made a surprise cameo in a holiday-themed episode in 2024, appearing alongside his friend Martin Short, and also appeared at the SNL50 anniversary special.
- Key SNL Writers/Collaborators: Streeter Seidell, Mikey Day, Bobby Moynihan (for David S. Pumpkins).
The Enduring Legacy of Tom Hanks' Most Iconic SNL Characters
Tom Hanks has a knack for creating characters that are instantly quotable and universally loved. His ability to fully commit to the sketch, even when the premise is utterly nonsensical, is what makes his SNL moments timeless. Here are the most iconic sketches that define his SNL tenure.
1. David S. Pumpkins (The Haunted Elevator)
No discussion of Tom Hanks' SNL legacy is complete without the bizarre, inexplicable phenomenon of David S. Pumpkins. This character, introduced in the 2016 "Haunted Elevator" sketch, instantly became a Halloween classic.
The sketch features two riders (played by Beck Bennett and Kate McKinnon) on a haunted elevator ride who are increasingly confused by the recurring, non-scary figure of David S. Pumpkins, dressed in a black-and-orange suit and flanked by two dancing skeletons.
The entire joke is that David S. Pumpkins is utterly pointless, yet Hanks' unbridled enthusiasm and the character's signature line, "Any questions?", made it an overnight sensation. The legacy was so strong it even led to an animated special, The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special.
2. Doug (Black Jeopardy)
One of Hanks' most critically acclaimed and discussed sketches is "Black Jeopardy," where he played "Doug," a working-class, MAGA-hat-wearing Trump supporter from the Deep South.
The brilliance of the sketch, which first aired in 2016, was the slow realization that Doug, despite his political differences, shared a surprising amount of common ground with the two Black contestants on the panel due to shared economic anxieties and distrust of the establishment. The sketch was praised for its sharp, nuanced satire that found humor in bridging the political divide. Hanks reprised the controversial role at the SNL50 anniversary special, sparking renewed discussion and some outrage among conservative viewers.
3. Mr. Short-Term Memory
A classic character from the late 1980s, Mr. Short-Term Memory is one of Hanks' earliest iconic creations and a beloved member of his SNL pantheon.
The character is a lovable, jolly man who suffers from immediate, profound memory loss. The humor stems from his attempts to engage in normal conversation, only to instantly forget who he is, where he is, and whom he is talking to. This sketch showcases Hanks’ early comedic chops and his ability to make an infuriating premise incredibly endearing.
4. The Five-Timers Club Monologue
While not a skit in the traditional sense, Hanks' induction into the Five-Timers Club on December 8, 1990, is a monumental moment in SNL history. The club is reserved for hosts who have hosted the show five or more times.
The monologue and subsequent sketches that feature the club (like the one with Alec Baldwin) have become a recurring SNL tradition. Hanks' commitment to the show is part of the reason he is considered a true SNL legend, often making cameos and participating in anniversary specials, including the recent SNL50 event.
Tom Hanks' Recent SNL Appearances and The SNL50 Controversy
Tom Hanks has maintained his connection to Saturday Night Live, frequently making surprise appearances. His most recent cameos have kept him firmly in the public eye regarding the show.
In 2024, Hanks made a surprise appearance during a holiday-themed episode, sharing the screen with his long-time friend and fellow comedian Martin Short. This appearance was widely reported, though it sparked some fan concern regarding his health due to his visibly shaky demeanor.
More recently, at the high-profile SNL50 anniversary special, Hanks reprised his controversial "Doug" character from the Black Jeopardy sketch. The decision to bring back the MAGA-hat-wearing character ignited a firestorm of discussion across social media and news outlets. Critics on both sides debated the appropriateness and effectiveness of the political satire on such a celebratory night, proving that even decades into his career, a Tom Hanks SNL skit can still generate massive topical buzz.
Other notable sketches and characters that contribute to his topical authority include "The Stand-Ups," where he played a nervous comedian, and the classic cruise ship sketch with Jon Lovitz, featuring the memorable line, "I said hello... and she said hello."
Why Tom Hanks Remains an SNL Legend
Tom Hanks' status as an SNL legend is not just due to the number of times he has hosted, but the quality and lasting impact of his characters. He has proven himself to be a chameleon, able to deliver pitch-perfect impressions, like his spot-on take on the chairman of the Mr. Belvedere Fan Club, and create entirely original, surreal characters like David S. Pumpkins.
His willingness to poke fun at his own "nice guy" image, as seen in his early monologues, and his fearless approach to political satire, as demonstrated by the "Doug" character, ensure his place in the comedy pantheon. For fans of Saturday Night Live, a Tom Hanks episode is always a masterclass in committed, high-stakes comedy that continues to influence the show's format and success to this day.
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