As Season Five of Saturday Night Live came to a close, it was time to bid adieu to four of the original members of the Not Ready For Prime Time Players. Incredibly, May 24, 1980 marked the final episode for Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner on the sketch comedy series.
Also ending his run was Bill Murray. Although many think he was an original cast member, he wasn’t, as he replaced Chevy Chase who bolted the show after just one season to pursue a lucrative career on the big screen.
Buck Henry was the guest host that night, something he had done more frequently than anyone else. The actor-writer-director, born Henry Zuckerman on December 9, 1930, hosted SNL an astounding ten times in those first five seasons.
That 1979-1980 season finale included the program’s classic “Lord and Lady Douchebag” sketch, as the writing staff continued to push the envelope with the censors.
As the graphic tells us, we’re at Salisbury Manor in 1730, with various Lords and Ladies dressed in their finest evening attire. Newman’s character sets the tone. “What a splendid party. I do believe everyone of any importance in England is here tonight,” she says.
The camera pans to Morris, a butler who heralds the Manor’s newest arrivals. “Lord and Lady Wilkinson,” he bellows.
“What a marvelous entertainment, Salisbury,” one of the guests says to the host, played by Harry Shearer. “And these chopped steaks are delicious, especially with this exquisite mushroom sauce.”
“Coming from you, Worcestershire, that certainly is a compliment,” says Lord Salisbury.
Soon, it’s the Wilkinsons’ turn to demonstrate their inventions.
Morris announces the next guest to arrive. “The Earl of Sandwich,” he says, as Murray enters.
Eventually the sketch’s namesakes arrive. “Lord and Lady Douchebag,” announces Morris, as the studio audience howls. Their host immediately greets the couple, played by Henry and Radner. “I was just asking Lady Salisbury where the devil are those Douchebags. Tell me, what in heavens are you working on,” he asks.
“Well, I’d be happy to tell you but perhaps after we’ve finished eating,” is the delicate answer.
Soon, Murray’s character spots Henry. “Douchebag… how are ya?”
Watch the classic “Lord and Lady Douchebag” sketch
Buck Henry died Jan. 8, 2020.
Related: Murray’s lounge singer character sings the “Star Wars” theme
